Why Is My Heat Pump Fan Not Spinning? 5 Potential Causes and Next Steps

Struggling with a heat pump fan that’s not spinning? Electric heat pumps have several moving parts, and when one stops working, it can shut down your entire HVAC system. For example, if your heat pump fan is not spinning, it could cut off your heating and cooling and put your system at risk of overheating. Here are a few reasons why the heat pump is malfunctioning and what to do to resolve the issue.

1. Debris Blocking the Fan

Sometimes, fixing your heat pump fan is as simple as clearing out leaves, dirt, or other debris that may be clogging it. To do this, turn off the power to your heat pump, then take off the top part of the unit. If you see anything blocking the fan, use a stick (not your hand) to remove it. 

2. Lagging Motor

A fan might also stop spinning if the motor is on its way out. You can test this by pushing the blades gently (again, with a stick or tool—not your fingers). If the fan starts moving, this may be a sign that the motor is about to die and you’ll need to replace it soon.

3. Dead Capacitor or Motor

If you tried to move the fan, but it didn’t budge, you could be dealing with a dead capacitor or motor. Testing a capacitor is fairly straightforward, but you should be comfortable using a multimeter and working with electrical systems. If not, hire a local heat pump professional to diagnose and fix the problem.

4. Thermostat Problems

In some cases, your fan might not be spinning because your heat pump isn’t on. There are a few reasons why this might happen, but one of the simplest explanations is that your thermostat settings have changed (either accidentally or intentionally by someone else in your house). If so, set your thermostat to the correct setting and temperature to see if that solves the problem.

5. Power Supply Issues

Another reason why your fan and heat pump might not be working? It isn’t receiving any power. Heat pumps use a lot of electricity, which can trip your circuit breaker. If your heat pump fan is not spinning in cold weather, it could be because the chilly temperatures forced the unit into overdrive, tripping the circuit breaker. You may be able to fix it by resetting the breaker to turn the power (and heat pump) back on.

How to Prevent Problems With Your Heat Pump Fan

After years of use, your heat pump fan might just die out from normal wear and tear. In those situations, there’s nothing you could’ve done to stop that from happening. However, there are other scenarios where you might be able to prevent (or at least delay) problems with your fan.

For one, it’s important to keep the area around your heat pump clear so nothing falls into it and damages the fan or other components. This means trimming any trees or bushes that hang over the unit.

You should also keep your heat pump clean and well-maintained. It’s best to check the filter once a month, swapping it out whenever it’s dirty or clogged. Every eight to 12 weeks, take the time to clean your fans and coils. Even if everything seems like it’s working properly, you should still schedule professional maintenance at least once per year and hire a local heat pump repair company to address any major issues.