Three Most Common Problems with Your Heat Pump

All across America, homeowners are trading in their more expensive, less energy-efficient furnaces for heat pumps to keep their homes comfortable all year round. These unique systems extract heat from the outside air through the complicated physics of thermodynamics and shuttles heated air throughout your home to keep the temperature warm in the winter. Heat pumps are able to cool your home in the summer using the same principle in reverse. If you’ve never owned a heat pump before, however, there are a few common issues you should be aware of before installation.

My Heat Pump Isn’t Running

You can’t very well keep your home cozy this winter if the heat pump won’t even turn on, can you? If the heat pump is relatively new, you most likely have an electrical problem with the wires connecting the pump to the rest of your HVAC system. The issue may be with the thermostat, power input or main electrical grid.

First, try checking your circuit breaker. You may be able to solve the problem simply by resetting the breakers. If the issue persists, you’ll need to look elsewhere. Check around your external heat pump. If you notice any frayed or burned out wiring, you’ve probably found the source of the failure. Because this issue is most often associated with your system’s electrical wiring, it’s important you call in a trained professional to handle it. Fiddling with electricity can be exceedingly dangerous for the untrained homeowner.

My Heat Pump Doesn’t Work Effectively

No one wants to turn on the heat in the winter or air conditioning in the summer only to realize their system isn’t operating at optimum efficiency. When your heat pump isn’t warming or cooling like it should be, there are a few issues that may be the cause of it all.

• Clogged ductwork can prevent the warmed or cooled air from circulating throughout your home. Make sure your ducts are professionally cleaned occasionally and dust your vents and register frequently.
• Dirty air filters can have an effect similar to clogged ducts. They block airflow and force your heat pump to work harder than necessary.
• Inaccurate thermostat readings can trick your heat pump into heating or cooling less than is needed. Check your thermostat to ensure it’s reading the temperature correctly.
• Low refrigerant levels prevent warmer air from being cooled for use indoors. Have a professional check your refrigerant levels and top them off, if needed.

If you need help checking any of these problems or aren’t sure where to start, call a repair technician for assistance.

My Heat Pump Is Making Strange Noises

Whether it’s clanging, grinding, banging, booming or squealing, no one wants to hear strange noises coming from appliances or machinery. These sounds could be an indicator something’s wrong with your heat pump.

If you notice rattling or clanging when you use the heat pump, there may be some loose nuts or bolts bouncing around inside. Give a technician a call to find them and set them right again.

For squealing, grinding or creaking, a technician may instead look for signs of wear on the motor or its bearings. Don’t let noises like these go without investigation, as loose parts or worn components could cause more damage later on.

HVAC Repair and Installation in Greensboro, NC

If you’re already preparing the rest of your home for the chilly winter months, why not show your heat pump some love, too? Although the cold has already set in, it’s not too late to have your heat pump checked and professionally maintained. You’ll save money, energy and stress later in the season knowing your system has a clean bill of health.

At Kay Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc., we value the trust our clients place in us to keep their families comfortable all year long. We employ highly-trained, experienced technicians to handle every one of your HVAC needs. No job is too big or too small. Whether you’re interested in installing a new heat pump or repairing your current pump, you can rely on us to help you choose the right installation and repair options for you. To schedule an appointment with a technician today, contact us online or call 336-274-6323.