Heat pumps are just as prone to developing problems of various kinds as any other HVAC system. While you’re using your heat pump on a regular basis, it’s a good idea to know the signs that it might be in-need of professional repair. The faster you are able to recognize that your heat pump is in trouble, the faster you’ll be able to get it fixed and the more damage you could possible prevent.
Leaking Fluid
One common sign that your heat pump needs to be repaired is the presence of leaks in the system. There are two different fluids that your heat pump might be leaking: condensate and refrigerant. Condensate is just runoff from the coil that the system uses to cool the home. It’s not an immediate threat to the system, but it is still something that you should have fixed. Refrigerant leaks, on the other hand, are a much more serious issue.
A refrigerant leak will compromise the heat pumps ability to heat or cool by robbing it of the fluid it needs to run. As the refrigerant level in the system drops, so to will its ability to cool the home. Eventually, it will drop so low that the heat pump will fail completely. Make sure that you always call for repairs as soon as you notice fluid leaking from your system, just in-case it’s refrigerant.
Refusal to Switch Modes
One of the best things about heat pumps is their ability to act as either heating or air conditioning systems. That ability can become more of a pain, though, if the system becomes stuck in one mode. If your heat pump refuses to switch modes, it probably has an issue with the reversing valve. This is the valve that directs refrigerant one way or the other through the heat pump in order to make it heat or cool. These issues can certainly be frustrating, especially if your system insists on blowing hot air in the middle of summer. You’ll need to have a professional technician fix the valve to restore the system to proper operation.
Short Cycling
Short cycling is a problem that can afflict almost any forced air heating or air conditioning system, and it’s always a major threat. Basically, short cycling is when your heat pump turns itself on and off every few minutes without completing a full heating or cooling cycle. This prevents the system from conditioning your home well, but it also makes it wear out much faster. Heat pumps that short cycle are much more likely to develop other issues, and tend to need to be replaced much earlier than systems that don’t short cycle. If you notice your heat pump doing this, make sure you have it checked out as soon as possible.
Total Comfort, Inc. provides comprehensive HVAC services in Riverside, CA. If you need any help keeping your heat pump in good shape this season, we’re here for you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our expert technicians.