Heat pumps are one of the most efficient heating solutions for our homes, but also one of the newest. Even if you own a heat pump, you may not be aware of the basic troubleshooting that you can do to solve some of its issues. Here is a quick guide to common heat pump problems and how to fix them.
Heat Pump Won’t Turn On
One of the most frustrating problems with a heat pump is when they simply will not turn on. Thankfully, this one is usually an easy fix. The breakers powering the heat pump or the thermostat may have tripped. Or, it’s possible that your thermostat is not programmed correctly. If neither of these problems is present, then you will probably need a professional’s help as it could be the starter capacitor or the reversing valve.
Heat Pump Not Heating
What if you can turn the heat pump on, but it isn’t producing warm air? A few problems could be the root cause here, including:
- Dirty air filter: If you haven’t changed your air filter recently, it may be the problem. If it restricts airflow, the heat pump produces heat, but it doesn’t go anywhere.
- Refrigerant leak: Heat pumps rely on refrigerant to move heat into your home. If there is a leak, it may not make any heat at all.
- Blocked unit: Outside forces can block air to the unit and prevent it from spreading heat. You might have leaves, snow, or ice on the unit.
Typically, you need a professional’s help to resolve this problem, unless you are comfortable changing the air filter yourself.
Are you experiencing issues with your heat pump, reach out to our experts at Ken Philp ClimateCare to find out more or to schedule an appointment.
Frost on or Frozen Outdoor Unit
Speaking of frost or ice on the outdoor unit, what do you do if your heat pump has this problem in winter or in summer? If it’s the summer, you should turn the unit off immediately, because ice buildup can really harm it in the hot weather. You will need a professional to fix this one.
In winter, you have a few more options. You don’t want to pick away at ice, as you may damage the unit. But you can shovel snow away. You can also look for leaking gutters or other sources of water that may have caused the ice. If you can’t find any sources, you should reach out to your HVAC professional for help. There are several other causes of this issue that only a professional can help with, including:
- Broken fan motor
- Malfunctioning defrost timer
- Low refrigerant
Heat pump maintenance is important to avoid all of these problems and keep your heat pump working as effectively as possible. You can get maintenance and heat pump repairs from our experts at Ken Philp Climate Care. Reach out to us today for help with your heat pump.
