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Heat pumps work hard all year since they provide heating and cooling. Wear and tear may have taken a toll this winter. Letting a strained heat pump continue to run without being serviced is a recipe for a breakdown. Therefore, don’t ignore signs it might need to be repaired. Call a local HVAC company that provides heat pump repairs near you if any of the following signs crop up:
1. The Air Temperature Is Not What You’d Expect
If you have the heat on yet the heat pump is blowing cold air (or not matching the temperature setting), and there’s a good chance it needs to be repaired. While a clogged filter can prevent it from heating, there may be a more serious issue. Possibilities include dirt buildup in the unit’s components, a faulty reversing valve, or low refrigerant. A skilled technician must address these issues to get your heat pump running normally again.
2. The Unit Won’t Turn On
A heat pump should turn on when it needs to. If not, a circuit breaker may have tripped or the thermostat may be set improperly. When none of these check out, there could be a faulty connection with the thermostat. More serious causes can include a damaged starter capacitor or a malfunctioning reversing valve. If the valve isn’t working, the unit may only run in hot or cold mode, but not both.
3. Your Heat Pump Won’t Stop Running
Like a traditional heating or cooling system, a heat pump should turn on and off regularly to maintain the set temperature. It may run constantly if the outside air is unusually cold. However, this can also be a sign of a miscalibrated or damaged thermostat. Another possibility is a failed compressor contactor, in which case the controller won’t receive any power.
4. The Unit Is Extremely Noisy
Heat pumps aren’t silent when they’re on. But you should be used to the sound of your system. If it starts to make loud rattling, grinding, grating, screeching, or other noises, it’s time to seek out heat pump repair near you. Worn fan belts, loose parts, and vibrating panels can cause noise. A professional can fix these and check if there’s a leak in the system, which can also create noise that’s hard to pinpoint the source of.
5. Strange Odors Come from Your Heat Pump
A musty odor coming from the vents can mean mold is growing in the unit, while a rotting smell can originate from a dead animal that previously made its way into the system. If you notice a burning odor, the wiring for your heat pump or one of its electrical components may be faulty, which can increase the risk of a fire. Call a professional if you notice any unusual odors from the unit. They’ll find the source of the problem and provide any necessary repairs.
5. Strange Odors Come from Your Heat Pump
A musty odor coming from the vents can mean mold is growing in the unit, while a rotting smell can originate from a dead animal that previously made its way into the system. If you notice a burning odor, the wiring for your heat pump or one of its electrical components may be faulty, which can increase the risk of a fire. Call a professional if you notice any unusual odors from the unit. They’ll find the source of the problem and provide any necessary repairs.
6. Airflow Isn’t What It Should Be
Weak airflow is a sign the system has a pressure imbalance, which can also be accompanied by whistling noises from some vents. There may also be drafty areas in your home. The underlying problem isn’t preventing the unit from running but won’t go away unless it is properly fixed. Only a trained professional has the skills and tools to restore your heat pump’s airflow.
7. The Coils Are Frozen
If the heat pump’s coils ice over, it’s often a sign of a clogged filter or refrigerant leak. A filter can be easily changed. You shouldn’t need a technician for that. But if there is a leak, a technician can seal it and recharge the unit to prevent additional freezing.
8. Your Electric Bill Goes Up
A sharp jump in your monthly electric bill is a sign of a malfunctioning heat pump. A mechanical or electrical issue can cause it to run less efficiently. There may be no other symptoms—yet. But the increased energy consumption will show on your electric bill, so call for help before you need more expensive repairs.
Call for Heat Pump Repairs Near You
Grasshopper Heating & Cooling provides professional heat pump repair in Clifton Park, NY, and surrounding areas. Our technicians are trained experts who can find the cause of a problem quickly and repair it permanently. If you notice any of the signs above, you can reach us 24/7 at (518) 216-0051.
