West Virginia property owners enjoy the outstanding indoor comfort and energy efficiency that modern heat pump systems provide. However, like any complex system, even the most dependable heat pump sometimes faces trouble.
Best Virginia Heating & Cooling, the top provider of expert heat pump repair services in Hurricane, WV, shares the following information everyone should know about how to fix a heat pump and appropriate repair methods.
Insufficient Heating or Cooling
One of the most common problems with heat pumps is insufficient heating or cooling. When your heat pump struggles to regulate indoor temperatures, several issues could be present.
Every heat pump system depends on unrestricted airflow to work correctly. Check your system’s air filter and change if it is dirty or clogged. Look at every vent and register in your house to be sure they are all unblocked and open.
Refrigerant leaks can also affect heat pump performance and require professional attention. In any event, if changing the filter and checking the vents doesn’t resolve the problem, call an expert for help.
Heat Pump Not Turning On
If your heat pump will not cycle on, first check the unit’s power supply. If the circuit breaker serving the heat pump trips, reset it and monitor it to be sure it doesn’t trip again when the system tries to power up.
Next, check your thermostat to be sure it is properly set to the right mode — heating or cooling — and the temperature is correctly set. Also, check the thermostat’s batteries.
Beyond these steps, leave internal electrical problems that could involve serious shock and fire hazards to experts who know how to fix a heat pump safely.
Constantly Running the Heat Pump
If your heat pump never seems to cycle off, first check the thermostat settings. If your thermostat is set at an extreme temperature in either direction, the system may struggle to maintain that setting and run continuously, wasting energy and increasing stress on the heat pump.
This is another problem that is often caused by dirty air filters. Restricted airflow can cause the system to run much longer to produce adequate heating or cooling.
In addition to inspecting your system, a professional can determine if your heat pump is properly sized for your home. Systems that are too small often run much more than normally necessary.
Short Cycling
The opposite of running constantly is short cycling — the situation where the heat pump frequently turns on and off without properly controlling the indoor temperature.
Of course, the issue directly impairs system efficiency. One common cause of short cycling is unit overheating, as safety breakers built into the system cause a shutdown to avoid permanent damage. An HVAC system expert can determine the cause of the overheating trouble.
Sometimes, improper thermostat placement close to a heat source, window, or door causes short cycling. Professional thermostat repositioning often resolves short cycling problems.
Strange Noises Coming from Your Hurricane, WV, Heat Pump
Unusual sounds coming from your heat pump are never a good sign. Grinding, rattling, or squealing, can all indicate mechanical problems like loose panels, fasteners, or components.
If an exterior panel is shaking and is the obvious cause of rattling sounds, tighten any loose screws. If the noise is coming from somewhere inside the indoor or outdoor unit, it’s time to call an HVAC system professional who knows how to fix a heat pump with internal problems properly.
Frozen Coils
Ice or frost buildup on a heat pump’s coils is another common problem we encounter in Hurricane, WV. This is another problem that often traces back to airflow trouble or low refrigerant levels.
Some systems have a defrost mode that you can run for minor frosting issues. If the freezing is persistent, the trouble will not get better on its own, and you should call an expert to determine what is causing the problem.
Count on Best Virginia Heating & Cooling for Complete Heat Pump Service in Hurricane, WV
While the troubleshooting tips we’ve discussed above can handle some heat pump issues, many call for professional assistance. Count on the expert team at Best Virginia Heating & Cooling for the best HVAC maintenance and repair services available in the Mountain State.
Call the HVAC professionals who work hard every day to promptly and effectively help every customer maintain a comfortable, safe, and energy-efficient home. Now that we’ve looked at how to fix a heat pump, read more on our blog about other heating solutions, like “Why does my furnace keep shutting off?“
Contact us today to discuss your HVAC situation and to schedule service! Get help now.