All You Need to Know about Heat Pump Repair
Let’s be honest; we all hate it when our house gets too cold or too warm.
Unfortunately, heat pumps, just like any other heating system, can break down at times and even stop functioning altogether.
But the good news is that numerous companies and repair technicians can fix your heat pumps in no time! In the US alone, the heat pump market size was $13.6 billion in 2023.
So, if you don’t know where to start or how the entire heat pump repair system works, then don’t worry because this article is perfect for you!
So come on, let’s get started!
1. Low battery on the thermostat
If your heat pump isn’t working well, it can be an issue related to the thermostat batteries inside. You might feel that the underlying problem is a big one, but in many cases, heat pump issues are caused by damaged or dead batteries that have been lodged inside for too long.
Thermostats require double or triple-A batteries that should ideally be changed every few years. If you haven’t used your thermostat very frequently or may have forgotten to change the batteries, it can cause your entire heat pump to perform poorly.
So, start by inspecting the battery status and health.
2. Strange smells from the pump
Another very common problem that people face is strange smells coming from their heat pump system. These can also sometimes be accompanied by loud noises.
In this case, it’s best to call an HVAC professional to get the issue checked.
If the internal wires or batteries are damaged, you can injure yourself if you don’t know how to repair the heat pump yourself.
Maybe the refrigerant leak in the outdoor unit of the pump can get damaged, causing the noise and odor.
You should immediately shut down the system and ask a repairman to take a look before the heat transfer efficiency becomes low.
3. Sudden hike in electricity bills
Unreasonable hikes on your electricity bills can be due to inefficient heat pumps.
Months and years of dust, dirt, and corrosion often lead to blockages in the pump system. So, depending on where you live, you have to check the condition of the pump regularly.
For example, heat pump installation in Seattle and its maintenance will be pretty different from that installed in a quiet, pollution-free suburb. Moreover, cold weather can also cause your system to be less efficient.
4. Lack of good airflow
A good airflow is necessary when it comes to the outdoor unit that will be installed outside your house. Ideally, the unit should be installed at least three or four feet away from vegetation, such as grass, flowers, and small shrubs in the backyard.
If you see that the heat pump isn’t working well and needs repair, it might be because of the grass and vegetation blocking the outdoor unit. You may either clear the plant and debris away or keep checking the heating coil.
Rinse and clean the coil at least once a year using the shower setting on your garden hose.
5. Frost buildup
During the colder months of the year, you might find your heat pump malfunctioning more frequently. This is because it needs to go into defrost mode, which stops the fan on the outdoor unit from turning.
However, the compressor still keeps running, which is why you might notice steam coming out from the outdoor unit. If not handled carefully, the entire system can break down and you may injure yourself trying to fix it.
Instead of doing anything right then, wait for the process to get over as the steam emanates for only a few minutes. Once the cycle is over, the system will reboot and work perfectly.
6. Malfunctioning with another heating system
In many areas, the heat pump system works together with a furnace. If the temperature drops too much and the weather becomes very cold, the heat pump can stop working or make squeaky or grinding sounds.
This, of course, will depend on the kind of heating system that you have and where you live. But in general, heat pumps that work well with electric furnaces will continue to function no matter how cold the weather is.
But if the furnace system is a propane or gas-based system, then the heat pump might completely shut down and turn on only the furnace.
Conclusion
Heat pumps are not easy machines and, hence, must not be DIYed. Instead, get in touch with a reputed and credible repair company with heat pump repair experts in the team.
Make sure to read the customer reviews before you make your choice.
Jenny Kakoudakis likes to blog about interiors. She launched award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2014. When she is not chasing criminals out of the financial system (her day job), she gets creative by redecorating her own home.
Download her free kitchen styles guide here.
