Icon
Reliable Heating and Cooling Solutions – Quality Service, Fair Prices, Guaranteed Satisfaction!

Gree Error Code H3: Compressor overload protection (Heat Pump)

Updated · by Aurora Star Tech Inc.

Gree error code H3 on a heat pump means: Compressor overload protection. It is also called Gree diagnostic code H3.

High severityHeat PumpGree Sapphire · Gree Livo GEN4 · Gree Vireo GEN3 · Gree Multi21+

Homeowner? What Gree code H3 means for you

Call a technician Your heat pump is reporting: Compressor overload protection. The heat pump has locked out or cannot run properly. One reset is fine; if the code comes back, it needs a licensed technician to find the cause.

Safe things you can check yourself

  • Check the thermostat: right mode (Heat or Cool), set a few degrees past room temperature, and fresh batteries if it uses them.
  • Check both breakers and the outdoor disconnect box beside the outdoor unit; all should be ON.
  • Look at the air filter. If it is grey and clogged, replace it; a blocked filter causes many shutdowns.
  • In winter, keep snow and ice off and away from the outdoor unit. A short defrost cycle with steam is normal.
  • Try one reset: turn the power off for 30 seconds, then back on. If the code comes back, stop resetting and call a technician.

Call (647) 657-2977Book a service call

Licensed technicians serving Vaughan, Toronto and the GTA.

What does Gree error code H3 mean?

The compressor overload protector opened.

Applies to: Gree Sapphire 9-24k (SAP..HP230V1A), Livo GEN4 30-36k (4LIV..HP230V1A), Vireo GEN3 9-24k (3VIR..HP115/230V1A), Multi21+ 18-24k multi-zone (MULTI..HP230V1CO)

Common causes of Gree code H3

  • Overload wire (OVC-COMP/SAT) loose
  • Overload protector failed
  • Refrigerant low or too high

A technician checks these and 3 other possible causes on site before replacing any part.

Safety: Gas, electrical and refrigerant work must be done by a licensed technician. Turn off power and gas before servicing, never bypass a safety control, and always follow the manufacturer's manual for your exact model.

Gree models that use code H3

3VIR09HP115V1A3VIR09HP230V1A3VIR12HP115V1A3VIR12HP230V1A3VIR18HP230V1A3VIR24HP230V1A4LIV30HP230V1AH4LIV36HP230V1AHMULTI18HP230V1COMULTI24HP230V1COSAP09HP230V1AHSAP12HP230V1AHSAP18HP230V1AHSAP24HP230V1AH

Other Gree Heat Pump codes

CodeMeaning
F9Compressor slowed - high discharge temperature
FHCompressor slowed - indoor coil anti-freeze
FoRefrigerant recovery (pump-down) mode
FPOutdoor DC fan motor fault
H0Compressor slowed - high indoor coil temp in heating
H1Defrost or oil return (status)
H4System abnormal (overload)
H5IPM (inverter module) protection
H6Indoor fan motor not running / no feedback
H7Compressor lost synchronism
H8Fan drive module overheated
H9Inverter fan lost synchronism

All Gree Heat Pump error codes →

Gree code H3: homeowner questions

What does Gree code H3 mean?

Compressor overload protection. The compressor overload protector opened.

Is it safe to keep using my heat pump with code H3?

It depends on the cause. The heat pump has locked out or cannot run properly. One reset is fine; if the code comes back, it needs a licensed technician to find the cause.

Can I reset Gree code H3 myself?

You can try one reset (power off for 30 seconds, then on). If Gree code H3 comes back, the cause is still there and a licensed technician should check it.

Who can fix Gree code H3 near me?

Aurora Star Tech Inc. repairs Gree heat pumps in Vaughan, Toronto and across the GTA. Call (647) 657-2977 or book a service call online.

Homeowner help: AC Running But Not Cooling: What to Check · Heat Pump Not Heating or Blowing Cold Air

Troubleshooting guides

Source: Gree Sapphire 9-12k (SAP09-12HP230V1A) service.pdf - section 9.1 Error Code List / 9.2 Procedure of Troubleshooting; Gree Sapphire 18-24k (SAP18-24HP230V1A) service.pdf - section 9.1 Error Code List / 9.2 Procedure of Troubleshooting; Gree Livo GEN4 30-36k (4LIV30-36HP230V1A) service.pdf - section 9.1 Error Code List / 9.2 Procedure of Troubleshooting; Gree Vireo GEN3 9-24k (3VIR..HP115-230V1A) service GREE_VIREOGEN3_SERVICE_090921.pdf - section 9.1 Error Code List / 9.2 Procedure of Troubleshooting; Gree Multi21+ multi-zone 18-24k (MULTI18-24HP230V1CO) service.pdf - section 9.1 Malfunction status sheet / 9.2 Malfunction Checking and Elimination. Written in our own words as a summary; always check the original manual.

General guidance for qualified technicians. The manufacturer's installation and service manual and local codes always take priority. Aurora Star Tech is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by any equipment manufacturer; brand and model names are used only to identify equipment and belong to their owners.

Emergency HVAC Service

647-657-2977