Heat pumps are an efficient way to heat or cool your house. A heat pump runs off of electricity which is way more efficient than a furnace. It will conserve its energy by letting the laws of physics do its work.

Heat naturally wants to go to cold places because there is less pressure, and the heat pump will pump either cool air from outside to inside or reverse depending on the conditions. Just like a furnace and air conditioner, there is maintenance that needs to be addressed so you can avoid these problems. Here are the most common heat pump problems.

Poor Heating or Cooling Performance

• Check the air filter and clean or replace it if necessary.
• Ensure that the thermostat is set correctly and working properly.
• Check the outdoor unit for debris and clean the coils if needed.
• Verify that the indoor and outdoor units are communicating properly.
• Contact a professional if the problem persists.

Frost Buildup on the Outdoor Unit

• Check the air filter and replace it if needed.
• Verify that the defrost cycle is functioning correctly.
• Clear any snow or ice around the unit to improve airflow.
• Check the refrigerant levels and add more if needed.
• Contact a professional if the problem persists.

Strange Noises

• Tighten any loose screws or bolts on the unit.
• Lubricate any moving parts that may be causing the noise.
• Check for debris or obstructions in the unit that may be causing the noise.
• Contact a professional if the problem persists.

Short Cycling

• Check the air filter and replace it if needed.
• Ensure that the thermostat is set correctly and working properly.
• Verify that the unit is the correct size for your home.
• Check the refrigerant levels and add more if needed.
• Contact a professional if the problem persists.

Unit Not Turning On

• Check the thermostat batteries and replace them if needed.
• Check the circuit breaker and reset it if needed.
• Verify that the thermostat is set correctly.
• Check the wiring connections and repair any loose or damaged wires.
• Contact a professional if the problem persists.

It is important to note that these are general troubleshooting steps, and more specific issues may require the assistance of a professional HVAC technician. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent many common heat pump problems from occurring in the first place. If you’d like to learn more about heat pumps and how they work, contact our team today.