Author: Gabriella Reign Africa

Nothing’s more frustrating than a heat pump failing in midwinter — or in the midst of a summertime heatwave. Luckily, the best heat pump troubleshooting tips provide safe, effective solutions to your heat pump problems. If these tips don’t work, you can always call the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) experts at Alpha Heating & Air for fast, knowledgeable support.

Why Knowing Heat Pump Troubleshooting Matters 

When it comes to heat pump troubleshooting, spotting and making repairs early can save you money and time in the long run. Proper heat pump care helps you avoid emergency repair calls and ensure better comfort. Besides lowering your energy bills and increasing the heat pump’s longevity, DIY repairs help you resolve simple problems, such as frozen coils, poorly configured thermostats, or airflow blockages.

Top Heat Pump Issues & DIY Fixes

Depending on the severity, the following heat pump problems can often be resolved by DIY troubleshooting.

System Won’t Turn On

First, check for a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. As needed, you should reset the breaker or replace the fuse. You should also inspect the power source and thermostat settings to make sure everything is on and set properly.

Insufficient Heating or Cooling

Performance issues often happen because of low refrigerant, improper thermostat calibration, or an undersized heat pump. Replace the filter and check your thermostat settings. If those heat pump troubleshooting tips don’t work, reach out to our team for extra help.

Frozen Outdoor Unit or Coils

Frost and ice can build up on outdoor units in the winter, impacting airflow and heat transfer. Use lukewarm water to clear the ice and improve airflow. Then, the heat pump’s defrost cycle can handle the rest of the work.

Frequent Cycling (Short Cycling)

If you have thermostat problems or an oversized system, you may experience short cycling. Adjust the thermostat. If that doesn’t work, call Alpha Bandon for a sizing review.

Constant Running & Rising Energy Bills

Constant running and high energy bills may be a sign of degraded insulation, low refrigerant, or blocked airflow. To troubleshoot, clear your vents and replace your filters. If the problem remains, schedule a maintenance check.

Unusual Noises or Smells

Rattling noises, buzzing sounds, and musty odors may signal wear, electrical problems, or mold. Try cleaning the vents and tightening loose parts. If the issue doesn’t go away, call for help.

Thermostat Malfunctions

Try replacing batteries, resetting the thermostat, or recalibrating if the thermostat isn’t working correctly. If this isn’t effective, get a new thermostat.

Refrigerant Leaks/Low Refrigerant

Leaky refrigerant lines must be repaired and recharged by a professional. You can tell if this is the problem because of the ice buildup, poor performance, or extended runtime.

When to Call Alpha Heating & Air in Bandon

You should call Alpha Heating & Air in Bandon for professional help for your heat pumps, particularly when refrigerant, compressors, or electrical components are involved. To ensure your safety, call for help in the following circumstances.

• Persistent leaks
• Frequent frozen coils
• Persistent short cycling
• Odd noises or smells that don’t disappear 

Frequently Asked Questions in Bandon, OR

As a leading HVAC company in Bandon, we’ve heard a few common questions about heat pump problems and troubleshooting.

Can a heat pump work in freezing conditions?

Yes! While early models struggled in extremely cold conditions, modern heat pumps are incredibly efficient at extracting heat. There may be a slight dip in performance, but it shouldn’t be significant.

For example, many cold-weather heat pumps will perform fairly well at 5°F. This is because, even though the air feels cold to you, there is actually still heat in it. 

Think of it this way: Absolute zero is at -459.67°F. Any temperature above this has heat, even if it would be far too cold for humans. Heat pumps may lose efficiency and performance at colder temperatures, but there is still enough heat in the air for the heat pump to absorb. The best heat pumps can still operate at temperatures as low as -13°F to -22°F.

How often should I change the air filter?

Your basic air filter can reduce the fine particle concentration in the air by 60%. They play a major role in protecting your HVAC system and ensuring clean air. However, air filters only work properly if they’re clean. 

Because of this, heat pump manufacturers generally recommend changing air filters every one to three months. If you use your heat pump more frequently or have a dusty home, you may need to change it more often. Additionally, allergy and asthma sufferers should replace air filters more frequently.

