Bradford White Heat Pump
Error Codes
Bradford White heat pump from the Aerotherm series is the advanced water heater that utilizes the diagnostic system and error codes, to notify the user or the service technician about the problem inside the unit. Problems, such as the - no hot water, not enough hot water, water is too hot, unusual noise, water leak, rotten egg smell… are some of the most common problems, and are usually followed by the beeping sound and the flashing screen.
Even for some complicate problems such as the faulty elements, the error code appears on the display of the control panel/controller indicating heater’s malfunctions. Thanks to the smart electronics and displayed error codes, the user can take advantage and successfully perform the troubleshooting.
Off course it is more convenient and safer to call the professional service, more expensive too, but if planning to fix the problem… here is the list of the common Bradford White error codes, with the explanation of the cause, symptoms and steps that have to be taken for the repair.
A list of error codes
Error code: FA
Problem description and fix: The problem might be with the refrigerant leak from the compressor or an issue with the sensor T4 that measures the compressor outlet temperature, its wiring and loose connections. At the beginning of the operation, during 30 min, when the compressor is running, the temperature rise at least 20 F. Also check the operation of the Electronic Expansion Valve - EEV.
Error code: Fb
Problem
description and fix: Problem is the same as the above with the error
code FA - after 30 minutes of working, the heat pump must increase the
temperature over 120 F and stays stable.
Error code: FC
Problem
description and fix: Similar to the above problem, symptoms and repair,
but instead the T4 sensor that measures the compressor outlet
temperature , check the T3 - evaporator inlet temperature sensor; that
the temperature is, after the first 30 min, over 20 F and that there is
no frost on the evaporator.
Error code: Fd
Problem
description and fix: The following sensors must be checked: T3a, T3b
and T5 - and that the temperature difference is correct, also the
wiring, resistance and mounting, including the filter. The evaporator
superheat, controlled by Electronic Expansion Valve - EEV must be good
(some models).
Error code: FE
Problem description and
fix: The compressor discharge temperature should not exceed the 240 F
and the temperature measured on T4 sensor must be less than 240 F. Also
there should not be any fluid leak from the compressor. The EEV element
must be operational.
Error code: FF
Problem
description and fix: Check the T3a, T3b sensors, mounting and wiring,
EEV operation and for a possible refrigerant leak. The control checks
that the EEV is operating properly.
Error code: FG
Problem description and fix: No problems with the heat pump. T5 sensor checks that the ambient temperature is in the normal range from 45 to 120 F, and if not, the unit will switch to Electric or Standard mode.
Error code: FH
Problem
description and fix: No fault code displayed but can be seen in
diagnostic mode. The check is used to help technician evaluate the
compressor temperature overload device.
Error code: FI
Problem description and fix: Make sure that the evaporator superheat is lower than 20 F (usually 10 F) and that the EEV position is lower than 450, after 30 min of working, otherwise there is a refrigerant leak. So, except checking the system for a leak, also check the T3a and T3b sensors’ resistance, mounting and wiring connections.
Error code: F2
Problem
description and fix: T2 temperature sensor failure. Since this sensor
checks the tank temperature, check its resistance, mounting and wiring.
Use the service mode to check the sensor temperature - it should be in
the range from 30 F to 170 F.
Error code: F3
Problem
description and fix: Compressor failure - no current flow detected.
Recommendation is to check the start capacitor, overload device, wiring
and relay.
Error code: F4
Problem description and fix: A fan malfunction - check the element and wiring.
Error code: F5
Problem description and fix: Check the T2a sensor for the shorted or open circuit. The T2a is the evaporator inlet temperature sensor.
Error code: F6
Problem
description and fix: T3b sensor failure - shorted or open circuit. The
T3b is the evaporator outlet temperature sensor. Check the wiring,
mounting and resistance.
Error code: F7
Problem description and fix: T4 sensor failure - measures compressor outlet temperature. Look for the open or shorted circuit. Also check the sensor wiring, mounting and resistance.
Error code: F8
Problem description and fix: T5 sensor failure - it checks the ambient temperature. Look for the shorted or open circuit. Check the T5 sensor wiring, mounting and resistance.
Error code: F9
Problem
description and fix: Check the lower heating element for the failure or
bad wiring. The current sensor does not detect the current when it is
energized.
Error code: F10
Problem description and fix: Similar to error F9, but this time the upper heating element needs to be checked as there is no current flow.
Error code: F11
Problem description and fix: This faulty error message comes up if the water storage tank is not full of water (or enough for a safe operation), so the heating elements won’t burn out.
Error code: F12 (bad line)
Problem description and fix: The voltage is low, lower than 155 V as soon as it is powered up. The normal voltage range is from 208 V to 220 V.
Error code: F13
Problem description and fix: F13 code shows when the button on the control panel is stuck and is not operable - the fault code clears when the buttons becomes free again.
Error code: F14 / dirty filter
Problem description and fix: The filter needs to be cleaned for a normal operation. F14 code shows a number of the “dirty filter” occurrences.
Error code: F15
Problem description and fix: Problem in the Data Flash, permanent memory storage.
(Photos courtesy of Bradford White)
