Power outages might be common in areas like Castle Pines, Colorado, but they’re never convenient. Whether the electricity goes out because of a fierce winter storm, an accident, or a sudden power surge, getting everything back up and running is always the Number One priority.
While most appliances won’t sustain any long-term damage without electricity, you might panic to discover a heat pump not working after power outages stretch on for some time. As the leader in heat pump repair services in Castle Pines, Colorado, we receive calls from worried homeowners about this issue every now and then. Fortunately, it’s an easy problem to solve, as a little troubleshooting can get your sump pump working again in no time.
How Castle Pines Power Outages Affect Heat Pumps
When the power comes back on after an outage, don’t you expect everything you had running previously to come right back on without any trouble? That’s not always the case with heat pumps, though.
Losing electricity can cause a host of issues, including:
- Thermostat malfunctions
- Tripped circuit breakers
- Blown fuses
- Frozen condenser coils
- Wiring damage
If you discover the heat pump not working after power outages end, the first step is to check the circuit breaker and reset it if it has tripped. A sudden power surge as the grid restores the electricity might trip the breaker, which will affect both the heat pump and the thermostat. If the circuit breaker isn’t the problem, the next issue to check would be the condenser coils, which might freeze over if the power stays off for some time.
The heat pump won’t work until the coils thaw. So, when the coils freeze, the only option is to wait for the ice to melt before trying to turn the heat pump back on. An emergency heat mode should help as you wait several hours to warm up the refrigerant and get it moving again so that the heat pump can work.
Does the Heat Pump Need Resetting?
In many cases, a heat pump not working after power outages in Castle Pines will only need a reset.
Your heat pump’s reset button usually sits near the power supply point. However, you’ll want to double-check your owner’s manual for specific instructions. Most units require you to press and hold the button for up to five seconds, at which point you’ll notice the indicator lights flashing or running through a sequence before the system restarts.
Remember, once you reset your heat pump, you may need to adjust the settings and temperature. Resetting the thermostat might also be necessary to restore the heat pump’s full functionality.
When To Call a Castle Pines HVAC Professional for Help
Let’s be clear that the above scenarios are all for when the heat pump hasn’t sustained any damage with the power fluctuations. However, on rare occasions, surges cause significant damage to your home’s electrical system, including appliances like the heat pump. If the troubleshooting tips above don’t solve the heat pump problem, call local HVAC professionals like Southwest Heating & Cooling to investigate
Power outages also cause internal damage to heat pumps that require professional repair. For instance, a capacitor delivers the initial boost of power to the unit’s blower motor and compressor, so if it fails, the heat pump won’t come back on, and you’ll have to replace the part. If you notice any frayed or damaged wires or loose connections, those are also heat pump repairs that only trained experts can safely address.
Even when you don’t have a problem with the heat pump not working after power outages end, you might notice the following heat pump issues that require a professional’s attention:
- Persistent error codes
- Unusual noises or smells from the heat pump
- Frequently circuit breaker tripping
- Inconsistent temperatures
- Uses more electricity or runs longer than it did previously
These are all signs of a mechanical issue inside your heat pump. Continuing to run the unit without fixing it can result in total pump failure.
Get Help With Heat Pump Problems From Castle Pines’ Top HVAC Company
If you discover your heat pump not working after power outages come to an end, and none of the basic reset tasks do the trick, call Southwest Heating & Cooling in Castle Pines, CO.
Don’t hesitate to call us with questions or concerns about your home’s HVAC system or heat pump. We’re available to help with everything, from explaining why the water heater connects to the furnace to helping you select energy-efficient replacements.