Should my condensor fan run when heat is on?

[RedDwarf]

Real basic question I think about HVAC.

I replaced my thermostat on our HVAC system the other day and when i
kicked on the heat, it turned on the fan that's in the condensor
outside (that big thing I usually associate with air conditioning). is
that normal? I don't remember that thing ever running... the heat
works, I just wasn't sure if that fan is supposed to be going...

It's an electric system, if you need to know....

Thanks everyone...

[ftwhd]

On Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:40:38 -0700 (PDT), RedDwarf

Post by RedDwarf
Real basic question I think about HVAC.
I replaced my thermostat on our HVAC system the other day and when i
kicked on the heat, it turned on the fan that's in the condensor
outside (that big thing I usually associate with air conditioning). is
that normal? I don't remember that thing ever running... the heat
works, I just wasn't sure if that fan is supposed to be going...
It's an electric system, if you need to know....
Thanks everyone...

You sure are some kind of fuck up. If the condenser fan is on, so is
the compressor. Call someone who knows what they are doing and thats
NOT YOU!

[RedDwarf]

Post by ftwhd
On Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:40:38 -0700 (PDT), RedDwarf

Post by RedDwarf
Real basic question I think about HVAC.
I replaced my thermostat on our HVAC system the other day and when i
kicked on the heat, it turned on the fan that's in the condensor
outside (that big thing I usually associate with air conditioning). is
that normal? I don't remember that thing ever running... the heat
works, I just wasn't sure if that fan is supposed to be going...
It's an electric system, if you need to know....
Thanks everyone...

You sure are some kind of fuck up.  If the condenser fan is on, so is
the compressor.  Call someone who knows what they are doing and thats
NOT YOU!

anyone have something a little more insightful to add to this?

[b***@mailcan.com]

Actually, I have questions. From your comments, I want to assume this
is a seperate Electric Furnace/A/C Condenser setup. Could this be a
heat pump?

Also, while there are some very different exceptions (i.e. advanced
thermostats not available through home centers, etc.) , if you wired
the thermostat as the original you should not be experiencing this
problem. While the terminals seem to coincide with colors, they do
not. . . they have meaning. Also, although not necessarily your case,
color blindness is a real fact in our society. Very severe color
blind technicians will mark wires and ohm them because color has no
meaning (the truth, the wire does not care what color they are
either).

Tell us what model thermostat you installed and tell us what wires are
set up to what terminals (although color is subjective, some of us
will give them the benefit of the doubt) And make sure your
installation instructions are handy. Yours is not the common problem
I find with homeowner installed thermostats (jumper missing from RH-
RC), this appears to be betwen other terminals. Are your connections
clean?, meaning are any metals touching?

[Don Ocean]

Post by RedDwarf
Real basic question I think about HVAC.
I replaced my thermostat on our HVAC system the other day and when i
kicked on the heat, it turned on the fan that's in the condensor
outside (that big thing I usually associate with air conditioning). is
that normal? I don't remember that thing ever running... the heat
works, I just wasn't sure if that fan is supposed to be going...
It's an electric system, if you need to know....
Thanks everyone...

No problem. Just use the Garage door remote to turn it back off.

[Jeffrey Lebowski]

Post by RedDwarf
Real basic question I think about HVAC.
I replaced my thermostat on our HVAC system the other day and when i
kicked on the heat, it turned on the fan that's in the condensor
outside (that big thing I usually associate with air conditioning). is
that normal? I don't remember that thing ever running... the heat
works, I just wasn't sure if that fan is supposed to be going...
It's an electric system, if you need to know....
Thanks everyone...

Depends...maybe normal maybe not.

--

[Don Ocean]

Post by Jeffrey Lebowski

Post by RedDwarf
Real basic question I think about HVAC.
I replaced my thermostat on our HVAC system the other day and when i
kicked on the heat, it turned on the fan that's in the condensor
outside (that big thing I usually associate with air conditioning). is
that normal? I don't remember that thing ever running... the heat
works, I just wasn't sure if that fan is supposed to be going...
It's an electric system, if you need to know....
Thanks everyone...

