Why Is My Heat Pump in Highland Park, IL, Tripping Its Breaker?

The ordinary operations of your heat pump shouldn’t trigger your circuit breaker. Here are a few possible reasons the circuit breaker in your Highland Park, IL, home is tripping because of your heat pump:

Poor Airflow

When dust, pollen, pet dander and other debris get into your heat pump, the system will lose at least some of its ability to push treated air into your home effectively. As airflow weakens, the system may use more power to force better performance. Consequently, it may end up tripping your circuit breaker.

Maintenance can help clean out debris and restore airflow. We recommend scheduling a tuneup at least once a year. Ideally, heat pumps require maintenance twice per year — once in the spring and again in the fall.

Old Heat Pump Compressor

Heat pumps use refrigerant to transfer heat from one area to another. After being in the evaporator coils and absorbing heat, refrigerant moves into the compressor. The purpose of the compressor is to raise the temperature and pressure of refrigerant until it becomes condensable and capable of releasing its heat.

Since it has such a critical function, the compressor requires more electrical power to operate than any other part of your heat pump. Unfortunately, that means if the compressor malfunctions in any way, it may make an effort to overcome its issues by pulling in even more power. In extreme cases, the heat pump may take in so much electricity it inadvertently trips your circuit breaker.

Bad Circuit Breaker

A final possibility is that there may be nothing wrong with your heat pump at all. Instead, the circuit breaker itself may be the source of your problems. After 30 to 40 years of service, most circuit breakers are likely to begin breaking down.

If your circuit breaker repeatedly trips because of your heat pump, you must take immediate action. Call Carefree Comfort Inc. and ask for our HVAC repair services in Highland Park, IL.

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