Why Does My Breaker Trip When the Heat Pump Starts?

A heat pump can help you stay comfortable at home in Germantown, MD, but you may have concerns if it trips your breaker. If this happens, you may have an electrical issue, malfunctioning fan motor, compromised compressor or dirty filter.

Electrical Issue

A number of electrical concerns could cause your breaker to trip. If your circuit is overloaded or has old wiring, it may have difficulty keeping up with demand when you turn your heat pump on.

Faulty electrical components within your heat pump could cause problems as well. With damaged internal wiring, you may experience short circuits. This happens when electricity flows in an unintended path and trips your breaker.

Malfunctioning Fan Motor

The fan motor plays a key role in the heat pump, circulating air over the coils. If it breaks or gets obstructed by debris and cannot move as well, it may require extra electricity to spin. In response to this increase in electrical demand, your circuit may shut off.

Worn-Down Compressor

One of the compressor’s jobs involves moving refrigerant through the system. As a compressor ages, it may have a hard time with this task, and as a result, it may need extra power to get the job done. A sudden spike in electrical demand when the compressor turns on can lead to a tripped breaker.

Clogged Air Filter

A simple component like an air filter can significantly affect the operation of a heat pump. When an air filter clogs, it can prevent air from flowing through the system. This can cause the fan motor to work harder and draw an excessive amount of power, which may cause your breaker to switch off.

Circuit breakers offer protection by shutting off when they detect a power surge. An issue with your home’s electrical system, an internal wiring issue, an old compressor or a dirty air filter could all lead to a tripped circuit breaker. For help addressing heat pump issues, contact Eric Smock Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.

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