Depends...maybe normal maybe not.

Post your address, so he can sue the shit out of your for bad advice. ;-p

Post by Jeffrey Lebowski
--

[PrecisioNmachinisT]

Post by Don Ocean

Post by Jeffrey Lebowski

Post by RedDwarf
Real basic question I think about HVAC.
I replaced my thermostat on our HVAC system the other day and when i
kicked on the heat, it turned on the fan that's in the condensor
outside (that big thing I usually associate with air conditioning). is
that normal? I don't remember that thing ever running... the heat
works, I just wasn't sure if that fan is supposed to be going...
It's an electric system, if you need to know....
Thanks everyone...

Depends...maybe normal maybe not.

Post your address, so he can sue the shit out of your for bad advice. ;-p

http://tinyurl.com/29o3g9

--

[Noon-Air]

Post by RedDwarf
Real basic question I think about HVAC.
I replaced my thermostat on our HVAC system the other day and when i
kicked on the heat, it turned on the fan that's in the condensor
outside (that big thing I usually associate with air conditioning). is
that normal? I don't remember that thing ever running... the heat
works, I just wasn't sure if that fan is supposed to be going...
It's an electric system, if you need to know....

Electric system?? Thats like saying your replaced the keys in your car and
it runs on gasoline. Is it normal for it to make that noise?? WTF???

How about post make, and model..... if you can't figure that out, is it
straight a/c with strip heat?? or a heat pump??

[RedDwarf]

Post by Noon-Air

Post by RedDwarf
Real basic question I think about HVAC.
I replaced my thermostat on our HVAC system the other day and when i
kicked on the heat, it turned on the fan that's in the condensor
outside (that big thing I usually associate with air conditioning). is
that normal? I don't remember that thing ever running... the heat
works, I just wasn't sure if that fan is supposed to be going...
It's an electric system, if you need to know....

Electric system?? Thats like saying your replaced the keys in your car and
it runs on gasoline. Is it normal for it to make that noise??  WTF???
How about post make, and model..... if you can't figure that out, is it
straight a/c with strip heat?? or a heat pump??
--
Stop calling me for freebies!
Satan, I'll fix your air conditioner when you pay me.
Cheapskate!"

The new one is a Ritetemp 6060. I replaced a robertshaw thermostat.
I have all the colors connected correctly, the ritetemp people
verified it... i'm tihnking that a jumper is off.

I don't know about it being a heat pump, i'm sorry...

[Jeffrey Lebowski]

Post by RedDwarf
I don't know about it being a heat pump, i'm sorry...

Look for a sticker on the outside unit that says "listed heat pump"

--

[Bubba]

On Tue, 1 Apr 2008 07:45:33 -0700 (PDT), RedDwarf

Post by RedDwarf

Post by Noon-Air

Post by RedDwarf
Real basic question I think about HVAC.
I replaced my thermostat on our HVAC system the other day and when i
kicked on the heat, it turned on the fan that's in the condensor
outside (that big thing I usually associate with air conditioning). is
that normal? I don't remember that thing ever running... the heat
works, I just wasn't sure if that fan is supposed to be going...
It's an electric system, if you need to know....

Electric system?? Thats like saying your replaced the keys in your car and
it runs on gasoline. Is it normal for it to make that noise??  WTF???
How about post make, and model..... if you can't figure that out, is it
straight a/c with strip heat?? or a heat pump??
--
Stop calling me for freebies!
Satan, I'll fix your air conditioner when you pay me.
Cheapskate!"

The new one is a Ritetemp 6060. I replaced a robertshaw thermostat.
I have all the colors connected correctly, the ritetemp people
verified it... i'm tihnking that a jumper is off.
I don't know about it being a heat pump, i'm sorry...

