Your heat pump uses outside air to heat your home in the winter and keep it cool in the summer. The benefits of doing so gives users the ability to save money and have more efficient cooling and heating. In certain situations, these systems are more energy efficient than using traditional furnaces and air conditioners, which can end up costing more in the long run. It is important to be familiar with yourHVAC System in case of heat pump problems, which most of the time can be resolved very easily. In this article, we will talk about some of the most common heat pump problems and some solutions for solving the problems yourself.
To learn more about our St. Louis HVAC services and how we can help with your heating & air conditioning needs, contact us today online or by phone at 314-993-1110.
Most Common Heat Pump Problems & Their Solutions
If you are experiencing one or more of these heat pump problems, continue reading to find out more about what you can do to resolve them.
- Failure to Turn On – If your heat pump is not turning on, the heat pump problem could either be that your thermostat or unit itself not receiving power. To resolve this, check the main electrical panel that supplies the heat pump and thermostat with power. It is possible that the circuit breaker could have tripped and may need to be reset. Often times, you should contact a professional when it comes to electrical concerns for your safety. However, the following are some basic DIY steps you can take if you suspect this heat pump problem:
- Make sure that the thermostat is set to the proper setting.
- Be sure the heat pump is receiving power. Check the electrical panel that supplies power to the unit. If the circuit breaker has tripped, switch it from OFF to ON. If it happens again, then it is time to contact a professional.
- If the heat pump is connected to a power switch, be sure that it is turned on.
- If your heat pump has electrical elements that provide supplemental heat (most do), the circuit breakers or fuses that protect the heating elements, which are usually located in the air handler cabinet may have tripped or blown.
- Not Heating or Cooling Correctly – One common reason for this heat pump problem is that your air duct may be blocked. If it is not blocked, it is best you check and clean your filter as this may resolve the issue. If you hear strange sounds like rattling, it could indicate a more serious problem such as loose hardware. Try to detect noises as early as you can to save time and money.
- Heat Pump Not Cooling Down – Low levels of refrigerant can cause your heat pump to not function properly or ultimately fail completely. Adding more refrigerant requires an experienced professional to do this for you.
- Insufficient Heat Production – Keeping in mind that heat pumps are not able to exert air that is as hot as furnaces, it may actually be working properly. However, if you are certain that the air it is producing is not hot enough, this could be a heat pump problem. Take the following steps:
- Be sure the room-heating registers are open.
- Check the heat pump filter and if it is dirty, change it.
- Be sure the thermostat is set properly. Raise the set temperature 5 degrees F. and then wait a few minutes.
- If you still experience problems, contact a professional to diagnose and resolve the heat pump problem.
- Freeze Ups or Breaker Trips – It is not out of the ordinary for your heat pump to ice-up in really hot weather when it is running at peak capacity, but it should defrost on its own. If it is frozen and does not defrost, turn the heat pump off. If it still does not unfreeze, it may be time to contact an HVAC professional about your heat pump problem.
- Heat Pump Blower Does Not Work – There could be two things causing this heat pump problem: The thermostat or the limit switch. The limit switch in a furnace or heat pump is designed to shut off the heat pump off if the air gets too hot. Check the thermostat to see if the Fan switch has been turned on. If it has, turn it to OFF or to Auto. If it is set to OFF or Auto already, the heat pump’s limit switch needs to be adjusted. In this case, you will probably, want to contact a professional about your heat pump problem.
- Unordinary Noises – If you hear sounds such as grinding or squealing, shut off the heat pump immediately, and call a professional about your heat pump problem. If it is just a subtle rattling noise, make sure everything is secured tightly. It could just be loose hardware, which is a heat pump problem that can easily be resolved.
Contact Us for Help with Your Heat Pump Problems
While many heat pump problems can be resolved on your own, there are occasions where professional service is necessary. In this case, you need a trustworthy heating and cooling company that can offer a wide range of services to meet your heating & air conditioning needs. In St. Louis, contact Galmiche & Sons today! To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment to address your heat pump problems, contact us today at 314-993-1110 or via our online form.
