Heat pumps play a significant role in maintaining the comfort in your home all year. However, they can develop common issues like any HVAC system and require repairs that can sometimes cost exorbitant amounts of money. Let’s explore some common heat pump issues as well as strategies for preventing them.
Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant leaks can be dangerous. Not only is the refrigerant flammable, but leaks can damage your compressor because your system will need to work harder to achieve your desired temperature. Having your heat pump checked by a professional to ensure no leaks are present is the best course of action for preventing more extensive repairs.
Frozen Coils
Frozen coils can occur for several reasons. Airflow can be restricted because the coils are dirty. Low refrigerant can also be responsible for your coils freezing, along with malfunctioning components. Some measures you can take to prevent frozen coils include changing your filters regularly, making sure air flows freely by ensuring none of your vents is blocked, and scheduling routine system maintenance.
You should change your filters four times each year. If you live with many animals or people, then experts advise that you change your filters once every month.
Malfunctioning Thermostat
When your thermostat isn’t working properly, your heat pump won’t be able to regulate the temperature in your home. Your system will run unnecessary cycles and be subjected to more wear and tear because it’s working harder. A system that works harder can potentially break down, and you’ll spend more to get it operational again. Having a professional recalibrate your thermostat periodically will solve this problem. In some cases, you may need a thermostat upgrade, especially if you’re working with an older model.
Problems With Your Defroster
During colder weather, heat pumps run a defrosting cycle to remove frost from the coils on outdoor units. If too much frost accumulates on the coils, the heat transfer process will be interrupted, and you won’t be able to regulate the temperature in your home. Check the defrost system to make sure it’s functioning properly. The way you do this is by seeing if there’s an accumulation of frost on your coils. As soon as you notice that the frost isn’t going away, contact a professional for help immediately.
Preventing these common heat pump issues is highly beneficial, as it can save homeowners from the expense of frequent repairs. To prevent these issues outlined above, schedule yearly maintenance. During a maintenance check, an HVAC technician will thoroughly inspect your heat pump for issues, work with you to fix any problems they find, and clean and lubricate all moving components. If you live in Central GA and the FL Panhandle and need help making sure your heat pumps are performing optimally, call your friendly professionals at We Care Heating & Air Conditioning.
