Common Heat Pump Problems and How to Troubleshoot Them at Home
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!