Heat pumps can be a great alternative to other forms of heating and cooling. Not only does a heat pump allow you to heat your home without the use of an additional energy source, the price comparison on heat pumps vs. furnaces leaves heat pumps the clear winner. Still, there are some situations in which a heat pump may not be a good option, and you should be sure to look out for the common heat pump problems that go along with this technology. If you are considering switching to a heat pump, ask your heating & air conditioning team at Galmiche & Sons if a heat pump is a good option for you. For those already using a heat pump, read on to learn more about the most common heat pump problems you might face.
Common Heat Pump Problems
Your heat pump not turning on is one of the most common heat pump problems out there. If your heat pump does not appear to be turning on, check that it is not just an issue with your thermostat settings. If it is not that, and you know that your heat pump is sufficiently connected to power, there are a few other things you can check for. A clicking sound can indicate the start capacitor is broken, so if you hear odd noises, have your unit checked out as soon as possible.
If your heat pump is turning on, but not heating the air, you will also want to check for basic heat pump problems first. Make sure the unit & registers are not blocked to start. You should also check your air filters to make sure they do not need to be replaced.
Similarly, if your heat pump is not cooling, you should look out for similar issues as those listed above. Another of the common heat pump problems related to cooling alone though is that dirty components can become a problem for cooling before they affect heating. Make sure the unit is free of debris and that all your ducts are clear.
Finally, a constantly running heat pump is one of the most common heat pump problems people run into. This is sometimes just the result of very cold weather, sometimes beyond what a heat pump is rated for. It can also be the result of improper thermostat settings.
How to Resolve Common Heat Pump Problems
One thing to know about all these common heat pump problems, however, is that each can also be the result of more serious HVAC issues than dirty ducts and blocked registers. A broken reversing valve, for instance, can cause issues with both heating and cooling. So too can low refrigerant. For a constantly running heat pump, the issue could be a broken compressor contractor, which mediates power flow to the unit. These are all things that are more difficult to check yourself, and which will require a technician to fix. So, if you are not able to diagnose the problem, make sure to get in touch with an HVAC professional right away.
Get Help with Your Heat Pump Problems in St. Louis
If you would like more information about resolving common heat pump problems, or need to schedule an appointment for heating & air conditioning maintenance for your St. Louis area home or business, connect with us today!
