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If you have a heat pump installed, you understand how wonderful they can be, especially when you see how they can maximize energy bill savings. Not only do heat pumps reduce your carbon footprint, they can significantly reduce your energy bills, putting more money in your pocket.
Heat pumps can be a great addition to any home. However, they can malfunction or present issues that require troubleshooting and repair. If you’re unsure whether your heat pump needs professional repair, keep reading to learn how to troubleshoot it and determine whether you should contact an HVAC company or if you can troubleshoot yourself.
Troubleshooting Heat Pumps
Problem: The thermostat isn’t working
How to Troubleshoot: Check the batteries or reset them
Picture this: you wake up shivering in bed, walk to the thermostat, and realize it’s not even on, so your heat isn’t running. If you’ve ever experienced a malfunctioning thermostat, you understand how frustrating it can be when it doesn’t respond or even turn on. Depending on the thermostat you have, it could be an easy fix. If yours takes batteries, try replacing them. If it’s wired without batteries, try flipping a switch in the power box to reset a possible tripped circuit breaker.
Your thermostat might need new batteries replaced or a reset. If it’s still not working or malfunctioning, contact an HVAC company like Cates Heating and Cooling to troubleshoot and repair your heat pump’s thermostat.
Problem: There’s barely any air coming out of the vents
How to Troubleshoot: Check the air filter
Like central air conditioners, heat pumps use air filters to remove contaminants and allergens from the air as they circulate through the system. Particles like dust, dander, mold spores, hair, dirt, and other contaminants are filtered through a heat pump’s air filter, and it’s important to have a clean filter to ensure these particles aren’t getting cycled through the system and enter the air you breathe. Regularly changing air filters affects indoor air quality and temperature, helping to reduce harmful bacteria and viruses circulating through the heating and cooling system and your home. Dirty air filters contribute to allergies and respiratory problems, higher energy bills, risks of overheating the heat pump system, weak airflow, and unit failure.
So how often should you change your air filter? Generally, you should replace your heat pump’s air filter every quarter, about four times each year. Your filter might need to be changed more often depending on whether you have pets, the size of your home, the rate you use your heat pump, or whether anyone in the house has allergies or asthma.
Problem: It’s making strange noises
How to Troubleshoot: Check the filter and for loose parts
Is your heat pump making strange noises? If you’re hearing a whistling noise, it’s most likely from a blocked air filter. As previously mentioned, it might be time to replace it – check the filter and see if it needs replacing. If your heat pump makes other strange noises like rattling, it could have loose parts that need tightening. Inspect the unit to see if there are any loose components on the outside that need tightening – if you can’t find any, there’s likely a loose component on the inside of the system. Contact an HVAC company to troubleshoot and repair.
When to Call an HVAC Company for Repair
Sometimes heat pumps have an issue that is easily troubleshooted by homeowners. However, sometimes problems lie within internal components of the system like a compressor issue, requiring a professional HVAC company to repair. Below are some examples of when you should call an HVAC company to repair your heat pump:
The Unit Freezes Over
Since heat pumps have an outdoor unit, they can freeze if exposed to extreme weather. Your heat pump won’t work properly and efficiently if the unit freezes over, resulting in a frigidly cold home. Any of these issues can happen to your heat pump in the winter: frozen coil, frozen outdoor unit, frozen motor, or a malfunctioning defroster. If your unit has frozen parts, contact an HVAC company right away.
Fan Isn’t Activating
Sometimes, heat pump fans won’t activate, failing to cool down or warm up a home. Heat pump systems rely on a fan to disperse air throughout the house and without it, cool or warm air can’t move through the system. A fan might not activate for several reasons: faulty wiring, circuit breaker issues, or a burnt-out blower motor. It’s best to contact an HVAC company to troubleshoot and repair your heat pump to get it back up and running.
Contact Cates For Heat Pump Troubleshooting and Repair
At Cates Heating and Cooling, we’ve been installing and repairing residential and commercial HVAC systems, including heat pumps, for over 50 years making us one of the most dependable and trustworthy home HVAC companies in Kansas City! Our team can troubleshoot and repair your heat pump to get it back up and running optimally and efficiently.
We’re family-owned and operated with expertly trained technicians who have provided exceptional service to all our customers for over 50 years. We service Kansas City and surrounding cities, including the following:
& more!
Contact Cates with any questions or concerns about your heating and cooling and how we can help!
