Updated: February 19, 2024
Heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners because they offer cooling and heating power in a small yet efficient unit. However, despite their amazing benefits, they can develop problems like any other home appliance. Tripped breaker switches are the common issues many people experience when using heat pumps. Below are six common reasons your home’s heat pump is tripping the breaker.
1. Clogged Filter
The air filter inside your heat pump collects debris and dust with time. If you fail to change the filter more often, it can clog and restrict airflow within the heat pump. As a result, your unit will overwork to cool or heat your residence. The harder your heat pump works, the more power it’ll draw from the circuit, causing the circuit breaker to trip. We can prevent this problem by creating a good maintenance plan to optimize your heat pump’s performance and lifespan.
2. Dirty or Damaged Outdoor Unit
A heat pump comprises two parts, an outdoor unit and an internal unit. The outdoor unit sits outside the house and may collect dirt, leaves, and other debris. These foreign objects can hinder free airflow, forcing your heat pump to work extra hard to keep your house comfortable. As a result, your heat pump will draw excessive power, causing your breaker to trip from time to time.
The outdoor unit is also subjected to weather elements like storms, strong winds, and rain which can damage it. A damaged outdoor unit can affect the performance of your heat pump and cause the circuit breaker to keep tripping. Heat pump maintenance is the best way to prevent this problem. During maintenance calls, our technicians will clean your outdoor unit, check it for damages, and fix any issues.
3. Electrical Problems
If your home’s heat pump has faulty or frayed wiring, your circuit breaker will keep tripping. During annual maintenance visits, our HVAC experts will check the condition of the heat pump wiring and electrical connections. If you suspect wiring issues are affecting your heat pump, talk to our technicians during your maintenance call.
The other related cause of circuit breaker issues might be the circuit breaker box itself. This problem is more common if you live in an older home. If your circuit box is the culprit, other home appliances and systems might likely be tripping the breaker switches, not just the heat pump. Contact a certified electrician for a thorough electrical system inspection to ensure the circuit box is functioning properly.
4. Dirty Condenser Coils
The condenser coils inside your heat pump carry refrigerant used in the cooling or heating process. Even with a good, high-quality filter, the condenser coils still get dirty with time. With time, the coils accumulate dirt and other debris that inhibit airflow around the condenser coils. As a result, your heat pump will often overwork, eventually causing the breaker switches to trip. Cleaning the condenser coils should be left to the professionals. Our technicians will inspect and clean your coils during annual maintenance to enhance airflow and your heat pump’s performance.
5. Blocked Vents
Proper airflow is vital for your heat pump to work effectively. The other reason for frequent tripping breakers is blocked air vents in your house. Ensure no stacked boxes, carpets, furniture, or rugs are blocking your vents. Like clogged filters, blocked vents hinder airflow and force your heat pump to overwork, causing the breaker to trip.
6. Motor Problems
The motor of your heat pump can go out of balance or develop rust on the bearings as the unit ages. If any of these issues happen, increased friction occurs, lowering the performance and efficiency of your home’s heat pump. The more the friction increases, the more it’ll force your heat pump to overwork to maintain your ideal indoor temperatures.
Strange noises from the unit’s motor around the same time or before the breaker trips signal a motor problem. Allow our HVAC experts to inspect the unit and make the necessary recommendations to solve the problem.
Schedule Your Heat Pump Maintenance Appointment Today!
A frequent tripping breaker caused by your heat pump can result from dirty condenser coils, clogged air filters, damaged outdoor units, electrical issues, or motor problems. The good news is that you can fix or prevent these problems by investing in professional maintenance. If your breaker keeps tripping, call one of our experts at Sturm Heating & Air Conditioning to prevent property damage and even safety risks. Our HVAC professionals will inspect the unit and immediately fix the problem.
We also offer maintenance agreements, sheet metal fabrication, air quality, and commercial HVAC services throughout Spokane, WA, and its environs. Contact us today to book your heat pump service appointment.
Contact Sturm Heating & Air Conditioning Today!
