How do I cut power to my heat pump?

Question

I am trying to install a new thermostat, and my fuse panel does not have a fuse labeled for the HVAC system. Am I missing something? I have looked for another, separate fuse panel and there is not one. Where could I cut the power to the system so I can do the change safely?

Answer 1

Patrick:

Are you sure the supply transformer is in the outdoor unit? Most I've encountered are in the indoor unit. There should be an on/off switch similar to a light switch near the air handler. Look for the power conduit running from the air handler to the wall. The switch should be close by this conduit.

If no switch is present, you will have to start the indoor blower fan, then shut one breaker at a time until the fan stops. Write down on the panel which breaker is for your indoor air handler.

Answer 2

It will do nothing if you pull the disconnect outside. Go to the unit inside there should be a breaker right and the Air-Handler itself, one or two 60 amp breakers depending on the tonnage. Make sure you know what you are doing before you start takein wires off the stat.

Answer 3

Like the others said, there should be a disconnect for the heat pump close to the unit. Or follow the wire from the unit and see where it goes.

Answer 4

I don't have a heat pump, but I have an AC and outside, by the compressor, is a thing that looks like a single fuse box--it's called a disconnect, so see if you have one of those. Seems strange that heat pump doesn't have its own circuit breaker, but . . . .

Answer 5

Check at the unit outside. Most have a disconnect switch within 3' of the unit by code.

Answer 6

ours has a disconnect right next to the unit outside on the wall.