It can frustrate any homeowner when a heat pump turns on and ends up tripping a circuit breaker. This indicates an issue that a professional should inspect. Let’s look at a few potential causes of your heat pump tripping the breaker in your Collierville, TN, home.
High Starting Current
If the initial current your HVAC system draws is too high for your breaker’s load, the breaker trips to prevent a fire. Older or smaller breakers are especially prone to this.
Overworked Capacitor
When a capacitor weakens or stops working, a motor must work harder to start. This extra work brings more current than normal through the breaker, and it may trip to prevent the current from overloading the electrical system.
Wiring and Loose Connections
Damaged or loose wiring creates a short in the circuit for your heat pump. This makes your heat pump require more current to work. These poor connections can continue to corrode and overheat until one day, the breaker wire may overheat and shut off the power.
Compressor
Your heat pump compressor is the heart of the system and needs substantial electricity to do its job. If the compressor goes into a mechanical lock-up due to loose bearings or shorting, it can pull in full power to try and keep running.
Faulty Heat Pump Breaker
Circuit breakers can degenerate over time, and even the usual electric current fluctuations can make them more fragile. If your breaker keeps tripping and you don’t have any of the heat pump issues listed above, the breaker may be on its last leg.
Ignoring this problem can negatively impact your comfort and lead to more severe problems, like complete system failure or electrical fires. Call Landmark Heating & Air Conditioning for heat pump repair services in Collierville, TN.
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