Should my AC fan be running in winter.

[BloodyBuddy]

I don't know a lot about HVAC. But my wife is complaining about the outdoor AC unit fan running and being loud. Seems to run whenever the furnace is running. Is this a heat exchanger? Why would I have that if I have a furnace? Seems to have a little rattle in the fan, but that is another issue I am sure.

 

[cyrocksmypants]

Mine usually does.

 

[Wesley]

I actually had a new house whereby in winter ac and furnace ran at same time. Bad wiring until resolved.

 

[deanslist]

It should be if it is a heat pump. And the compressor is running as well.

 

[RedBlooded]

I believe your condenser is used in both the heating and cooling cycle.

 

[DarkStar]

I don't know a lot about HVAC. But my wife is complaining about the outdoor AC unit fan running and being loud. Seems to run whenever the furnace is running. Is this a heat exchanger? Why would I have that if I have a furnace? Seems to have a little rattle in the fan, but that is another issue I am sure.

If you have a heat pump then yes the outside fan and compressor should be running when the inside fan is running.

To answer your other question. Heat pumps do not work when it is really cold outside. Not sure but I think they stop working when the outside temps get into the teens. You need a furnace to take over supplying heat on those cold days. Your thermostat should say something about emergency heat when it is using the backup heat source (gas or electric).

On a side note. If you do have a heat pump you should check with your electric company about getting a discount on your electric bill. They do that here in Omaha.

 

[Cyclonesince78]

It should be if it is a heat pump. And the compressor is running as well.

I have that exact same mug. Same color and everything. Cheers.

 

[kingcy]

If its louder than normal you may want to get it looked at before something bad happens.

 

[Dino]

You probably just need to check the specs on the end-line for the rotary girder.

 

[cyclonebillski]

I don't know but you better go catch it

 

[CtownCyclone]

Mine does, but then again, it's going to be in the mid-70's on Christmas Day here in Houston.

 

[CyinCo]

If you have a heat pump then yes the outside fan and compressor should be running when the inside fan is running.

To answer your other question. Heat pumps do not work when it is really cold outside. Not sure but I think they stop working when the outside temps get into the teens. You need a furnace to take over supplying heat on those cold days. Your thermostat should say something about emergency heat when it is using the backup heat source (gas or electric).

On a side note. If you do have a heat pump you should check with your electric company about getting a discount on your electric bill. They do that here in Omaha.

Correct. If your system is a heatpump, it actually will work in reverse in the winter, where it moves heat into your house instead of out. These systems do have low limits, although, they are able to run lower and lower thanks to defrost cycles, etc, that keep the coils from freezing up. Without a defrost cycle, low limit will be 30-35F outside. With defrost cycle, you're low limit could be as low as 0F. After you hit the low limit, you'll either go to a traditional gas fired heat exchanger or an all electric coil. Often, it is the all electric coil so that you can get max rebate from the electric utility.

BTW, if it is a heatpump, it will usually say heatpump on the unit outside. Otherwise, you might need to google the model number.

 

[cloneluke80]

I hope its a heat pump, if so then yes it should be running.

I have one, I set the cutoff temp to be 18 degrees F, when below 18 my natural gas furnace kicks in.

That right now for my house in Iowa is the best balance with current gas and electric rates.

Also Mid american will only give you a discount if you are running all electric, so with me, I have a natural gas furnace for when the heat pump cant keep up or it gets really cold, so I dont get the discount.

Also if you have a hybrid system like this, the thermostat acts like a computer, intelligently balancing the furnace vs. heat pump. So you really need to have all one brand, although some new thermostats probably have more features you can tune.

The nice thing about all of this is when natural gas rates go up, I lower my cutoff temp to use more electric, when electric rates go up, I increase my cutoff temp to use more of my furnace, so essentially in the winter I am dual fuel (actually tri-fuel because I also have a wood fireplace)...

 

[WastedTalent]

I hope its a heat pump, if so then yes it should be running.

I have one, I set the cutoff temp to be 18 degrees F, when below 18 my natural gas furnace kicks in.

That right now for my house in Iowa is the best balance with current gas and electric rates.

Also Mid american will only give you a discount if you are running all electric, so with me, I have a natural gas furnace for when the heat pump cant keep up or it gets really cold, so I dont get the discount.

Also if you have a hybrid system like this, the thermostat acts like a computer, intelligently balancing the furnace vs. heat pump. So you really need to have all one brand, although some new thermostats probably have more features you can tune.

The nice thing about all of this is when natural gas rates go up, I lower my cutoff temp to use more electric, when electric rates go up, I increase my cutoff temp to use more of my furnace, so essentially in the winter I am dual fuel (actually tri-fuel because I also have a wood fireplace)...

Your house sounds like my grandma's......Too Freaking Hot!

 

[NebrClone]

I have my new heat pump cutoff set at 10 degrees and the indoor thermostat set at 66 degrees and so far the house has been comfortable.

 

[cyrocksmypants]

Mine does, but then again, it's going to be in the mid-70's on Christmas Day here in Houston.

Pish. It'll be in the 80s here.