Heat Pump Repair Troubleshooting Guide

How to Troubleshoot Heat Pump Repair Issues

Heat pump heat is a little different in function and performance than natural gas or electric heat, so you might expect problems with a heat pump to be a little different. The heat sources for gas and electricity-powered systems are hotter than heat pump heat sources, increasing the amount of air needed to move the heat. Here are the top three Heat Pump Repair problems with wintertime use of a heat pump system.

Air Filter. Since a heat pump requires a greater amount of airflow, a clean air filter is even more important for proper function. With each heating cycle, airborne particles are collected on the air filter, and that is very good. However, when enough of these particles collect on the filter, they interfere with airflow, resulting in a cooler, less comfortable home.

Often, changing a clogged air filter makes a remarkable difference in comfort and, potentially, in performance. The filter should be changed every three months. Find a reminder prompt that encourages you to change the air filter.

Refrigerant Problems. The medium for heat transfer is a refrigerant contained in a network of tubes, moving heat from outdoors into the house. This gas is also responsible for the air conditioning function, transferring heat from the house to the outdoors. Problems that develop include:

• Loss of refrigerant. These compounds are liquid when cool and gaseous; they absorb heat. They are also under pressure—more than 400 psi when compressed gas and 130 psi when released liquid. (Normal water pressure in a residence is about 60 psi, for reference.) Even the slightest gap releases the refrigerant into the atmosphere. Even a slight drop in refrigerant pressure will hinder heating performance.
• Gas that is compressed, then released, becomes cool very quickly—it is cool enough to freeze rainwater or condense water from the air. The outdoor condenser unit has controls that initiate a defrost cycle to prevent ice buildup. When this control malfunctions, the condenser unit can freeze over, preventing the movement of heat into the house.
• Since the same components and refrigerant are used for both air conditioning and heating, a heat pump has a valve that reverses the flow of refrigerant for the heating function. If this valve malfunctions, the heat pump will continue to serve as an air conditioner—brrrrr!

Thermostat Problems. The thermostat is both a sensor and switch, calling for heat when the indoor temperature falls below a proscribed setting. The sensors are quite sensitive, so avoid changing the setting frequently.

It is best to “set it and forget it.” Often, the thermostat is ready to call for heat about the time someone turns up the heat. However, if the thermostat is set and the home is still cold, investigate these thermostat solutions.

• Check the batteries. Often, the reading will have a low battery indicator. Batteries should be changed annually to prevent failure.
• Check the outdoor temperature. If the mercury has dropped below 35 degrees, the heat pump may struggle to collect enough heat to warm the home. When this happens, switch the setting to the Emergency Heat setting. This will engage the electric heating element, and the temperature should change quickly.

If your Heat Pump is not working properly, Northwind AC Can Help with Heat Pump Repair!

Northwind Air Conditioning and Heat can help you with your new heat pump repair and maintenance needs. Contact us and get the help you need.