4 Common Heat Pump Problems and What You Should Do

Heat pumps have a reputation as a reliable, energy-efficient home heating solution. If you own a heat pump and properly care for it, you shouldn’t experience too many issues. That being said, it’s not uncommon for the occasional technical problem to occur. What are some of the most common heat pump issues?

Heat Pump Won’t Turn On

An inoperable heat pump is often due to a lack of power. First, check the settings on your home thermostat to verify that your system is in heat mode and set to a temperature warmer than the current conditions in your house. Then, check to see if your circuit breaker has tripped on your electrical panel. If you’ve recently purchased a new thermostat, it may not be compatible with your heat pump or may have been wired improperly, which can destroy sensitive thermostat and heat pump components, causing thermostat failure. If you or a general handyman installed your heat pump, a call to an experienced HVAC service professional might be in order.

Heat Pump Blows Cold Air In Heat Mode

If your heat pump is blowing cold air, first make sure it is in heating and not cooling mode. It may also be in defrost mode if the weather is cold. If the latter is the case, after the defrost cycle completes in 10-15 minutes, your system should return to normal operation. If your system continues to blow cold air, try checking for a dirty air filter. Anything that blocks airflow can impact the performance of your heat pump. A dirty air filter is typically the most common culprit, though other offenders may include debris smothering the exterior unit or dirty coils in need of professional cleaning. If none of these solutions fix the issues, it is best to call your local heating repair service to diagnose the problem further.

Heat Pump Is Struggling To Warm Your Home

This situation can be caused by many of the same problems as a system that blows cold air in heat mode, including a dirty home air filter, ductwork that needs to be cleaned, debris like weeds/grass blocking airflow around the exterior unit, or dirty coils. It can also be caused by physical blockages inside your home, such as furnishings blocking vents and registers. All of these issues reduce airflow and system performance.

Strange Smells

Odd smells typically spell trouble for your system and require professional attention. Worrisome odors include:

• A musty smell, which could indicate mold growth inside your unit.
• A rotting smell or the smell of excrement, pointing to animal infiltration into your unit or ductwork.
• A burning smell, indicating serious electrical issues.

Avoid snowballing heat pump repair costs. Don’t wait to fix heat pump problems. Contact H & H Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule service for your system today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/4-common-heat-pump-problems-and-what-you-should-do/