Reclaim fault code E5
High-pressure fault (CO2).
What E5 actually means
High pressure fault on the CO2 circuit. Reclaim runs carbon dioxide as a refrigerant at much higher pressures than an ordinary heat pump, so its pressure protection is more sensitive and worth respecting.
What causes it
- Restricted airflow across the evaporator, often leaves or lint
- Water flow problem between the heat pump and the tank
- A failing circulation pump
- Heat exchanger fouling
- Refrigerant charge issue
Most likely first. That order is from what we actually find on site, not from the manual.
Safe to check yourself
No tools, no covers off, nothing to do with gas, refrigerant or wiring.
- Turn the system off at the controller
- Clear anything blocking airflow to the outdoor heat pump
- Check nothing has grown up against it over summer
What we check on site
So you know what you’re paying for.
- CO2 circuit pressures against Reclaim's spec
- Water flow rate between heat pump and tank
- Circulation pump operation
- Heat exchanger and evaporator condition
Can you keep using it?
No. Stop it and book it. The good news is that Reclaim's heat pump warranty runs ten years parts and labour on their own unit, so if the system is within that window this is very likely covered.
What the fix usually involves
Often airflow or water flow rather than the refrigerant circuit itself. Where it is the circuit, it is a warranty job through Reclaim rather than something to pay for out of pocket.
Is it worth fixing?
That depends almost entirely on how old the unit is. Past about ten years on hot water and gas heating, and twelve on aircon, a significant repair usually costs more per remaining year than a replacement does — and it’s the same point at which the VEU rebate is worth the most, because old inefficient appliances are exactly what the scheme pays to remove. If yours is young and the fault is a component, we’ll fix it and say so.
Repair or replace? The 10-year rule, and what the rebate is worth →