What happens to the heat pump when the outdoor fan is not operational?

When the outdoor fan of a heat pump is not operational, the system may freeze up due to a lack of airflow over the outdoor coil. The outdoor unit is responsible for transferring heat absorbed from the outside air during the heating process or releasing heat during cooling. The fan’s vital function is to move air over the coils, which helps to continually remove heat from the unit and maintain an efficient operation.

Without the outdoor fan running, the refrigerant inside the heat pump may not be able to dissipate heat effectively. The cooling process requires the vaporization and condensation of refrigerant, which relies on proper heat exchange facilitated by air movement. If heat cannot be effectively expelled, the temperature of the coil can drop significantly, potentially leading to ice formation on the unit. This buildup can further reduce the efficiency of the heat pump and may disrupt its operation entirely, leading to decreased performance and potential damage.

Thus, the likelihood of the heat pump freezing up is the primary concern when the outdoor fan fails to operate, making this option the most accurate.