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TOP 5 COMMON HEAT PUMP PROBLEMS & POSSIBLE CAUSES

The Inflation Reduction Act has made it possible for homeowners in California to get tax credits and rebates for installing energy-efficient heat pump systems. While this is an exciting opportunity to save money and improve your home's energy efficiency, it's important to be aware that like any other home appliance, heat pumps can experience problems and will need repair from time to time. TOP TEAM HVAC

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TOP TEAM HVAC is a company that is ready to help you with any repairs or maintenance that you may need. However, it doesn’t hurt to educate yourself about common heat pump problems and warning signs, so that you can catch any issues early and avoid a more serious breakdown. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common heat pump problems and their possible causes, so that you can be prepared for any future issues that may arise in your home.
To learn more about the Inflation Reduction Act and how it can benefit homeowners in Los Angeles and surrounding areas, visit our California Heat Pump Electrification blog post!

Heat pumps are a type of HVAC system that can both heat and cool your home, making them a popular choice for homeowners looking for year-round comfort. However, because the heat pump works continuously to maintain the desired temperature in your home, it may experience malfunctions or breakdowns and require repairs. In this article, we will discuss five of the most common issues that homeowners may experience with their heat pumps:

Loss Of Power
If you notice that your heat pump is not turning on, the first thing to check is your thermostat. The thermostat is the control center for your heat pump, and if it’s malfunctioning, it can affect the entire system. Make sure that your thermostat is turned on and set to the correct settings. It’s possible that someone in your home accidentally changed the settings, causing the thermostat to power off. Your thermostat should show the correct temperature, and it should be set to “Auto” for efficient heating. If the thermostat won’t turn on, it may need new batteries.

However, if your thermostat is operating correctly but your heat pump is still not turning on, there could be other causes. These include a broken reversing valve, a broken starter capacitor, or a whole-home power loss. In such cases, it’s recommended to call a Top Team HVAC technician to help identify the problem and carry out the necessary repairs. Our experts can quickly diagnose and fix the issue to restore your home’s comfort in no time.

Running Constantly
A heat pump running constantly can be due to many factors. Again, we recommend starting with the thermostat. When thermostats are set to “On,” it indicates the heat pump will run even if it is not working to heat or cool your home. Thermostats set to “Auto” only run the heat pump when heating or cooling your home.

If your thermostat settings are correct, check the status of your air filters. Heat pumps struggle to push air through dirty air filters, which causes the unit to work longer to heat and cool your home. Other causes to your heat pump running constantly can include:

  • Broken compressor
  • Dirty coils
  • Refrigerant leak

Little Or No Airflow
Little to no airflow indicates an internal or air filter issue. As we mentioned, heat pumps use more energy to push air through dirty air filters. If your air filters are clear of debris, no airflow could be caused by a malfunctioning blower. The blower is responsible for pushing air through the air ducts and into your home. Blowers can malfunction due to dust build up or wear and tear throughout the years. We recommend calling an experienced TOP TEAM HVAC technician to assess the issue rather than attempting to repair the blower yourself.

Unusual Sounds or Smells
You may experience unusual sounds or smells from your heat pump, which is uncomfortable for everyone in your home. Pay attention for the following sounds to identify the common issue:

  • Banging Noise: If the noise coming from your heat pump is similar to a banging noise, it could indicate a loose part inside the system. The metal hitting other metal components can cause further damage, so we recommend calling a professional immediately to avoid other broken parts.
  • Rattling Noise: If rattling sounds are coming from your heat pump, it is likely due to a loose cover panel, which can be easily fixed by tightening screws.
  • Buzzing Noise: A buzzing noise coming from your heat pump typically indicates an internal problem that should not be ignored, such as dirty motor bearings or malfunctioning coils.
  • An unpleasant smell coming from your heat pump can indicate mold growth or animal infiltration. We can help identify either problem and direct you towards a solution!

Not Heating or Cooling
Many homeowners experience their air vents blowing air, but not the correct temperature for the setting. If your heat pump is blowing cold air in the winter or warm air in the summer, we recommend looking at the status of the outdoor unit. Outdoor units can be blocked by debris such as tree branches, grass, and ice in the winter. If the outdoor unit is in good condition, the problem could lie with low refrigerant levels. Refrigerant helps the heat pump effectively heat and cool. We recommend allowing a professional to check the status of your refrigerant levels, because refrigerant is toxic and can cause health issues. Other causes to your heat pump blowing the incorrect temperature can include:

  • Faulty Thermostat
  • Air Leaks
  • Dirty Air Filters

Let us help keep your heat pump in perfect condition with our heat pump maintenance services in Los Angeles and surrounding areas! If you experience any of the common heat pump problems listed, give us a call. Each TOP TEAM HVAC technician is an expert at repairing all types of heat pump systems.

 

About TOP TEAM HVAC

TOP TEAM HVAC is a full-service heating, ventilation, and air conditioning company committed to providing industry-leading solutions, flat-rate pricing, and exceptional customer service. With a team of highly trained technicians, TOP TEAM HVAC offers comprehensive services, including installation, maintenance, and repair of HVAC systems for both residential and commercial clients. 

For more information, visit www.topteamhvac.com or call 818-851-7111.

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