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Lennox · Heat pump

E420 EIM defrost out of cycle

Medium severity

What the control is telling you

Defrost on the heat pump ran over 20 minutes (non-communicating heat pump paired with a communicating indoor unit). S30/S40 alert code 420; unit control shows E420.

Applies to: Lennox communicating heat pumps incl. variable-capacity inverter units in S30/S40 smart thermostat systems

Likely causes

  • Heat pump defrost control problem
  • Low charge or coil sensor issue

Test and repair steps

  1. Check heat pump defrost operation.
  2. Clears when the W1 signal is removed.

Settings for these units

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Source: Lennox Residential Communicating Systems Alert Code Guide (V2) 100017 (3/2023), Table 2 Alert Codes and Troubleshooting, p.32. Summarized in our own words; check the original manual for your model.

Homeowner looking at this code? See what it means for you and when to call a technician.

For licensed technicians. Gas, electrical and refrigerant work must be done by a qualified, licensed person. Shut off power and gas before servicing, never bypass a safety control, and follow the manufacturer’s manual for the exact model; it and local codes always take priority. HVACopedia is not affiliated with any manufacturer; brand and model names only identify the equipment.