Sorry Dwarf but if you cant figure out whether or not you have a heat
pump you had ABSOLUTELY NO BUSINESS replacing a thermostat.
Bubba

[RedDwarf]

Post by Bubba
On Tue, 1 Apr 2008 07:45:33 -0700 (PDT), RedDwarf

Post by RedDwarf

Post by Noon-Air

Post by RedDwarf
Real basic question I think about HVAC.
I replaced my thermostat on our HVAC system the other day and when i
kicked on the heat, it turned on the fan that's in the condensor
outside (that big thing I usually associate with air conditioning). is
that normal? I don't remember that thing ever running... the heat
works, I just wasn't sure if that fan is supposed to be going...
It's an electric system, if you need to know....

Electric system?? Thats like saying your replaced the keys in your car and
it runs on gasoline. Is it normal for it to make that noise??  WTF???
How about post make, and model..... if you can't figure that out, is it
straight a/c with strip heat?? or a heat pump??
--
Stop calling me for freebies!
Satan, I'll fix your air conditioner when you pay me.
Cheapskate!"

The new one is a Ritetemp 6060. I replaced a robertshaw thermostat.
I have all the colors connected correctly, the ritetemp people
verified it... i'm tihnking that a jumper is off.
I don't know about it being a heat pump, i'm sorry...

Sorry Dwarf but if you cant figure out whether or not you have a heat
pump you had ABSOLUTELY NO BUSINESS replacing a thermostat.
Bubba- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -

http://66.240.176.216/store/2106501-06i.html

this is the unit I have outside, apparently - it's a heat pump. Ive
noticed the fan on the unit only runs for a little while - and then
stops. I thought heat pump fans only turned on when it was really cold
out? it's only like 50 here...

either way, the heat in the house is working... i just wasn't sure if
this was normal.

[geothermaljones]

You have to let these A/C units know it's winter.
I prefer a piece of plywood & a cement block on top, but many go to Home
Depot/Lowe's & buy the nice big plastic covers.
When you throw a blanket over one of these units, it knows it can take a
nap.
A stuffed bear might make it happier & buy a couple more years of
operation...
A well rested condenser is a happy condenser.

As for the heat Pump, it should only operate when it's really cold...
Like 65dF (or below stat setpoint) inside your house.

Great TV series, lousy HVAC Tech...
How old's the cat?

geothermaljones

Post by Bubba
On Tue, 1 Apr 2008 07:45:33 -0700 (PDT), RedDwarf

Post by RedDwarf

Post by Noon-Air

Post by RedDwarf
Real basic question I think about HVAC.
I replaced my thermostat on our HVAC system the other day and when i
kicked on the heat, it turned on the fan that's in the condensor
outside (that big thing I usually associate with air conditioning). is
that normal? I don't remember that thing ever running... the heat
works, I just wasn't sure if that fan is supposed to be going...
It's an electric system, if you need to know....

Electric system?? Thats like saying your replaced the keys in your car and
it runs on gasoline. Is it normal for it to make that noise?? WTF???
How about post make, and model..... if you can't figure that out, is it
straight a/c with strip heat?? or a heat pump??
--
Stop calling me for freebies!
Satan, I'll fix your air conditioner when you pay me.
Cheapskate!"

The new one is a Ritetemp 6060. I replaced a robertshaw thermostat.
I have all the colors connected correctly, the ritetemp people
verified it... i'm tihnking that a jumper is off.
I don't know about it being a heat pump, i'm sorry...

Sorry Dwarf but if you cant figure out whether or not you have a heat
pump you had ABSOLUTELY NO BUSINESS replacing a thermostat.
Bubba- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -

http://66.240.176.216/store/2106501-06i.html

this is the unit I have outside, apparently - it's a heat pump. Ive
noticed the fan on the unit only runs for a little while - and then
stops. I thought heat pump fans only turned on when it was really cold
out? it's only like 50 here...

either way, the heat in the house is working... i just wasn't sure if
this was normal.

