Unlike traditional heating systems, such as furnaces and boilers, which only provide heating for your home, heat pumps can effectively heat or cool your home, depending on the season. All you have to do is switch the system to the appropriate operating mode for the season.
That said, you don't want your heat pump system to fail in times of need and leave you at the mercy of the weather. The best way to prevent this is to watch out for signs of heat pump problems and take corrective action immediately. Here are some common signs that your heat pump needs repair.
Uncomfortable House Temperature
You rely on your heat pump for general comfort year-round. During the heating season, it blows heated air to warm up your house. When summer arrives, it does the opposite — blow cooled air to help cool down your living space the same way a regular air conditioner would.
While the ideal temperature for your home can vary depending on many factors, such as where you live, the quality of your residential insulation, the season, and your personal preferences for comfort, any significant difference between the ideal and actual indoor temperature can leave you feeling uncomfortable.
If your house is too hot or cold, the heat pump is failing and needs to be fixed.
Poor Airflow
Heat pump systems help to keep you comfortable year-round by blowing conditioned air via a series of ducts and vents installed in your home.
If your heat pump takes longer than usual to achieve the desired indoor temperatures (as indicated on the thermostat), chances are it is experiencing decreased airflow. Place the back of your hand against the air supply vents inside your house to check the airflow.
Poor airflow in heat pumps can be caused by several factors, including dirty ducts and air filters and obstructed indoor or outdoor units. Before getting help, confirm that there are no obstructions in the path of your air vents and outdoor unit. If the system has enough clearance around it, consider cleaning or replacing your air filter. If the problem persists, bring in an expert to inspect and fix the system.
Odd Noises
Although a completely silent operation is not possible with your heat pump, unusual noises of any kind are not a good sign. For instance, a hissing sound coming from your heating system may be an indication of a refrigerant leak. If not addressed quickly and effectively, the leak can hurt the performance of your heat pump while contaminating your indoor air and causing environmental degradation.
While regular maintenance and servicing go a long way in preventing heat pump failure, issues can still arise and lead to costly damage. The best way to address heat pump problems is to bring in an HVAC specialist immediately after you see or suspect the signs of trouble with the system. For more information on heat pump repair, contact a professional near you.
Share28 March 2023
After my sister moved into my house with me, she started complaining about the temperature. I had never really thought about it before, or maybe I was just used to it, but my house was pretty cold. She told me that she didn't think the furnace was working properly, so I started checking things out on my own. Sure enough, my furnace seemed to be having some serious problems. I started looking for a replacement, and I was able to find a great furnace for much less than what I initially thought I would need to spend. I wanted to make this blog for anyone out there who might need to shop for a new HVAC system. Check out these great articles for information you might need.
