Lennox EL296UHV Error Code h: Heat Pump Stage
What Does Code h Mean?
A lowercase h on the Lennox EL296UHV seven-segment display indicates that the system is heating using the heat pump. The display cycles through the heat pump stage, the percentage of input rate, and the CFM airflow setting before repeating.
This mode appears when the EL296UHV is installed as part of a dual-fuel system with a heat pump outdoor unit. During moderate cold weather, the heat pump provides heating more efficiently than gas. The furnace control board coordinates with the heat pump and manages the indoor blower speed to match the heat pump's output.
No action is needed. This is normal heating operation using the electric heat pump rather than the gas burners. The system will automatically switch to gas heat when outdoor temperatures drop below the heat pump's effective operating range, as determined by the thermostat's balance point settings.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a licensed HVAC technician if:
- The system shows heat pump mode but the air from the vents is cool or lukewarm
- The system never switches to gas heat even in very cold weather
✓ Verified against manufacturer service manual — March 2026