Air Source Heat Pump Keeps Tripping the Breaker
You notice your home's air source heat pump has stopped heating. Upon checking the circuit breaker, you find that the breaker for the heat pump has tripped. You reset it, and everything returns to normal for a while.
But then, the breaker trips again. What is going on?
First, turn off the heat pump immediately and call a heating repair professional to diagnose the issue.
A tripped breaker cuts off power to prevent more serious problems—such as an electrical fire—so this is actually a normal safety response. There is an underlying issue with your heat pump causing it to draw excessive power.
Let’s look at some common problems that can cause a heat pump to trip the breaker.
7 Common Reasons Why a Heat Pump Trips the Breaker
1. Dirty air filter
A dirty air filter restricts airflow in the ductwork, forcing the air source heat pump's fan to run under a heavy load for extended periods to circulate air throughout the home. This type of operation can cause the breaker to trip.
Check your air filter at least once a month to see if it needs replacing.
2. Dirty outdoor unit
The outdoor heat pump unit (the part with the fan) accumulates dirt and debris over time. Simply put, this forces the heat pump to work harder and run longer to heat your home (much like a dirty air filter does). This, too, can cause the breaker to trip.
Solution: Schedule the necessary annual maintenance for your heat pump.
3. Aging or failing compressor
The compressor is the component in the outdoor unit responsible for circulating refrigerant throughout the system. If the compressor is failing, it may draw excessive power during startup, causing the breaker to trip intermittently.
In this case, a professional can install a "hard start kit" (or start assist device) to help the air source heat pump start up without tripping the breaker.
4. Loose electrical connections
Seasonal weather changes cause the wiring inside the heat pump to expand and contract, eventually leading to loose connections. Once loose, they can cause a short circuit, resulting in a tripped breaker.
5. Seized fan motor in the outdoor unit.
To absorb heat from the outdoors, the fan in an air-source heat pump's outdoor unit circulates air over the refrigerant coils. However, if the fan motor seizes up—whether due to an obstruction or a mechanical failure—it draws excessive power, causing the circuit breaker to trip.
6. Faulty Circuit Breaker
Circuit breakers can wear out over time, especially if they trip frequently. Consequently, the breaker itself may be defective and require replacement.
7. Wiring Issues
If the heat pump is functioning correctly (i.e., its actual power consumption is within normal limits) and the circuit breaker is in good condition, the problem likely lies in the wiring between the heat pump and the breaker. In this case, you should hire an electrician to rewire the unit.
Seeking Help with Heat Pump Issues
As previously mentioned, do not allow your heat pump to repeatedly trip the circuit breaker. Doing so could lead to an electrical fire.
Please contact a professional HVAC company to diagnose and resolve the issue.
