Condenser Fan Not Running

BigoWhiteboy

Alright all you HVAC guys I have a question for ya. I have a Rheem central heat and air unit that is about 4 years old. I have been running the heat lately as we've had a cold snap here in Georgia, but it is not heating the house much over 66F, when I keep the thermostat at 75F. It just does not seem to be pumping out much warm air. My question is, should the fan on the condenser be running at all? It does not run at all on the heat cycle, but if I switch it to AC the fan kicks on. Thanks yall

Don Ball

Is this a heat pump, electric heat or gas heat?

BigoWhiteboy

Electric heat

Don Ball

If it is truly electric heat and not a heat pump, the outside fan shouldn't run in the heat mode.

BigoWhiteboy

So this electric heat unit must suck, cause I have been running it wide open for two days and it hasnt' warmed the house past 67, and it's 53 outside.

Tom M

No condenssor! Are your returns blocked? Is your filter dirty or better yet the internal fan blades? Are the door closed inside the house? This kind of dragg or resistance reduces air flow. The unit can only replace the air it takes in.

flashheatingand

Has the system always worked poorly? Or, did this situation just arise? The problem could be many things. If you know how to use a volt meter, troubleshooting should not be too difficult. But if electrical troubleshooting isn't your thing, one can waste a lot of time and money replacing "faulty" components.

So, do you have a multi-meter, and do you know how to use it?

BigoWhiteboy

Interior doors are all open, and filter is brand spankin new. It has never really heated the house well, but I would have to say it is now heating less than it was. It did get down to 30 last night, but it is weak during the day too.

BigoWhiteboy

I do not have a multi meter

BigoWhiteboy

House only has one return, in the living room, so it should be able to pull plenty of air. House is about 1300sqft and the unit is a 3 ton Rheem condenser.

flashheatingand

Off hand, it's not good advice,but...you should find a local hvac outfit to help out. I wouldn't advise the outfits with the full page ads in the phone book, they are spendy and the customer always pays. Find out who is the local wholesaler of Rheem. Call them and it is likely that the wholsaler will give you a few names of some good people. It just sounds as if physical presence is necessary to resolve this problem.

good luck.