If your heat pump fan keeps running, don’t be alarmed! Often, a simple setting error is to blame and is easy to resolve. However, other causes require the help of a professional. The technicians of Grove Heating and Cooling share what to do if your heat pump fan runs constantly and when you need to call us for service.
Why Does My Heat Pump Fan Keep Running?
When a heat pump fan runs continuously, these are the most common causes of the issue:
- Fan is set to ON instead of AUTO
- Blower relay has malfunctioned
- Heat pump itself runs constantly
Check Correct Fan Settings
A common reason a blower fan keeps running is it’s simply set to the wrong mode. There is a setting or toggle on your thermostat that controls how the fan operates – the AUTO setting allows the fan to only run when your heat pump cycles, while the ON setting keeps the fan in operation all the time.
If the blower fan runs even when your heat pump does not produce heat, the first step for troubleshooting this issue is to have a look at those settings.
Check the thermostat and verify AUTO is selected for the fan’s mode. Switch back to AUTO if you find the ON setting selected. If changing back to AUTO does not stop the fan and no heating cycle is running, there may be an issue with your thermostat requiring repair. Thermostat wiring malfunctions disrupt how the unit communicates with your heating equipment.
Blower Relay Switch Malfunctions
Within your air handler, the blower motor is controlled by a relay. Malfunctions with this relay are known to make a fan run continuously. If your heat pump fan runs continuously, a bad relay switch is a possible cause.
If the blower relay switch has become damaged or otherwise malfunctions, it is no longer able to transmit your thermostat settings to the fan, and you’ll need to replace this faulty component.
Extremely Cold Temperatures
During periods of extreme cold, like we often experience here in Maryland, your heat pump struggles to deliver warmth, which makes it run continuously.
Heat pumps do not operate efficiently once outdoor temperatures reach around freezing. For this reason, many homes elect to install a backup heating system that takes over for better efficiency under these conditions.
If your system does not correctly switch between heat pump and backup heating, it appears that the heat pump fan keeps running because the system runs longer to keep up. You don’t want to rely on manually switching between heat pump and backup heat at your thermostat, as this leads to accidentally leaving backup heat on which is much more expensive in milder temperatures. Schedule a heat pump repair to fix the issue and ensure your system properly switches back and forth.
Call Grove Heating and Cooling for Heat Pump Repair
If your heat pump fan runs continuously, and the issue is not solved with the troubleshooting steps mentioned above, contact us to schedule your heat pump service. Our skilled HVAC technicians inspect your heat pump system to find the source of the issue and make repairs that put a stop to your constantly running heat pump fan.
