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Originally Posted by hvacservicetech_07

I'm not sure exactly what is making you think that you are running emergency heat?

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A service man came out here to service my unit - it was supposed to be just a routine cleaning... :(... and a general check of the system to be safe for colder weather.

He told me "outdoor unit needs condenser for motor," my outdoor fan was bad, or going bad, and that my unit was only using emergency heat, and not regular heat... and I needed for him to come back and put in this fan motor thing... and that would be an additional $375

:confused:

Hmm, You said the fan motor is still running, correct?

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Originally Posted by hvacservicetech_07

Hmm, You said the fan motor is still running, correct?

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Yes, outside, it is just spinning away

Maybe the fan motor hasn't went out yet. Although,that doesn't mean it won't. If it does go out for some reason,the thermostat will switch over to emergency heat,if the heat pump is not keeping up. I suggest you get the motor checked before is does go out.

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Originally Posted by hvacservicetech_07

Maybe the fan motor hasn't went out yet. Although,that doesn't mean it won't. If it does go out for some reason,the thermostat will switch over to emergency heat,if the heat pump is not keeping up. I suggest you get the motor checked before is does go out.

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How does one check the motor to see if it may present a future problem? Use a voltmeter? I have a friend with one, I think.

You are a real blessing. I am an unemployed single mom with 2 kids, and I only have $800 a month to live on. I am trying to spend wisely any money I have.

If it isn't making any obvious sounds,IE bad bearings. Use an amp clamp to check the amp draws, there is a tag on the unit that shows what the amp draw should be. If you have a friend that is handy,buy the motor over the counter, it's not hard to replace.

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Originally Posted by hvacservicetech_07

If it isn't making any obvious sounds,IE bad bearings. Use an amp clamp to check the amp draws, there is a tag on the unit that shows what the amp draw should be. If you have a friend that is handy,buy the motor over the counter, it's not hard to replace.

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There was some noises about 2 weeks ago, but my friend said it was the capacitor, that it was loose, or had to have a screwdriver pushed against it to keep it quiet, and getting old... so we replaced it... then the grate around the coils had some screws missing... that makes some noise

But the fan is not where the noise was coming from, anyhow, as far as we know.

The fan is not making any noises at this time... everything out there is quiet

So I can check the amps, but not the bearings?

Well, you can wiggle the shaft on the fan motor, make sure there is no movement in the shaft, if the motor isn't making noise the bearings are probably OK. I would leave it alone until you have anymore problems. Keep an eye on it.

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Originally Posted by hvacservicetech_07

Well, you can wiggle the shaft on the fan motor, make sure there is no movement in the shaft, if the motor isn't making noise the bearings are probably ok. I would leave it alone until you have anymore problems. Keep an eye on it.

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Thank you so much. I appreciate all you have told me. Learning to understand my own unit helps me, sparing unnecessary expenses will give us a better Christmas, and now I have money for other bills. You are very kind and helpful. We all give you a big hug for Christmas, and a big thanks.

Bye

No problem at all. Take care and merry Christmas.