Why is Your Heat Pump Tripping Your Breaker?

Has your heat pump been tripping its breaker in your Boynton Beach, FL, home? Believe it or not, you want this to happen. In this post, you’ll learn why this is a good thing and what’s potentially causing your heat pump to trip the breaker.

Why You Want Your Heat Pump to Trip the Breaker

The circuits in your home can only provide so much power. When appliances like an HVAC system attempt to draw too much power from the circuit, it turns off. This safety feature keeps your electrical system from short-circuiting and protects your home from electrical failure and fires.

But why is your system tripping the breaker? Something is obviously wrong with it, but what?

Heat Pump’s Air Filter is Dirty

A dirty filter prevents air from moving freely through the system. When this happens, your heat pump must work harder to ensure adequate airflow. If it works too hard, it might trip the circuit and interrupt the heating cycle.

The good news is this is a simple problem to fix. Replace the dirty air filter and keep replacing it every three months at a minimum. Refer to your heat pump’s owner’s manual for specific replacement timelines.

Malfunctioning Outdoor Fan

Your home’s heat pump must continuously blow air over the unit’s refrigerant coils. If the fan is malfunctioning, the system won’t work well and could trip a breaker. Regular servicing can identify potential problems and give you time to get your system the repairs it needs to prevent tripped circuits.

Compressor Problems

Your heat pump’s compressor uses a lot of power and can contribute to tripped breakers. If the compressor’s capacitor begins to fail, it’ll trip the circuit when it tries to kick on. If your heat pump is nearing the end of its lifespan, a hard-starting compressor can trip the breaker because it’s attempting to pull too much power.

We want your heat pump to work well for you this winter. If you’re experiencing problems like tripped circuits, reach out to Preferred Air Conditioning & Mechanical, LLC for heating repairs.

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