Once fall arrives and the temperatures begin to drop, it’s time to turn on the heat to keep the interior of your home comfortable. There are several types of heat pumps available, and these systems typically last for around 10-20 years. Once your heat pump stops working properly, obtaining quick repairs can help you keep costs down and eliminate the need for a full replacement. To make sure you get your system repaired quickly, there are six signs you should be on the lookout for.
1. Heat Pump Runs Constantly
When a heat pump is working properly, it should heat your home to your desired temperature in an efficient manner. If you discover that your heat pump is running constantly, this is a sign that it’s not emitting the right amount of hot air to properly heat your home. There are several reasons why a heat pump may be running constantly.
Probably the most common cause of this problem is a dirty air filter. If you haven’t changed your filter for several months, it can be blocked with pollen, dust, dirt, and other debris. If the filter is fully clogged, it will restrict airflow, which causes your heat pump to run constantly to get air into the unit.
Leaking refrigerant is also a common cause of heat pump malfunctions. This substance is used when heating or cooling the air. If a leak occurs, the heat pump will be unable to effectively increase the indoor air temperature, which means that the system will run constantly. You’ll notice that your refrigerant is leaking if you discover ice buildup along the evaporator coils or higher utility bills. Additional causes of this issue include dirty coils and very high settings on your thermostat.
2. Cold Air Coming From the Heat Pump
One of the clearest signs that a heat pump isn’t running properly is that it’s sending out cold air when the thermostat is telling it to emit hot air. If the settings are correct, there may be several reasons why your home isn’t heating up. First, make sure you check if the fan is turned on. In the event that your fan runs continuously, the heat pump might not actively heat your home. This problem could be corrected by resetting the fan to auto mode.
There’s also a possibility that the passages from your heat pump are blocked. This type of system is designed to pull hot air from the outside before sending it throughout your home. When your outside vent is blocked by ice, snow, or leaves, your heat pump may be unable to perform the heating process. This is why you’ll feel cold air coming through even when the outside temperatures are cold.
There’s a chance that you’re feeling cold air because the air ducts in your home are leaking. If you find that your energy bills are high or there’s a considerable amount of dust in your house, it’s possible that the ducts are leaking. This issue should be fixed by a professional.
3. Heat Pump Isn’t Starting
If your heat pump isn’t starting, it may be broken entirely. It’s possible that the issue is a small one that requires a simple fix. One potential reason for this issue is that your thermostat has improper wiring. Look at the thermostat’s display to see if there’s anything out of the ordinary. For example, you should see that the heat is turned on. Thermostats can last for years, but they may eventually malfunction. This is something that can be checked by a professional.
Keep in mind that the starter capacitor may need to be fully replaced if your heat pump isn’t working. When the system first turns on, listen for any sound it emits. If you notice a clicking sound, there’s a chance that the starter capacitor is faulty. This component is necessary for sending electrical charges to the motor.
Your heat pump may not be starting because of a lack of a power source. When a heat pump first turns on, it draws a large amount of power, which could eventually cause the circuit breaker to trip. In this scenario, resetting the breaker may be all that’s needed to fix the issue. If, however, the breaker is tripping regularly, this is a sign that your heat pump has more underlying issues that need to be addressed.
4. You Hear Strange Sounds
You should be listening for strange sounds if you believe that your heat pump isn’t running properly. While heat pumps tend to make a lot of noise, there are a few sounds that you shouldn’t hear when the system is on. For example, loud banging or rattling noises are out of the ordinary. These sounds may be caused by ice buildup or a component becoming loose and hitting the fan’s blades.
When there are issues with the air handler or coolant piping, you might encounter regular vibrations while the system is on. Listen for additional sounds like buzzing or grinding, both of which indicate that components are dirty.
Hearing strange sounds can also be caused by an improperly sized heat pump. If the heat pump is too large, the system will heat your home too quickly, which will keep it from properly performing a heating cycle. When rapid cycling occurs, the motor in your heat pump will become worn out.
5. Odd Smells
Along with strange sounds, you may also notice odd smells. If you can’t explain these smells, one cause could be a broken heat pump. The most common smells caused by a poor heat pump include burning smells and odors that smell like dirty socks. This issue is often caused by mold buildup in your home’s ductwork or the system’s evaporator coils. Mold growth can create health problems, which is why this issue should be addressed immediately.
The strange smells could also be a sign of electrical issues. If you smell a strong, burning odor, the wiring could be faulty. A more pungent odor could indicate that the motor has overheated. In this scenario, it’s highly recommended that you turn the system off until an HVAC professional arrives.
6. Lack of Cool Air During the Summer
If your home isn’t receiving cool air during the summer, your heat pump could be broken. The easiest issue to fix involves poor communication between your thermostat and heat pump. If the thermostat setting seems to be correct, it’s possible that the temperature is being misread. Other potential causes of this problem include a broken reversing valve, dirty coils, and low refrigerant.
Do you need to repair your heat pump? If so, let us here at Dream Team Home Services provide your heat pump with efficient and reliable repairs. Whether your heat pump isn’t sending out cold air or you notice an odd smell, we’re here to help. We’ll diagnose the problem before providing an effective solution. Our team also provides plumbing, heating maintenance and installation, and electrical services for your Media, PA, home. Call Dream Team Home Services today to schedule an appointment for our heat pump repair services.
