4 Common Wintertime Problems of Heat Pump
During chilled winter, the work of a heat pump is to absorb heat from the outside environment and transfer it inside. However, due to certain issues, it might stop working! Heat pumps are highly efficient in heating and cooling homes. It works as a reverse functioning appliance of an air conditioner. This means the machine draws the heat from outside and transfers it inside the home. Hence, a heat pump can make a more comfortable space to dwell. They are the central air units that seamlessly work with the existing ductwork. Besides, some ductless heat pumps don’t employ air ducts. So, be it your main heating source or just a part of your combined heat system, you should check the heat pump and take heat pump issues seriously. Regular checking can only help you catch an issue quickly that could hamper its performance.
Wintertime Heat Pump Issues & Solutions
#1. Less Heat Distribution
Heat pumps usually disperse heat evenly all through the spaces inside the home. They run longer at a sustained level. Hence, there are fewer requirements to turn them on and off.
However, sometimes it can be difficult to absorb heat from the extremely cold outside environment. In that case, we recommend you take an expert opinion and know exactly why your heat pump is not circulating enough heat.
#2. Inactive Heat Pump
If the heat pump doesn’t activate, the problem could be either with the thermostat or the electrical system. So, it is important to check the thermostat setting for heat up. In addition, make sure that the temperature setting is at least 2° above the prevailing room temperature.
Even after trying these out, your heat pump system doesn’t activate or trips continuously; you need an HVAC professional to evaluate the circuit breaker or thermostat issues.
#3. Constant Running of Heat Pump
When your heat pump runs continuously, it won’t activate. You should not run the heat pump continuously, regardless of the outside temperature. Your heat pump also needs rest for some time in a day.
Check the thermostat to see if thesetting is at an extremely high-temperature point. Sometimes we don’t check the set point and complain about the issue only to find later that it offers heat rather than cooling the home.
If the setting is correct, look for an over-iced heat pump. This is another possible reason why your heat pump system is not functioning properly. Besides, a heat pump that seems normal but still doesn’t stop running may have a compressor issue or leaked refrigerant. In any of these cases, you need HVAC professional services to evaluate and repair your system.
#4. Iced-Over Outdoor Unit
It is quite normal for your heat pump to build ice and frost in winter. Periodically, your machine goes through a defrosting cycle in order to discard surface ice from it and secure proper airflow.
However, extremely harsh chilly weather or heavy storms may cover your heat pump with a thick layer of ice or snow that is difficult to remove in the defrosting cycle.
If you ignore it and leave the heat pump as it is, this could affect the performance of your appliance. Moreover, you are putting the heat pump at a much higher risk of defect, including a broken motor, fan or blade.
In a situation like this, turn your unit off and throw away the ice manually. Also, never use sharp tools, as they could cause damage to the appliance. However, if you are not able to thoroughly clean it or the appliance is continually developing intense icing problems, call an HVAC technician. Heat pumps system issues such as a damaged timer or defrost control, lower level of refrigerant, non-functional fan motors and more can affect ice buildup. So, you need to address these issues to avoid damaging your heat pump system.
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Conclusion
A heat pump system functions as both a heater and an air conditioner. Basically, where a furnace typically uses natural gas to produce heat for your home, a heat pump functions similarly, saving energy and space. So, this can be a great alternative energy-efficient heating and cooling system for furnace owners.
If you notice that the heat pump is troubleshooting, it is better to contact a professional HVAC expert. Your HVAC expert can promptly inspect the system, help reduce strain, and prevent heating system breakdowns.