My heat pump isn't working!!?

Question

Alright, a few days ago I tried to turn on my air conditioning and nothing happened except a buzzing noise. The fan on my heat pump was not spinning. However, when I push the fan (with a stick) it starts up and cools down the house fine. However, when it shuts down it doesn't start back up (until I get out the stick). Any ideas? I really don't want to call in someone who is going to charge me $1000.

Answer 1

Your fan may need lubricating or it may need a new starting capacitor. Shut it down and look to see if the motor has lubrication points (small oil holes at the ends). If so use a bit of light machine oil, something like 3 in 1 oil. Just a couple or three drops in each one is enough. If it doesn't have lube points or the lube doesn't fix it then you'll probably need a new starting capacitor and need to call a service man.