A heat pump is a great way to keep your home comfortable year round. It works by circulating refrigerant that absorbs heat in the colder weather and moves it outdoors in warmer weather to cool your home. However, a problem with your heat pump can cause discomfort in your home and may need professional repair to resolve.
If your heat pump seems to be working but not cooling, check that the thermostat settings are correct. If you have the thermostat set too high, it will tell your heat pump to turn on and off too often even though your house has not reached the desired temperature. Incorrectly calibrated thermostats or thermostats in direct sunlight can also cause this problem.
Another reason for a lack of cooling is an air filter that heat pump repair is clogged or dirty. Clean or replace your filter to ensure the system is getting adequate airflow. In addition, it is important to have ductwork in good shape. If your ductwork is poorly sealed or connected, you may not be getting the full benefit of your heat pump (via Minnick). If you hear rattling or squeaking, this could indicate that loose parts need to be tightened or that the reversing valve is not functioning properly. If the noise is coming from a vent, check that all indoor registers are open and unobstructed by furniture or rugs.
A faulty compressor can also cause your heat pump to run more than usual during hot weather. This is a sign of an electrical or mechanical problem that needs to be diagnosed and fixed by a professional.
A heat pump that turns on and off too frequently can be caused by an improperly placed thermostat or a lack of refrigerant. If the thermostat is incorrectly placed, it will detect a higher temperature in your home than the actual temperature and tell your heat pump to turn on and off constantly to reach the desired setting. This can be corrected by moving the thermostat to a different location in your home or having it recalibrated. If you have the thermostat correctly placed and there is still an issue, it is likely a problem with your refrigerant levels or a faulty reversing valve that will require a professional to fix.
If you reset your circuit breaker or fuse and your heat pump does not turn on, there may be a problem with the power switch or wiring that controls the indoor unit. Check the power switches on or near the indoor and outdoor units to make sure they are set to ON. Also, check your home’s electrical panel to ensure the circuits that control both the indoor and outdoor units are not disrupted by a tripped or blown fuse (via Leonard Splaine Co).
If your heat pump continues to have problems after you take these precautions, it is recommended that you call a professional to inspect your system. A professional will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend a solution that is best for your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning needs.