The heat pump install that went sideways in 20 minutes

Last month in Portland I watched my new heat pump trip its breaker three times on startup. The installer had matched the disconnect box to the old 15-amp circuit, but this unit needed 25. I caught it when I checked the nameplate after the second trip, and we had to run a new line from the panel. Cost me an extra $180 and two days, so if you're replacing an older system, ask for the electrical specs up front. Has anyone else had a contractor assume the existing wiring would handle a bigger unit?

1 comments

1 Comment

mason.keith19d ago

You ever assume the old wiring was fine just because the unit fit in the same spot? I used to think that was a safe bet, like a plug and play swap. Then I put in a mini split that pulled way more on startup than my ancient AC, and the breaker popped before I even got my tools put away. Now I always check the nameplate first, even if the contractor says it's a direct match, because that extra trip to the panel is never worth the headache.