Heat pumps wear two hats; they heat and cool your home. Unfortunately, that means they run into unique problems that most HVAC equipment doesn’t. Don’t get us wrong: heat pumps are resilient and durable, but they also never get a break.
There’s a chance that you need heat pump repair in West Chester, PA, but before we can say that for certain, let’s run through the top 3 most common heat pump problems. These should help illuminate the issues you’re facing with your heat pump right now.
Not Switching to Heating Mode
Your heat pump transitions between two modes, one for cooling and one for heating. When it’s finally time to turn the heater on at the start of the cold season, heat pumps can simply just not switch over. There’s no problem with your unit that’s immediately apparent, it just won’t switch over.
This could be due to some problems with the airflow, which you can fix by switching out your air filter. However, it could also be a stuck valve or a refrigerant leak. Hopefully, you’ll only have to recalibrate the thermostat to read the correct temperature of the room and won’t run into any major issues like refrigerant leaks.
Odd Odors
You know what it’s supposed to smell like when you turn your heat pump on, so what is that ghastly stench coming out of it? The source of the smell could be mold growth. If you’ve had your heat pump for a while and it hasn’t been cleared out properly (or had maintenance calls), mold could grow in various areas of the unit.
When you turn it on, that odor comes blowing back through the rest of your home. Not only is it unpleasant, but mold spores are also something you don’t want circulating in the air of your home. It requires some deep cleaning, which a technician can do for you.
Short Cycling
This problem is common, but it’s not trivial by any means. When your heat pump short cycles, it could be for any of the following reasons:
- Your heat pump is the wrong size for your home.
- It’s overheating.
- Your thermostat isn’t communicating with the unit properly.
- There’s a refrigerant leak.
The reason that short cycling isn’t a trivial issue is because it can cause severe damage to your unit. Your heat pump is trying its best, but when it’s constantly turned on and off again during short cycles, it brings extra stress to all the working parts.
If you’re experiencing short cycling, it means you need to turn your heat pump off entirely and contact an HVAC specialist to diagnose the problem with your heat pump.
Don’t Let Your Heat Pump Suffer
Is your heat pump suffering from one of the problems on this list, or is it something bigger? Either way, if you can’t get your heat pump to work properly, it’s time to bring in a professional. Trust us to handle your heat pump repair job, and reclaim your home comfort without compromise.
Michall Daimion Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. has been the Main Line’s Premier Service Provider since 1976. Contact us today to schedule heat pump repair.