Oklahoma Service Technician Practice Exam

When a heat pump is running in heating mode but not producing heat, it is crucial to check for a tripped breaker and ensure the outdoor unit is functioning. The heat pump relies on the outdoor unit to extract heat from the outside air, even in colder temperatures. If the outdoor unit is not operating correctly, it will not be able to transfer heat into the home.

Additionally, a tripped breaker can indicate an electrical issue that may prevent the heat pump from running properly or may cut power to critical components, leading to heat production failure. By verifying that the breaker is intact and confirming that the outdoor unit is operational, you can ascertain whether the problem lies with the power supply, unit function, or perhaps another underlying issue.

This step is fundamentally important as it addresses potential immediate causes of the problem, allowing for an effective and efficient approach to troubleshooting before moving on to more complicated checks, such as inspecting the ductwork or changing components.