A heat pump, like the Goodman 2.5 Ton 14 Seer Heat Pump System with Multi Position Air Handler, works by transferring heat from one place to another, which can be used to heat or cool your home, depending on the season. In the winter, it takes heat from the outdoors and transfers it into your home, and in the summer, it takes heat from your home and transfers it outdoors.
In the winter, it pulls heat from the cold outdoor air and transfers it indoors, and in the warm season, it does the reverse, pulling heat out of indoor air to cool your home. Take note that they are also powered by electricity and use refrigerant to transfer heat. They are more environmentally friendly than furnaces because they do not burn fossil fuels. In colder climates, an electric heat strip can be added to the indoor fan coil to provide additional heating.
In most cases, heat pumps are used to move heat from the ground or air outside of a building and into the building itself. This can be helpful in cases where a building needs to be heated, but the outside temperature is too cold to rely on.
The thing is, it doesn’t really generate heat, but rather, it moves heat from one place to another. A furnace creates heat by burning fuel, whereas a heat pump uses electricity to move heat from the outdoors into your home. When an air conditioner is in cooling mode, it absorbs heat from the indoor air and releases it through the outdoor unit. A heat pump does the same thing, making it functionally identical to an air conditioner in this mode.
Just remember that the whole system helps regulate the temperature in your space by providing heating and cooling. However, you may need to approach troubleshooting differently because it greatly diverts from a traditional air-cooled air conditioner. There are also some heat pump repair issues that you may be able to fix yourself.
The Unit Is Icing Up
During the winter, it is normal for your heat pump’s outside unit to be covered in frost or even light ice. The unit will occasionally go into defrost mode to remove the frost.
However, if your heat pump is covered in ice or snow, it may not be working properly. Ice and snow can prevent the heat pump from transferring heat between the refrigerant and the outside air, which can impede the heat pump’s operation. If you don’t clean your coils and prevent ice buildup, the delicate fins, fan blades, and compressor could be damaged beyond repair.
a) If the Unit Is Not Defrosting
Your heat pump periodically switches to air conditioning mode to melt any frost or light ice accumulated on the outdoor coils. If the unit is not defrosting properly, ice can build up quickly. Defrost issues can be caused by faulty relays, controls, or sensors. The reverse valve that switches the unit from heat to air conditioning mode may also have a problem.
b) If the Outdoor Fan Has a Problem
The fan motor may be failing or completely dead, which causes the fan to not spin and release heat from the unit. Or the fan could be damaged, which also impedes the release of heat from the unit and causes ice to accumulate.
c) If There Is Low Refrigerant
Your heat pump system uses refrigerant to help transfer heat. If there is a slow leak, the charge of refrigerant will become low, and the system won’t be able to produce enough heat. This can cause frost to form on the unit. If you notice your heat pump isn’t reaching the set temperature, it could be due to a low refrigerant charge.
d) If the Outdoor Unit Is Blocked
If there is a lot of snow around the outdoor unit, it can block the airflow and cause more icing.
e) If the Unit Has a Water Leak
Over time, water dripping from leaky gutters can form a layer of ice on top of the unit.
The Unit Is Constantly Running
a) In the Summer
If your heat pump is not cooling your home during hot weather, it may be working overtime to try and reach a low set temperature. However, if the weather is not too hot and your heat pump is still not cooling, you may need to call for professional assistance.
If your thermostat is set incorrectly, it could also be the reason your unit isn’t working the way it should.
If you haven’t had your HVAC heat pump serviced in a while, it’s possible that dirty coils are preventing it from releasing heat properly. The efficiency of the unit will decrease over time, and if the coils are not cleaned, it can damage the metal. This will cause the refrigerant to leak, and the unit will not be able to function properly. A service visit might be required to fix the issue.
b) In the Winter
Before you request assistance from a professional, check to see if the heat pump is set to air conditioning mode by mistake and if the target temperature is set correctly on the thermostat.
The heat pump is designed to run constantly in cold weather in order to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. However, if your heat pump is having trouble keeping your home cool, even when it’s extremely hot outside, there may be an issue with the refrigerant, the outdoor unit, or the compressor.
Also, if your heat pump is not providing enough heat, it could be due to a number of reasons. The unit may be too small to heat the space, there may be poor insulation causing heat to be lost, or the system may be dirty and in need of maintenance. A professional can help you determine the cause of the problem and find a solution.
The Unit Is Blowing Cold in Heat Mode
If your heat pump was accidentally switched to a/c mode, first check to see if the outdoor unit is iced over. If it is, your system may have a valve problem, a refrigerant charge issue, or a compressor problem. If the outdoor unit is not iced over, check for a loose wire or tripped breaker.
If your heat pump isn’t working properly, it could also be due to a lack of maintenance or cleaning. If you’re experiencing repeated issues with your heat pump, you may need to invest in a new system or find a new service provider.
Conclusion
There are a few usual problems that come with heat pumps- such as the unit freezing up, the fan not working, or strange smells or noises coming from the unit. However, these problems can be easily fixed with a little troubleshooting. By knowing what the usual problems are and how to fix them, you can keep your heat pump running smoothly all winter long!
If you are looking for a company that offers 24-hour heating and air conditioning repairs, look no further than our expertise here at HVAC Swami. We are a small group of HVAC Experts with over 100 years of combined experience in every state in the United States, Canada, and the U.K. Call us today and let us help you get the best service for your heat pump and other HVAC concerns!
