Most Common Heat Pump Repairs
Today, almost every homeowner uses heat pumps and for a reason. Heat pumps are famous for their efficiency, effectiveness, and versatility. What’s more, they’re among the few HVAC systems that can be used in both hot and cold seasons to cool and heat your home, respectively. This multipurpose nature makes them convenient and cost-effective for homeowners.
But just like any other great HVAC unit, heat pumps are bound to break down at some point. After all, no system lasts forever! And this means hiring experts to repair the system and increase its lifespan and performance.
If you’ve fitted a heat pump in your home, it’s advisable to schedule repairs whenever you notice any problems. Early diagnosis of minor issues can prevent them from getting worse and eventually costing you more money or damage your HVAC system completely.
So, always be on the checkout for any repairs required early on. Your ability to identify some of the most common types of repairs needed on their onset will ensure you have a system that works optimally at all times.
As a result, we’ve discussed some of the common repairs your HVAC unit will experience. Feel free to jump right in.
Common Heat Pump Repairs
Refrigerant Leaks
A heat pump utilizes a refrigerant to transfer heat from one point to another, just like an air conditioner. As the refrigerant flows, indoor heat is transferred outside during summer, and vice versa is true during winter. This means that without the refrigerant, the heat pump cannot function optimally. Thus, refrigerant leaks will prevent proper absorption and heat transfer, which can ultimately damage the compressor.
One common sign of refrigerant leaks is strange hissing sounds and reduced power in heating and cooling. If you notice any of these hitches, contact an HVAC expert to seal the leaking points and refill the refrigerant to enable your system to work efficiently again.
Broken Reversing Valve
Heat pumps work as both coolants and heaters. They function by changing the flow of the refrigerant, essentially transferring heat outside to cool the house and moving heat indoors to heat your home. It is the reversing valve that helps to change the flow of the refrigerant hence switching between “heating mode” and “cooling mode.”
When a reversing valve breaks down and gets stuck in one spot, it fails to switch from one mode to another. This means your unit can only heat or cool your home but cannot switch between the two modes. If you experience this issue, it is advisable to contact an expert to replace your faulty valve.
Iced Over Outdoor Unit
The outdoor coil releases heat during winter and absorbs it in the summer. As a result, you’ll realize a layer of frost forming on the outdoor unit during winter.
However, heat pumps are created with a defrost cycle to eliminate the ice and prevent it from building up over the outdoor unit. When the ice is left to accumulate, it can block the unit leading to severe problems, including straining the system and eventually breaks down.
If you notice ice building up over the outdoor unit, immediately contact a professional to repair it before it’s too late.
Electrical Failure
Heat pumps are powered by electricity which runs the fan motors and compressor. Since electricity is a key part of heat pump operations, it’s no wonder most heat pump repairs result from electrical failures. For the most part, electrical failures will require you to replace certain electrical components. It’s, therefore, essential to hire a professional who understands the job well.
Installing a great HVAC system in your home does not mean that your system will never require maintenance or repairs. Always pay close attention to your HVAC system to avoid straining it and prevent further issues and breakdowns.
If you need help with your heat pumps repairs, Jamison Heating & Cooling Services is the expert for you. We have taken pride in helping our clients install and maintain different HVAC systems for over twenty years. Besides, you can contact us if you need assistance choosing an HVAC unit that suits your home best.
