When your heat pump trips the breaker in your Oak Ridge, TN, home, it doesn’t get the power needed to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. While resetting the breaker may help, some issues will cause the problem to keep happening. Here are some possible reasons your heat pump trips its breaker:
Not Enough Power
If you recently changed your electrical panel or installed a new heat pump, it may not get enough power to run. This is common in older homes because the breakers aren’t big enough to support the heat pump’s load. You’ll usually find that this happens not long after the heat pump starts running.
Dirty Air Filter
The air filter serves an important function. It collects dust, lint, and other debris to keep the system safe and clean. When the filter becomes dirty or clogs, it needs to exert more force to circulate the air. This excess force causes the heat pump to put more pressure on the breaker, which can cause it to trip.
Bad Compressor
Another reason the breaker keeps tripping is that you have a bad or old compressor. The compressor is what keeps the refrigerant moving through the system. When the compressor can’t keep up with your home and the heat pump, it trips the breaker.
Bad Breaker
There’s a chance that you need a new breaker and not HVAC services, especially if you have other breakers that trip often. Call an electrician to inspect the breaker and determine if it’s good before you consider replacing your heat pump. Replacing the breaker ensures it can accommodate the heat pump.
Bad Components or Wiring
A breaker may trip when your heat pump runs because of bad wiring or electrical components. It also happens when the wiring or components are loose. This is one of the easiest and most affordable fixes.
Since there are so many different reasons that your heat pump keeps tripping your breaker, you need to let the pros check out your system and determine the next step. Get the professionals you need for heat pump repair in Oak Ridge, TN, with a call to Melton Heating and Air.
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