A tripped breaker prevents your heat pump from working normally. However, a heat pump in good working order shouldn’t experience this issue frequently. Learn about the common reasons the heat pump in your home in Gurnee, IL, could keep tripping its breaker.
Dirty Outdoor Unit
When debris clogs the condenser coils and fan blades in the outdoor unit, it increases the chances of your heat pump tripping its breaker. Leaves, dirt, grass clippings and other types of grime act as an insulator, limiting heat exchange. Yearly preventive maintenance includes a check and cleaning of the outdoor unit to prevent your heat pump from overworking.
Loose Electrical Connections
Loose electrical connections can also trip the breaker for your heat pump. Factors like heat and humidity cause the wiring to expand and loosen over time. Your heat pump will require professional repairs to address loose and damaged wiring.
Old or Weak Compressor
When your heat pump trips its breaker often, it could have a weak or old compressor in it. The compressor is one of the mechanisms that enables the transfer of heat between the inside and outside of your home. When it wears out or becomes damaged, it may use more energy than usual, potentially overloading the heat pump’s circuit.
Dirty Air Filters
The air filters in the indoor air handler need regular changing. A dirty, clogged filter hinders airflow into the system. The heat pump will work harder than normal, stress its circuit and blow its breaker more often.
Bad Circuit Breaker
If the heat pump trips its breaker repeatedly, you might have a problem with the breaker. Older breakers trip more frequently than newer ones. Damaged ones will also cause your heat pump to trip its breaker.
These factors are some that could explain why the heat pump in your home in Gurnee, IL, keeps tripping its breaker. Contact Herchenbach Mechanical Inc. to learn more about our HVAC repair services.
Image provided by iStock
