Signs a Heat Pump Needs to Be Repaired
The only way to preserve indoor comfort and prevent significant losses is to hire a heat pump repair service at the first sign of trouble.
A malfunctioning heat pump can cause many problems. It might not generate optimal temperatures, and it could cost the owner a lot of money. The only way to preserve indoor comfort and prevent significant losses is to hire a heat pump repair service at the first sign of trouble.
Here are the most common signs a heat pump needs repairs:
Higher energy bills
Broken heat pumps are less efficient than fully functional units. As a result, they require more electricity to operate, which raises energy bills. Homeowners who notice a spike in their bills should contact a heating professional to verify the cause.
Restricted airflow
A heat pump can only work correctly with optimal airflow. It's what allows the system to keep the place at steady temperatures. However, the house becomes less comfortable if foreign objects or dust block the air from the appliance. The most reliable way to resolve the issue is to hire a skilled HVAC technician to inspect the unit.
Unusual sounds
Unusual noises might be the most common sign a heat pump needs fixing. Therefore, people should listen for several sounds, such as grinding, hissing, and gurgling. They may indicate some components of the device need to be fixed. But, again, hiring a licensed contractor is the best solution because several issues may be causing the noise.
Operating in one mode only
Heat pumps control refrigerant flow with reversing valves, allowing the owner to cool or heat the home with the appliance. However, many issues with valves can prevent the device from operating well and possibly lock it in one mode.
Ice on coil
It's not uncommon to see ice on outdoor heat pump components. It occurs as part of the standard heating process.
Still, thick ice or ice that comes into contact with moving parts or doesn't defrost periodically is a red flag. Excessive build-up can prevent the components from doing their job and restrict airflow, reducing the system's efficiency.
Short cycling
Heat pumps that turn on and off more than they should are called short-cycling heat pumps. In these situations, the system operates way below its optimal efficiency, which can cause energy bills to skyrocket. Plus, the appliance wears out much faster, increasing the risk of a premature replacement.
Auxiliary heat is constantly active
Auxiliary heat mode activates when the system turns on its electric heaters within the air handler. The program usually operates if the house temperature and the heat pump's temperature settings are at least two degrees apart.
Nevertheless, if auxiliary heat is constantly turned on, the system might need to be inspected for malfunctions.
Leave troubleshooting to specialists
DIY heat pump diagnostics can be tempting, but they can do more harm than good. Instead, book a trusted heat pump expert to repair the unit to its original condition quickly and safely.
Modern Air Conditioning & Heating is a Boulder City-based HVAC company offering 15 years of experience in residential and commercial HVAC services for all makes and models. You can also call us directly at (702) 919-4365.