[unknown]

On Thu, 3 Apr 2008 05:44:29 -0700 (PDT), RedDwarf

Post by RedDwarf

Post by Bubba
On Tue, 1 Apr 2008 07:45:33 -0700 (PDT), RedDwarf

this is the unit I have outside, apparently - it's a heat pump. Ive
noticed the fan on the unit only runs for a little while - and then
stops. I thought heat pump fans only turned on when it was really cold
out? it's only like 50 here...
either way, the heat in the house is working... i just wasn't sure if
this was normal.

thats normal for a heat pump. the outside fan has a 10 minute on, 50
minute off cycle on your model. Your welcome.

[Dr. Hardcrab]

"RedDwarf" <***@gmail.com> wrote
http://66.240.176.216/store/2106501-06i.html

this is the unit I have outside, apparently - it's a heat pump. Ive
noticed the fan on the unit only runs for a little while - and then
stops. I thought heat pump fans only turned on when it was really cold
out? it's only like 50 here...

either way, the heat in the house is working... i just wasn't sure if
this was normal.

One comment I would make:

If you didn't buy a heat pump thermostat, and the PROPER t'stat (1 stage
cool, 2 stage heat IF that is what you have), then you may get a big
surprise when your electric bill comes....

[Zyp]

Post by RedDwarf

Post by Noon-Air

Post by RedDwarf
Real basic question I think about HVAC.
I replaced my thermostat on our HVAC system the other day and when i
kicked on the heat, it turned on the fan that's in the condensor
outside (that big thing I usually associate with air conditioning).
is that normal? I don't remember that thing ever running... the heat
works, I just wasn't sure if that fan is supposed to be going...
It's an electric system, if you need to know....

Electric system?? Thats like saying your replaced the keys in your
car and it runs on gasoline. Is it normal for it to make that
noise?? WTF???
How about post make, and model..... if you can't figure that out, is
it straight a/c with strip heat?? or a heat pump??
--
Stop calling me for freebies!
Satan, I'll fix your air conditioner when you pay me.
Cheapskate!"

The new one is a Ritetemp 6060. I replaced a robertshaw thermostat.
I have all the colors connected correctly, the ritetemp people
verified it... i'm tihnking that a jumper is off.
I don't know about it being a heat pump, i'm sorry...

Robertshaw, [if my memory serves me correctly] makes many different types
and styles. Do you know which one you have? Because if you have a heat
pump, it could require a 'special' thermostat. On the other hand, if you
have electric heat with a heat pump, that could require a different 'special
thermostat.' But if you have an electric strip heat, and split system air
conditioning, then you might need a standard - special thermostat.

You probably better ask Bubba. He's the resident expert on thermostats!

[Bubba]

Post by Zyp

Post by RedDwarf

Post by Noon-Air

Post by RedDwarf
Real basic question I think about HVAC.
I replaced my thermostat on our HVAC system the other day and when i
kicked on the heat, it turned on the fan that's in the condensor
outside (that big thing I usually associate with air conditioning).
is that normal? I don't remember that thing ever running... the heat
works, I just wasn't sure if that fan is supposed to be going...
It's an electric system, if you need to know....

Electric system?? Thats like saying your replaced the keys in your
car and it runs on gasoline. Is it normal for it to make that
noise?? WTF???
How about post make, and model..... if you can't figure that out, is
it straight a/c with strip heat?? or a heat pump??
--
Stop calling me for freebies!
Satan, I'll fix your air conditioner when you pay me.
Cheapskate!"

The new one is a Ritetemp 6060. I replaced a robertshaw thermostat.
I have all the colors connected correctly, the ritetemp people
verified it... i'm tihnking that a jumper is off.
I don't know about it being a heat pump, i'm sorry...

