Any HVAC experts?

[cwatkins]

Originally Posted by wingedfish

It is impossible for the condencer fan motor to run without the compressor. It runs on the same contactor. Though there is an internal overload that can shut the compressor down for heat/over amp issues.

Yep, this is totally accurate.

It sounds like the backfeeding thing as mentioned above. The original intent was to turn the exchanged on automatically when the A/C was run. But the opposite is also true.

You could have already done some serious damage to your A/C condensing unit if you've had the cover on. And besides, it's costing the same amount of money to run it right now as if it was the middle of summer, since the A/C and exchanger are both running at the same time.

I would call in a qualified HVAC person ASAP before any further damage is done.

EDIT: You may need to/want to invest in a good thermostat (I.E. Honeywell Vision Pro) that has a separate programmable output for the exchanger.