How do you reset a heat pump fan?

Author: Dr. Marcos Cummings V  |  Last update: Saturday, September 27, 2025

Turn off the power switches, which can be on the wall nearby or on the pump itself. Then turn off the electrical breakers. After everything is off, wait up to five minutes, and the heat pump should be reset. You must then flip everything back on in the opposite order it was turned off.

Where is the heat pump reset button?

Press the Heat Pump's Reset Button or Power Switch

Some heat pumps have two of them. One may be located on the indoor unit, and the other will be located on the outdoor unit. Begin by turning the power off to the heat pump. You will need to reset both units by pressing the buttons or flipping the switches.

What controls the fan on a heat pump?

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.

How do I reset my HVAC fan?

If the cables appear to be in good condition, try unplugging the fan for a few minutes and then plugging it back in again. This can sometimes reset the motor and resolve the issue. If unplugging and plugging the fan back in doesn't work, check the fuse box for a popped breaker.

What causes a heat pump fan to stop working?

A dead capacitor in a heat pump can prevent the fan motor from receiving the electricity required to start, resulting in the heat pump fan not spinning. You can use a multimeter to test the capacitor's capacitance and check for signs of damage. If you're not comfortable with this step, contact a professional.

How to Reset an AC Thermostat

How do you fix a fan that suddenly stopped working?

Try troubleshooting some issues yourself first:
  1. Replace Batteries. ...
  2. Remove Fan Blockages. ...
  3. Ensure the Reverse Switch Isn't in Neutral. ...
  4. Check That the Wall Switch & Chain Are On. ...
  5. Frequently Tripped Circuit Breakers. ...
  6. Loose Wiring. ...
  7. A Faulty Fan Motor. ...
  8. Overheating or Faulty Fan Capacitor.

How do I know if my heat pump fan is bad?

Signs Of A Failing Heat Pump Condenser Fan Motor
  1. No Fan Movement. ...
  2. Reduced Heating Capacity. ...
  3. The Condenser Fan Runs Even When The Heat Pump Is Off. ...
  4. The Fan Rotates Slowly. ...
  5. Burning Smell. ...
  6. The Fan Run Spasmodically. ...
  7. Rattling Noise Coming From The Outdoor Unit. ...
  8. Frequently Tripped Circuit Breaker.

How do I reset my outside AC fan?

In AC systems, the air conditioner reset button is on the outside unit's lower edge, typically close to the ground. Some models have the reset button located behind the service panel, which may require tools to remove. Reset buttons are usually red or yellow with a clear “reset” label.

Why is my HVAC heat fan not running?

Check the circuit breaker, thermostat settings, and air filter first as these are common causes of furnace fan failure. Inspect electrical connections, listen for unusual noises, and verify proper airflow through vents during operation.

How do you reset a fan motor?

Most blower motors are controlled by a red or black switch on the side of the unit. Hold the button down for a few seconds (the manual will tell you precisely how long), then release. Replace the Panel and Restore Power.

Should heat pump fan be on auto or on?

Lastly, while we do not recommend using “Auto” mode for the heating and cooling function, we do recommend using “Auto Fan” mode to control air circulation as it tends to be the most efficient setting for that function.

Why is my heat pump not blowing hot air?

If your heat pump is on but not blowing hot air, it could be due to a dirty air filter, low refrigerant levels, or a malfunctioning thermostat. The outdoor unit may also be iced over, or the reversing valve may not be working properly. Contact a professional for further inspection.

Should my heat pump fan run all the time?

Keeping the fan on creates a more even distribution of heating and cooling, circulating the air if you have cold or hot spots in your house, like a bedroom above a garage. Less frequent starts and stops of the fan can reduce the stress from startup, and potentially help extend it's lifespan.

Do heat pumps need to be reset?

Power Outages: After a power outage, your heat pump may not resume normal operation on its own and might require a reset to function correctly. Inconsistent Airflow: If the airflow from your vents is weak, inconsistent, or not at the desired temperature, it's a sign that something might be amiss with your heat pump.

Why is heat pump blowing hot air in cool mode?

One of the most common reasons for the heat pump to blow warm air in cool mode is incorrect thermostat settings. This happens when you erroneously set the thermostat yourself. Another reason for this is when someone tampers with the thermostat after you have set it to cooling mode.

Why will my heat pump not kick on?

The short answer is when you have a heat pump not working, various issues can be responsible. These include a power switch or circuit breaker issue, using the wrong temperature or emergency heat thermostat settings, clogged filters, and faulty components within the indoor and outdoor units.

Why is my heat pump fan not coming on?

The solution could be as simple as clearing debris from the fan or resetting the thermostat. Other possible explanations for the problem include a damaged motor or power supply issues. You shouldn't try to use your heat pump if the fan isn't working.

Why is my temperature fan not working?

The most common reasons for a radiator fan not working can be a blown-out fuse, a bad relay, or a broken wire. The faulty coolant temp sensor might also be a reason behind it. Whatever the case, a dysfunctional radiator fan can be fatal.

Why is my heater fan not turning on?

Common causes include electrical problems, a malfunctioning blower motor, or thermostat-related issues. Electrical problems may include blown fuses within the furnace circuit or tripped circuit breakers in your electrical panel. If the blower motor is worn out or has failed, it can cease to function altogether.

Why is the fan on the outside unit not running?

If the compressor is working, but the fan won't turn, then the problem is most likely with the motor and/or capacitor. When an AC fan is not spinning and no audible indications of compressor activity are detected, it is usually due to a lack of power or a malfunctioning compressor contactor.

Where is the reset button on a carrier heat pump?

Locate the Reset Button

The reset button on a Carrier furnace is typically a small, red button located on the furnace's blower motor. The blower motor is usually found inside the furnace cabinet. To access it: Remove the Access Panel: Unscrew or unlatch the front panel of your furnace to expose the internal components.

Do all outside AC units have a reset button?

Not all air conditioning units have a reset button, but if yours does, it's typically located on the outdoor unit. Here's how to locate it: Turn Off the Power: Before you search for the reset button, ensure the power to the unit is turned off for safety reasons.

How long do heat pump fans last?

In general, the average life expectancy of a heat pump is 10 to 15 years, depending on a wide variety of factors. A ductless mini-split heat pump can last 10 to 30 years depending on the same variables.

How do I know if my HVAC fan is bad?

The common signs that your fan motor is faulty include:
  1. The fan doesn't start even with the AC on.
  2. The fan doesn't stop even with the AC off.
  3. The fan turns on, but the blades are rotating slowly.
  4. A rattling noise comes from the condenser unit when you turn the fan on.

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