When you have a working heat pump, you have a comfortable home throughout every season. But your heat pump won’t do you any good if it’s not working. To keep your system running smoothly, you should call a professional for heat pump repair at the first sign of an issue. Be on the lookout for some of the common symptoms that your pump needs to be fixed.

1. Your Refrigerant is Leaking

A heat pump uses refrigerant to move heat from one place to another. Much like your refrigerator, this appliance could start leaking refrigerant. Once this happens, your system will not be able to heat or cool your home properly.

If unrepaired, a leak in your heat pump will destroy your entire system. Be on the lookout for leaks and call a technician at the first sign of trouble. Common signs of a refrigerant leak include inadequate heating or cooling or loud hissing noises.

2. Your System Has Short Cycling

Has your system started to turn on and off before a complete cycle is finished? If so, there’s a problem with your heat pump. A system that cycles on and off every few minutes demands a repair.

The constant cycling is more than just annoying. It is inefficient, which costs you money and also strains your system. Without a heat pump repair, your system may only be days away from a total breakdown.

3. Your Heat Pump Makes Noises

While your system probably isn’t silent, it shouldn’t be so noisy that it’s more than background noise. As soon as you notice it making unusual sounds or causing a disruption, you should schedule a service call.

Some of the noises you might hear include banging, humming, or rattling. There are several issues that could cause these noises, and they are all signs of a serious problem.

4. Your Pump is Stuck in Heating or Cooling Mode

It’s likely that you chose a heat pump as your heating and cooling system is its ability to switch between heating and cooling your home easily. If your heat pump loses the ability to do this, there’s a problem. Even if your pump eventually makes the transition, you should hire someone to check out your system. You never know when the problem will arise again, leaving you in discomfort.

Do You Need Regular Heat Pump Maintenance?

It’s relatively easy to determine when you need to repair your heat pump. But what about heat pump maintenance? Unlike the need for pump repair, heat pump maintenance does not come with any visible signs. Rather, you should maintain your system on a regular basis.

When you give your system routine maintenance, you keep it working efficiently. People who fail to perform maintenance often experience an increased energy use of between 10% and 25%. Your diligence can save you money on your energy bill.

It could also save you money on future repairs. Without maintenance, your system won’t last long. When your heating and cooling needs are heightened, you could find yourself with a system that’s broken. Scheduling routine service once or twice a year is ideal.

What’s Included in Your Maintenance?

When your technician shows up for scheduled maintenance, they will perform a few important tasks. For instance, they will inspect your ducts, filters, blowers, and coil. Then, they will clear away debris or obstructions. They’ll also clean and flush the drain line, if necessary.

The technician will also check the refrigerant levels and recharge it as needed. If there are any leaks, they’ll repair them. They’ll check the thermostat, belts, and the condensing unit. Although they have a long checklist, they get through everything quicker than you might imagine.

Often, maintenance identifies a problem before it causes a complete shut-down of your system. It takes a little effort, but it goes a long way.

What Should You Do to Maintain Your System?

Although you should hire a professional to do your annual maintenance, you can also take action on your own. Every 30 to 60 days, you need to replace or clean out your air filters. Only some filters can be cleaned, so be sure to read the directions on your filter before doing anything.

You should also keep debris and grass away from your outdoor unit. If there’s too much vegetation or debris around the unit, it could become damaged or less efficient. Try to keep growth at least two feet away from the unit.

It’s also important to stay vigilant. Have you noticed any changes in the way your system runs? You might notice unusual noises, a decreased efficiency, or strange cycling. By paying close attention to your system, you can identify an issue before it stops working.

Finally, you should dust the vents and registers on your system. Over time, they accumulate dust. This can affect the airflow in your home as well as damage your indoor air quality.

Do You Need a Professional for Heat Pump Repair or Maintenance?

Whether you need your system repaired or maintained, it’s crucial that you call a professional. All too often, homeowners try to tackle the situation themselves. This might save you money on a service call, but will cost you in the long-run.

A heat pump is a complex system, and repairing it requires experience and the right tools. When you attempt a repair on your own, there’s a risk that you could do more damage. A small repair may turn into an expensive fix.

DIY repairs are also dangerous. Because the system uses high voltage electricity and chemicals, only trained professionals should work on it. With one small mistake, you could hurt yourself or your family.

Working with Us

If your system is in need of repairs or maintenance, you should call an experienced technician from a reputable company. The sooner you do, the sooner you’ll have your heating and cooling needs met.

Our staff at Reliability Home Services is always ready to take on a heat pump repair job. To take the first step, give us a call now.