BUZZING NOISE FROM MY HEAT PUMP

Probably a weak breaker. I would change it and see if it happens again. If the problem continues call a hvac guy out

Without looking up the specifications for this heat pump, I cannot be certain, but I expect the operation to provide cooling may require more power than when heating. You probably can find the specifications online for this unit. As you probably know, power is measured in watts and is calculated by voltage times current. This also is likely to be 240 volts operation. If you take the specified power on cooling and divide by voltage (240), that will indicate the current in amperage that will be required to start it. Your circuit breaker is set for current and needs to be a higher current than is required. If that is the problem, you can buy circuit breakers at Home Depot or Lowes. You have to remove the front panel of your breaker box and snap out the circuit breaker. To be safe it would be good to turn off the main breaker switch before you open the front panel and remove the circuit breaker for the heat pump. Should your calculation of current required be less than the rating of the circuit breaker, that implies a malfunction of the heat pump in the cooling mode and would require a service call to the local representative of the heat pump manufacturer.

The electrical box on the new a/c unit is what is buzzing? If so then thats the contatcor making that sound and is nothing to be too concerned about. If that buzzing is coming from your breaker box then turn off that breaker and call an electrician.

Sounds like a loose connection or overloaded breaker, Please call a Electrician due to high voltage in box

You need an electrician before there is a fire.
If the breaker is not tripping, then the breaker is bad.

Act now before the heat damages the box and you need full replacement.
Absolutely put the metal cover back over the breaker box and keep the door closed.
Move all flammables away fro breaker box area.
Put a smoke detector right there.
Put a fire extinguisher nearby.
You don't put water on an electrical fire.

Before the electrician gets there, turn off as many electrical devices as you can.
Don't run all at one time.
Run just when needed.
Electric water heater.
Space heaters.
Vent fans.
Electric Stove.
Electric Oven.
Microwave.
Heat AC.
Electric Dryer.
Washing machine.
Power tools.
Big screen TV.
The outdoor lights, and swimming pool pump.
Turn off as many indoor lights as possible.

Now the freezers and refrigerator have to stay on.
Clean out the grilles so they run more efficiently.

Reducing your power consumption will be good practice.
When you call the electrician, tell him the brand and amperage of your main breaker.

If the whole box needs replacement, you might want to upgrade the service to 150Amp.
Some areas, it's code that old panels have to be upgraded to more amperage ... but the electrician will know the details. Call local electric supply house to double-check what the electrician tells you.

Easy: Turn the "fan" switch to on at the thermostat and see if the blower starts. If no start, check breaker at breaker box. Check service disconnect at or near the air handler. With the breaker and/or service disconnect OFF check the 3 or 5 amp fuse inside the top cover in the air handler.
Not so easy: (You must know what you are doing for this part or let an HVAC Tech do it for you) Open thermostat and firmly jump the Y and R terminals to see if you get the compressor to start for no more than 30 seconds. (don't do it more than once.) Jump the G and R terminals to see if you get the blower to start. If so, u have a bad thermostat. If not, check the transformer inside the same cover in air handler for proper voltage. (24V. Make sure you also get 220 on the opposite side of the transformer)
If the blower comes on, but the heat pump doesnt start, open the side cover of the heat pump, with the thermostat on cool, and the temp. setting as low as possible for at least 10 minutes see if the contactor is pulled in. If so, check the capacitor and see if it's blown out. Be super careful these systems operate with 220v and the amperes are enough to kill you if you make a simple mistake.

If your referring to the outdoor unit of heat pump, then most likely the noise you are hearing is the contactor pulled in. Check your breakers to ensure they are on.


If your referring to the air handler, then most likely you are hearing the transformer. Again, check the breakers. Also, check low voltage circuit to ensure the fuse is good (if applicable) and check for proper voltage.

1. The units should match up without a problem.
2. You will need a 40 or 50 amp breaker for the A/H and 5 KW heat strip. You will probably need a 20 or 25 Amp for the condensing unit. I would check the FLA (full load amps) rating on both units, total them and install a breaker with no more than 20% more rating than the total. You can install a small box at the A/H with a breaker for the A/H and one for the condensing unit.

The buzzing if it is real loud is a very wore out contactor and could be the cause of your unit not running. Check your circuit breaker. you'll likely need service and have the unit cleaned for best performance. Good luck Tom

I seem to have the same problem. But when I reset the breakers, they won't stay in the on position. They go back to the off position. What gives? It is 95F inside the house.