Robertshaw, [if my memory serves me correctly] makes many different types
and styles. Do you know which one you have? Because if you have a heat
pump, it could require a 'special' thermostat. On the other hand, if you
have electric heat with a heat pump, that could require a different 'special
thermostat.' But if you have an electric strip heat, and split system air
conditioning, then you might need a standard - special thermostat.
You probably better ask Bubba. He's the resident expert on thermostats!

Im still wondering that........if he has all the "colors connected
correctly" how did all those low voltage electrons figure out which
color to go through first and HOW did the "ritetemp people verify:
that those colors were the right colors?
Im thinking that the electricty is just confused with all those colors
and the OP needs to run new polarized shielded stranded low voltage
low loss wiring with a new color matching shielded non polarized
digital set back thermostat.
That should take care of the fan problem.
Bubba

[Noon-Air]

Post by Bubba

Post by Zyp

Post by RedDwarf

Post by Noon-Air

Post by RedDwarf
Real basic question I think about HVAC.
I replaced my thermostat on our HVAC system the other day and when i
kicked on the heat, it turned on the fan that's in the condensor
outside (that big thing I usually associate with air conditioning).
is that normal? I don't remember that thing ever running... the heat
works, I just wasn't sure if that fan is supposed to be going...
It's an electric system, if you need to know....

Electric system?? Thats like saying your replaced the keys in your
car and it runs on gasoline. Is it normal for it to make that
noise?? WTF???
How about post make, and model..... if you can't figure that out, is
it straight a/c with strip heat?? or a heat pump??
--
Stop calling me for freebies!
Satan, I'll fix your air conditioner when you pay me.
Cheapskate!"

The new one is a Ritetemp 6060. I replaced a robertshaw thermostat.
I have all the colors connected correctly, the ritetemp people
verified it... i'm tihnking that a jumper is off.
I don't know about it being a heat pump, i'm sorry...

Robertshaw, [if my memory serves me correctly] makes many different types
and styles. Do you know which one you have? Because if you have a heat
pump, it could require a 'special' thermostat. On the other hand, if you
have electric heat with a heat pump, that could require a different 'special
thermostat.' But if you have an electric strip heat, and split system air
conditioning, then you might need a standard - special thermostat.
You probably better ask Bubba. He's the resident expert on thermostats!

Im still wondering that........if he has all the "colors connected
correctly" how did all those low voltage electrons figure out which
that those colors were the right colors?
Im thinking that the electricty is just confused with all those colors
and the OP needs to run new polarized shielded stranded low voltage
low loss wiring with a new color matching shielded non polarized
digital set back thermostat.
That should take care of the fan problem.
Bubba

Need to find out first if the wires are twisted clockwise or counter
clockwise

[Dave]

Post by Noon-Air

Post by Bubba

Post by Zyp

Post by RedDwarf

Post by Noon-Air

Post by RedDwarf
Real basic question I think about HVAC.
I replaced my thermostat on our HVAC system the other day and when i
kicked on the heat, it turned on the fan that's in the condensor
outside (that big thing I usually associate with air conditioning).
is that normal? I don't remember that thing ever running... the heat
works, I just wasn't sure if that fan is supposed to be going...
It's an electric system, if you need to know....

Electric system?? Thats like saying your replaced the keys in your
car and it runs on gasoline. Is it normal for it to make that
noise?? WTF???
How about post make, and model..... if you can't figure that out, is
it straight a/c with strip heat?? or a heat pump??
--
Stop calling me for freebies!
Satan, I'll fix your air conditioner when you pay me.
Cheapskate!"

The new one is a Ritetemp 6060. I replaced a robertshaw thermostat.
I have all the colors connected correctly, the ritetemp people
verified it... i'm tihnking that a jumper is off.
I don't know about it being a heat pump, i'm sorry...

Robertshaw, [if my memory serves me correctly] makes many different types
and styles. Do you know which one you have? Because if you have a heat
pump, it could require a 'special' thermostat. On the other hand, if you
have electric heat with a heat pump, that could require a different 'special
thermostat.' But if you have an electric strip heat, and split system air
conditioning, then you might need a standard - special thermostat.
You probably better ask Bubba. He's the resident expert on thermostats!