Why is my heat pump running constantly?

One way to spot potential heat pump repair issues is by noticing how often your system is running. If it seems to be on all the time, a few different issues could be responsible.

• Airflow Restrictions: Low airflow forces the heat pump to work harder and stay on longer. Besides leading to longer cycles, this can also cause added wear.
• Thermostat Miscalibration: If the thermostat isn’t calibrated properly, it may be triggering the heat pump to stay on.
• Low Refrigerant: When the refrigerant levels are low, the heat pump has to work harder to transfer heat from one area to another. This causes it to stay on for longer.

Can I just thaw frozen coils with a hairdryer?

No, absolutely not. The evaporator coils are delicate components. If they are heated up excessively, it can damage them. This happens because the metal is extremely delicate. When heated excessively, the metal cracks, and internal components can become warped. Additionally, added heat increases the likelihood of refrigerant leaks. 

For all of these reasons, your best approach to frozen coils is lukewarm water and patience. Then, call one of our HVAC technicians to get an inspection and repairs so that the problem doesn’t recur.

Is hiring a professional technician always expensive?

Not always. In fact, the majority of repairs cost between $160 and $650. 

You can reduce these costs even more by investing in routine maintenance and timely repairs. By getting small repairs fixed right away, you can prevent them from spiraling into larger, more costly repairs. 

Meanwhile, routine maintenance prevents repairs from becoming necessary. By getting heat pump tune-ups, you can improve your system’s energy efficiency, boost performance, and increase the longevity of your HVAC equipment. For the best results, we recommend scheduling a heat pump tune-up each spring and fall. 

What is the most frequent problem with heat pumps? 

Each system is different. However, in our experience, the most frequent issues involve airflow and refrigerant levels. If there are any leaks, refrigerant levels can fall. This can force the system to work harder, leading to added wear and more repairs. 

Meanwhile, airflow issues often stem from a dirty air filter or a clogged outdoor unit. However, leaky or dirty ducts can also impact airflow. For all of these reasons, it’s essential to stay on top of your HVAC maintenance throughout the year.

Solve Your Heat Pump Problems Today

Ready to restore comfort and efficiency? Reach out to Alpha Heating & Air in Bandon for expert diagnostics, tune-ups, and heat pump repairs. Whether you need annual maintenance or 24/7 emergency heat pump repairs, we have the reliable service you can count on. Schedule your visit today!

In general, you should start considering an AC replacement once your unit is 10 to 15 years old. You should also think about an update if your energy bills spike for no reason, you’re experiencing frequent repairs, or your AC’s performance has declined.

While Bandon’s marine climate is known for its foggy summers and ocean breezes, it can still get hot in the summer. You need a well-maintained AC to keep your family comfortable and cool during the hottest days of the year. 

Schedule an appointment to talk about air conditioning services and air conditioner replacements in Bandon.

Key Signs Your AC Is Due for Replacement

Most air conditioners don’t break down without prior warning. Unusual noises, rising energy bills, and frequent repairs are just a few of the signs an AC replacement is needed. If you notice any of the following symptoms, you should reach out for a professional AC inspection. Small problems can quickly spiral out of control if they aren’t dealt with promptly, which is why it’s so important to be proactive about reaching out for help as soon as you notice a problem.

Rising Energy Bills

When you check your energy bills, they should remain fairly stable from month to month. The local electricity rates don’t jump significantly, so a sudden increase is likely due to cooling inefficiency. When an AC comes to the end of its lifespan, its performance suffers. This causes it to work harder to reach the same temperature, leading to higher energy consumption.

Frequent Repairs and Service Calls

As a general rule, you shouldn’t need more than two major repairs each cooling season. If your AC is breaking down more frequently, it’s time to consider a Bandon AC replacement.

Uneven Cooling and Hot Spots

Another way to know when to replace an AC unit is by paying attention to its performance. Uneven cooling in different rooms is a sign that your AC isn’t functioning properly. Often, this strain is worsened by the coastal humidity.

Excessive Humidity or Poor Dehumidification

The Pacific winds and coastal environment carry added humidity to your home, which can be corrosive to your air conditioner parts. Over time, this can cause wear and tear to occur at a faster rate. In addition to compensating for damaged components, coastal ACs must also work harder to manage high humidity levels.

