Heat Pump Thermostats - How to Troubleshoot Fix

How To Fix Heat Pump Thermostats - Troubleshooting

If your heat pump or portable heat pump thermostats stop working and you don't want to spend a lot of money on repairs, you can troubleshoot it yourself and may be able to fix it.  Just knowing how to fix this thermostat you'll be able to fix other thermostats as well.

So if your portable heat pump or window heat pump air conditioning unit isn't working properly here's what you need to do.

You want to make sure the problem is not in the heat pump's other parts, but in the thermostat.  And the thermostat is usually the first place to look and the first place to need repair.

Get out your Phillips screwdriver, some cotton swabs and some rubbing alcohol.

First problem - If heat is not reaching the proper set temperature -

If the problem is that the heat isn't reaching a set temperature that you think it should be here's what to do.

Take off the cover of the thermostat.  Just unsnap the housing from the thermostat base, just using your hands.

Find the heat anticipator which should be in the center.  It's a small disc and has some number sin it and the word 'longer" is usually printed on it. Assuming the temperature is reaching the temperature setting then with your finger move the dial about one calibration mark away from the word "longer".

Put the cover back on and check the heat pump after 2 hours or so and see if it's working properly.

Second problem - if your portable heat pump or heat pump air conditioner is not producing heat -

then first, turn off the power to the heat pump at your circuit breaker box.  Make sure you turn the right breaker!

Take the cover off of the thermostat and carefully clean the contact points on it with a cotton swab or Q-tip and some rubbing alcohol.

Now look over and tighten any wire terminal connections that appear loose.  Use your Phillips screwdriver to do it.

If you have a digital thermostat then make sure the battery is working.  There should be a light to indicate that.

Now put the thermostat cover back on and set the temperature.  Now turn the power on to the heat pump-- from the circuit breaker. That should so it.  If either method doesn't work you may have to check your warranty and/or take it in or send it in for repairs. Hopefully you won't have to do that.  This is a good way to fix heat pump thermostats.