Why Does My Heat Pump Trip the Breaker in Seminole, FL?

You’re relaxing at home in Seminole, FL, when the power suddenly goes out. Sometimes, you just need to reset the heat pump, but if it keeps drawing too much energy, you might have more significant issues on your hands. Here are some reasons your heat pump may be tripping the breaker.

Dirt and Debris

Dirty equipment forces your heat pump to work harder to move warm air through your residence. Eventually, the heat pump can overload and trip the circuit breaker.

Check your air filter to make sure it’s clean and not clogged with dust and particles. If it’s grimy, consider ordering a replacement. Routine HVAC maintenance can take care of dirty air filters before they cause an issue.

Likewise, dirt, debris and yard waste can clog your outdoor unit. A grimy fan motor requires more power to operate, driving up your electric bills.

Malfunctioning Heat Pump Parts

Sometimes, heat pumps develop a refrigerant leak, forcing them to work harder to maintain a steady temperature. Compressors can also go bad over time. Since compressors are the central part of your outdoor unit, a hard-start compressor or faulty capacitor can throw off the entire system.

You might also have an old heat pump. Generally, heat pumps last about 10-15 years before they start breaking down. Make sure you replace your equipment at the recommended times to keep your home comfortable.

Electrical Issues

Wiring tends to expand and contract as the temperatures change, eventually breaking the connections. Other possible causes include faulty wiring, malfunctioning breakers and outdated equipment. If our HVAC professionals determine that you have electrical issues, they may recommend a licensed electrician.

Whatever the case, don’t turn on your heat pump again until it’s safe to operate. Call Arctic Air Systems to learn about our heat pump repair and replacement services.

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