Reliance hybrid water heater runs fan/compressor constantly but water is not getting hot enough
Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Turn OFF power before cleaning coils or accessing sensors. Do not open the sealed refrigerant system.
Steps to check:
- 1. Check ambient conditions: Verify the room temperature is within Reliance’s recommended range for heat pump operation (often above ~45–50°F). In colder spaces, switch to hybrid or electric mode.
- 2. Clean air filter and coil: Remove and clean the air filter. Inspect the evaporator coil and gently clean dust and lint buildup.
- 3. Verify setpoint: Ensure the thermostat set temperature is not extremely high relative to ambient, which can make recovery slow.
- 4. Check tank sensors: Inspect and test tank temperature sensors for proper resistance. Replace faulty sensors that misreport temperature.
- 5. Call technician if needed: If performance remains poor after cleaning and sensor checks, a refrigerant or compressor issue may exist and requires professional service.
Note: In high-demand situations, using hybrid or electric-only mode may be necessary for adequate hot water.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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