The Heat Pump Owner’s Guide
to Trouble-Free Operation
AIR FLOW
Closing registers restricts air flow and
can reduce the performance of your
heat pump and damage the compressor.
Always leave supply and return registers
open and clear, even if a room is not in
use. Do not block registers with furni-
ture, carpet, drapes or other objects.
THE OUTDOOR UNIT
Keep the outdoor unit free of grass,
loose leaves, shrubbery and any other
obstruction. Clean the outdoor unit by
spraying it with a garden hose. ALWAYS
BE SURE TO CUT OFF POWER BEFORE
ATTEMPTING TO CLEAN THE OUTDOOR
UNIT. Remove snow from the outdoor
unit with a brush or broom. Snow accu-
mulation beneath the heat pump is not
a problem as long as the air flow is not
blocked.
ANNUAL SERVICE CHECK
Have a qualified heat pump contrac-
tor check your heat pump annually.
The best time to check it is before
the start of the heating or cooling
season. Most contractors offer vari-
ous service plans which cover routine
and emergency maintenance.
Troubleshooting Guide
If you run into problems or have a question about your heat pump’s operation, check this guide. Your
owner’s manual may have additional suggestions. If the problem is not listed or you cannot remedy the
situation, contact your heat pump contractor for assistance.
PROBLEM
POSSIBLE CAUSE
REMEDY
The outdoor unit is OFF, but
• A fuse in your home may be blown or the
• Replace fuse or reset circuit breaker
the indoor fan is still working.
circuit breaker tripped.
•
Most units also have a disconnect switch
• Make sure the switch is in the ON
located near outdoor unit.
position, reset circuit breaker or
replace fuses.
The indoor temperature is not
• The indoor supply or return registers
• Clear drapes, furniture or other
meeting the setting on the
are blocked.
objects that are blocking registers.
thermostat.
•
The system switch and fan switch have
• Adjust the temperature to the
been incorrectly set.
appropriate setting. Winter - 69 F
Summer - 78 F – 80 F .
•
The outdoor coil is partially blocked.
• Clear leaves, snow or other
materials from around outdoor unit.
•
Filters are dirty.
• Clean or replace filters.
•
Indoor thermostat is located near a heat
• Move heat-producing appliances
source such as sunlight, a lamp, TV, etc.
away from thermostat.
•
Indoor thermostat is located near a draft.
• Secure nearby doors and windows.
The supplementary/Aux heat light
•
Outdoor temperature is below the 35°F to
• Normal operation. No maintenance
is ON and the indoor unit IS
40°F range. Supplementary heat has been
is necessary.
OPERATING.
activated to keep your home comfortable.
• Indoor thermostat has been adjusted up
• Reset thermostat to original setting,
two or more degrees.
unless use of supplemental heat is
desired.
The supplementary/Aux heat light
• System malfunction.
• Contact your heat pump contractor.
is ON and the indoor unit IS
NOT OPERATING.
The outdoor unit runs continuously.
• Outdoor temperature is below 30°F. Heat
• Normal operation. No maintenance
pump is working to keep your home
is necessary.
comfortable.
• The outdoor coil is partially blocked.
• Clear away leaves, snow or other
materials from outdoor unit.
• The indoor thermostat is not level on the wall. • Move thermostat to a level position.
• Low refrigerant level in unit.
• Contact your heat pump contractor.
There is little or no airflow
• The filters are dirty.
• Clean or replace filters.
at the supply registers.
• The return grill is blocked.
• Clear away blockage.
• Blower motor failure.
• Contact your heat pump contractor.
• Possible air leak from ducts.
• Contact your heat pump contractor
to seal ductwork.
133-02-09
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