Heat pumps are more common than ever these days, and for good reason. They’re extremely efficient, they’re powerful enough to deal with every season, and they run on electricity which is good for the environment. But they can still run into trouble sometimes.
Any HVAC system still runs the risk of disrepair if it has not been maintained. This is just the nature of having such important equipment run for such long hours. This is why we ask homeowners to schedule maintenance and be vigilant for any problems that might pop up.
In the case of a heat pump, there are plenty of signs that your system might need help–and we’re here to discuss them. Here’s how you can troubleshoot a heat pump problem, so calling for HVAC in Iowa City, IA becomes a little bit easier.
AST: Always Start at the Thermostat
When you’re troubleshooting an HVAC problem, a good acronym to remember is AST: Always Start at the Thermostat. This is the most accessible component to you and it’s going to give you a wide array of details that might prove crucial to diagnosing this problem.
Is it showing you any error codes? Does the system turn on at all? Is it shorting on power or showing a disrupted connection between the thermostat and the HVAC system? All of these are signs that your thermostat and the wiring connecting it might be the source of your problem, not necessarily the heat pump!
Also, if you can’t tell anything from your thermostat because it’s an old digital or analog system then that’s a big red flag that you need thermostat replacement. Our team can provide an upgrade for you when we come to repair your heat pump.
Diagnosing the Issue
Remember, only a licensed professional technician can accurately diagnose a heat pump problem. But that doesn’t mean you can’t help us locate the source of the issue before we get there! Here are some signs that your system has a specific problem.
- Hissing or bubbling sound? This is the classic sign of a refrigerant leak, something that could be contributing to lower efficiency and effectiveness. This is a contributing factor to many problems.
- Is there no airflow? Your blower fan system might be in disrepair. This component is crucial to the system’s ability to push heated or cooled air throughout your ducts and into your rooms.
- The system is overheating or stressed out. A stressed heat pump can usually be caused by a clogged air filter. Go ahead and change out the filter so your system has a clean start and see if that helps.
- It won’t switch from heating to cooling (or vice versa). This is a sign that the reversing valve is broken and the heat pump is unable to switch the direction of refrigerant flow. This requires a professional repair but it’s one of the more affordable fixes we can make.
- It’s just not working at all. Well, you’ve got to start somewhere! Let our team examine the system as a whole. It could be an electrical issue or a failed switch, or the system could have a broken down compressor, only a licensed technician will be able to tell.
At Dalton Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric and Fireplaces, Inc., your comfort is our promise! To set up an appointment in the Cedar Rapids area, give us a call at the number above, email customerservice@daltonphc.com or schedule an appointment online.