Heat pumps like many other home appliances sometimes become faulty. While some of these problems can be fixed on your own, others will require experts from HVAC companies to fix them. Heat pumps not turning on is a common problem and there is no need to panic over it. This article is going to discuss the major causes of the heat pump not turning on and what you can do to troubleshoot such problems. Let’s begin!
Thermostat-Related Problems
Before you inspect the outdoor unit, make sure that you check the thermostat first. It might be that your heat pump is not turning on due to the setting of the thermostat. Set the thermostat to either “cool” or “hot” depending on your desired temperature. However, if the thermostat setting is correct but the heat pump is still not turning on, then there might be a problem with the installation. It might be that the thermostat you have installed with the heat pump is not compatible.
Moreover, the wiring of the thermostat might be incorrect as well. It also might be due to your thermostat not sending signals properly to the heat pump. Sometimes the thermostat might require calibration. This is not a big problem to deal with. A professional repair service can solve the issue within a few minutes.
Quick Thermostat Test
If your fan is running, you can run a quick and simple thermostat test. This test requires you to set the temperature 5 degrees above or below the room temperature. After a minute or so, check the vents for cold/warm air. If there is cold/warm air flowing through the vents, the thermostat is performing fine.
Power Switches
Before going for the circuit breakers, check the unit’s power switch. However, not all heat pumps have switches. But if your heat pump happens to have one, it must be in the cabinet near the air handler. If it isn’t on, switch it on. Wait until the fan starts running. If the fan does not run, check the circuit breakers. If you have emergency switches installed in your house, do check them as well. Switch them off if they are turned on.
Tripped Circuit Breakers
Tripped circuit breakers are one of the most popular-reasons behind non-running heat pumps along with blown fuses. Sometimes circuit breakers trip due to heat pumps. If you want to be sure, check the subpanels and the main electric boards that are connected to the heat pump. Try flipping the switches to turn on the heat pump. Moreover, check the fuse and replace it if blown. However, if your circuit breakers keep tripping, you will need a professional to come to inspect the issue. It might be that faulty or burnt wires are causing the problem.
Component And Unit-Related Problems
If your heat pump is not turning on you might want to check the inner components as well. Although components like compressors, valves, and the start capacitor are made to stand the test of time but sometimes they can fail as well due to several reasons. If one part happens to fail, the heat pump will follow as well. Therefore, it is essential that you check them from time to time. However, it will require skilled technicians to troubleshoot a heat pump. Chances are that these parts might need replacement.
Reversing Valve
The reversing valve is designed to make the refrigerant flow in the proper direction. If you observe that the heat pump cools but does not heat and vice versa, there might be a problem and might need a replacement. Replacing the reversing valve is neither a tough job nor an expensive one. Therefore, as soon as you observe something fishy, call a specialist to come and inspect the problem.
Start Capacitor
The start capacitor as the name suggests is designed to start the heat pump by sending electrical signals to the motor. Watch closely on this component and listen to the clicking noises coming from the cabinet. That is a common sign of your capacitor failing. To fix it, call a pro.
Final Word
This blog aimed to discuss some of the reasons behind your heat pump not turning on. Before trying to fix things on your own, make sure that you diagnose the issue properly or else call a heat pump repair service Long Beach for help.
