Heat Pump Problems: What Homeowners Need To Know

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A heat pump is an energy-efficient part of an HVAC system. Heat pumps are recommended in any climate, but are especially ideal for homes in warmer climates. Just like any other part of an HVAC system, it can malfunction and need repair. Here are some things you need to know about heat pump maintenance and repair:

What Does a Heat Pump Do?

To better understand how to recognize problems with a heat pump, you need to know what the heat pump does and how it works. Heat pumps work in both cooling a home as well as heating it. It is a reversible part of the HVAC system that you can adjust as the temperatures change. When the weather is warm, you will set the heat pump to cool the air by reversing a valve on the heat pump. This will pump cold air into your home. When the weather is cold, you can change the valve to heat the air and move warm air inside. The pump will reverse to heat the refrigerant which will warm the air that flows past it to create warm air.

What Are Some Issues a Heat Pump Can Have?

There are some common issues that can impact the functionality of a heat pump. One common issue is the heat pump is not heating the air to sufficiently warm your home. You should ideally be able to have your air as warm as you prefer. If it stops heating, you need to have the heat pump serviced.

You may also experience a problem when you want to change the heat pump from cooling to warming. You may also hear strange noises coming from a heat pump, such as hissing or banging. If you notice any of these issues, call your HVAC technician.

What Repairs Will a Heat Pump Need?

The repairs to the heat pump will depend on the issue it has. Most repairs are fairly easy. If the heat pump is not heating the air adequately, it may just be an issue with refrigerant levels. The refrigerant may need to be charged. There could also be a leak in the refrigerant line that needs to be fixed. A leak can also be the cause of the hissing sounds you may hear.

If you hear banging sounds, the heat pump may have a problem with the compressor. The compressor can become damaged over time and need to be repaired or possibly replaced. The noise may also be the result of a broken fan.

If the heat pump will not adjust from heating to cooling or vice versa, the thermostat may be malfunctioning. The valve that you switch between heating and cooling may also be damaged and need to be repaired.

For more info, contact a local company like Local Mechanical Heating & Air.


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