3 Signs Your Home's Heat Pump Is In Need Of Repairs

Posted on: 13 December 2017

Many homes utilize heat pumps to warm and cool the interior of the house. A heat pump is a mechanical device that can be used year round and it works by transporting heat from one area to another; during the summer months, a heat pump removes heat from the inside of the house and forces it out. During the winter months, the opposite is true; the heat pump absorbs heat energy from the outside air and forces it in. Heat pumps are very popular in areas where homes need cooling during the summer but don't have extremely cold and frigid winters.

If your home has a heat pump, you will rely on it all year long, so it is important to keep it in good working order. Some common signs that your heat pump may need repairs include:

1. Reduction in Air Flow

Regardless of whether you're using your heat pump to warm or cool your house, you should feel ample airflow coming through the air vents. If you notice that there is a reduction in the amount of air flowing into your house when your heat pump is on, it may indicate that the air filter is dirty and clogged, which is preventing the heat pump from running efficiently. Reduced air flow can also be a sign of a problem with your air ducts. It is not good to run your heat pump when there are airflow problems, as it puts extra stress on the device-- contact an HVAC technician to have the issue diagnosed and fixed.

2. Strange Noises

In general, heat pumps do not make a lot of noise when they are running. After living in a house for a while, you will probably get used to what your heat pump sounds like when it is on. If you begin to hear grinding, screeching, or squealing sounds during operation, there is cause for concern. These types of strange sounds often mean that an internal component of the heat pump has worn out and needs to be replaced.

3. Unable to Change Modes

A heat pump is on an indoor air handler and an outdoor unit that has the ability to both heat and cool a home. When you want to cool down your house you set your thermostat to "cool" and when you need to warm up your house you change the setting to "heat". If you are not able to switch from one mode to another it is usually due to a faulty reversing valve. When a reversing valve gets stuck or broken, you will need to have it replaced so you can use your heat pump for both heating and cooling a home. 

To learn more, contact a heat pump service company like C B Lucas Heating & Air Conditioning

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