Im still wondering that........if he has all the "colors connected
correctly" how did all those low voltage electrons figure out which
that those colors were the right colors?
Im thinking that the electricty is just confused with all those colors
and the OP needs to run new polarized shielded stranded low voltage
low loss wiring with a new color matching shielded non polarized
digital set back thermostat.
That should take care of the fan problem.
Bubba

Need to find out first if the wires are twisted clockwise or counter
clockwise

Only matters below the equator wire spools run counter clockwise to negate
the coriolis effect.
So you have to run the wire off the spool completely and start running from
the inside end (tic)

[Zyp]

Post by Noon-Air

Post by Bubba

Post by Zyp

Post by RedDwarf

Post by Noon-Air

Post by RedDwarf
Real basic question I think about HVAC.
I replaced my thermostat on our HVAC system the other day and
when i kicked on the heat, it turned on the fan that's in the
condensor outside (that big thing I usually associate with air
conditioning). is that normal? I don't remember that thing ever
running... the heat works, I just wasn't sure if that fan is
supposed to be going...
It's an electric system, if you need to know....

Electric system?? Thats like saying your replaced the keys in your
car and it runs on gasoline. Is it normal for it to make that
noise?? WTF???
How about post make, and model..... if you can't figure that out,
is it straight a/c with strip heat?? or a heat pump??
--
Stop calling me for freebies!
Satan, I'll fix your air conditioner when you pay me.
Cheapskate!"

The new one is a Ritetemp 6060. I replaced a robertshaw thermostat.
I have all the colors connected correctly, the ritetemp people
verified it... i'm tihnking that a jumper is off.
I don't know about it being a heat pump, i'm sorry...

Robertshaw, [if my memory serves me correctly] makes many different
types and styles. Do you know which one you have? Because if you
have a heat pump, it could require a 'special' thermostat. On the
other hand, if you have electric heat with a heat pump, that could
require a different 'special
thermostat.' But if you have an electric strip heat, and split
system air conditioning, then you might need a standard - special
thermostat. You probably better ask Bubba. He's the resident expert on
thermostats!

Im still wondering that........if he has all the "colors connected
correctly" how did all those low voltage electrons figure out which
that those colors were the right colors?
Im thinking that the electricty is just confused with all those
colors and the OP needs to run new polarized shielded stranded low
voltage low loss wiring with a new color matching shielded non
polarized digital set back thermostat.
That should take care of the fan problem.
Bubba

Need to find out first if the wires are twisted clockwise or counter
clockwise

So that's what they mean when they say "twisted pair." Here I tought it
meant that two sisters were.... whoops sorry...

[unknown]

Post by Noon-Air
Need to find out first if the wires are twisted clockwise or counter
clockwise

And if they are rj45, utp or fiber. That's really important. Your
welcome.

[unknown]

On Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:40:38 -0700 (PDT), RedDwarf

Post by RedDwarf
Real basic question I think about HVAC.
I replaced my thermostat on our HVAC system the other day and when i
kicked on the heat, it turned on the fan that's in the condensor
outside (that big thing I usually associate with air conditioning). is
that normal? I don't remember that thing ever running... the heat
works, I just wasn't sure if that fan is supposed to be going...
It's an electric system, if you need to know....
Thanks everyone...

It's only normal if you have gas heat. Your welcome.

[John o]

replying to RedDwarf, John o wrote:
Mine does the same thing

--
for full context, visit https://www.homeownershub.com/hvac/should-my-condensor-fan-run-when-heat-is-on-31500-.htm

[catalpa]

Post by John o
Mine does the same thing
--
for full context, visit
https://www.homeownershub.com/hvac/should-my-condensor-fan-run-when-heat-is-on-31500-.htm

How did you find this 10 year old post from a total moron?

[WBman]

Its a new search engine called GOOGLE.....