Air Conditioner Age

Once your AC reaches 10 to 15 years old, repairs become more likely. If you start noticing performance issues, high energy bills, or repairs at this point, it’s better to find a quality AC replacement near you.

If your AC is older, you may want to invest in a new AC that uses R-410A or R-32 refrigerant. Old models use the R-22 refrigerant type, which is gradually being phased out because of its danger to the environment. While you can still get your existing R-22 AC maintained, new models can’t use this type of refrigerant. Eventually, even finding R-22 for maintenance will be challenging.

Strange Noises or Leaks

Anytime you hear banging or hissing noises, it’s important to schedule AC repairs right away. While banging noises often mean a problem with your compressor or other moving parts, hissing noises stem from leaky refrigerant lines. 

Evaluating AC Replacement Costs

Once you’ve reached the end of the unit’s lifespan, the next step is deciding on your budget and which replacement system to choose. There are many different factors that go into your air conditioner replacement cost. Besides comparing the upfront equipment price, you should look at the cost of installation labor. Some air conditioners are more energy efficient than others, so it’s also important to calculate future energy savings as a part of your AC cost evaluation.

In Bandon, you can generally expect to pay around $10,000 for a 3-ton, single-stage central air conditioner. For a heat pump, the cost can range between $14,000 and $28,000.

Understanding the Replacement Process

When you book a consultation with Alpha Heating & Air, we’ll walk you through the entire process for getting a coastal AC replacement.

• Professional Inspection: First, one of our dedicated heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians will review your existing setup and your family’s needs. We’ll determine the extent of the damage and whether a replacement will be the best option for you.
• Transparent Quote: If you have a damaged or outdated AC model, we’ll make a comprehensive quote for your replacement. We’ll carefully detail each service and product provided, so you know what to expect. At Alpha Heating & Air, we always provide transparent prices and no hidden fees.
• Convenient Removal: Next, we’ll remove the old unit and dispose of it properly so that you don’t have to.
• Precise Installation: Once the old unit has been taken away, we can clean the area it was in and install your new AC.
• Comprehensive Performance Testing: Before we leave, we will carry out comprehensive performance testing to ensure your new AC is in its peak condition.

Choosing the Right AC for Bandon’s Climate

Before you get a new AC, it’s essential to consider Southern Oregon’s cooling needs. In addition to the Pacific winds, you need an AC that is prepared for the area’s humidity. 

To navigate these climate challenges, you should get the proper unit sizing. Variable-speed compressors can help you maximize performance while minimizing energy costs. It’s also a good idea to get corrosion-resistant coils that can withstand Bandon’s humid air.

Financing Options and Local Incentives

If you’re searching for an AC replacement near you, take some time to research local rebates, utility credits, and tax credits. For example, Oregon has home energy rebate programs and a heat pump purchase program that reward good SEER ratings and high energy efficiency. Plus, the Energy Trust of Oregon has a list of incentives for more efficient HVAC units.

Our team also tries to make getting a new unit as easy as possible through our flexible financing plans. You can also access special promotions throughout the year that can lower the cost of a replacement.

When To Call a Professional Vs. DIY Maintenance

While minor repairs and maintenance can be done on your own, you don’t want to do a full air conditioner replacement by yourself. AC warranties generally require professional HVAC technicians to do the installation, so DIY installation projects can void the warranty and cause safety risks. Similarly, you should generally leave electrical and mechanical AC repairs to the professionals.

You can perform several important maintenance tasks throughout the year to keep your unit running efficiently. Make sure to change the filter every 30 to 90 days, according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Additionally, you should clean the vents and around your outside unit.

Your Trusted HVAC Company in Bandon, Oregon

From uneven cooling to unusual sounds, there are a few common signs of AC problems that you should watch out for. By being proactive and getting a timely AC replacement, you can improve your HVAC system’s performance and energy efficiency. 

At Alpha Heating & Air, we have the local know-how and high-tech tools needed to provide superior AC repairs and replacements. Book a local AC evaluation today to learn more.