How To Tell If A Heat Pump Needed Repaired Or Serviced?

Most folks who install heat pumps in buildings do so to achieve efficiency gains. Consequently, heat pump repair or service work is critical to getting the most out of a system. You have to know what to look for, though. These four issues can tell you whether it's time to ask a heater maintenance contractor to check out your home's heat pump.

Declining Heating or Cooling Capacity

Whenever a heat pump has problems, they don't necessarily pop up all at once. Instead, the system may experience a gradual decline in heating or cooling output. If it seems like it's taking longer to warm the house on a cold day, that could be a sign that the heat pump is struggling. Especially if this seems to be a problem no matter what the weather is, there's a good chance something is wrong.

The solution could be a simple heater repair trick like replacing the air filters, and you might even be able to handle that yourself. However, the problem could also be a compressor that's wearing out. That issue calls for a good bit of technical know-how. Worse, the system could be leaking refrigerant, and that's a problem only a licensed contractor should touch.

Noises

One of the most common heater maintenance complaints is that a system is noisy. Your heating setup likely employs a fan to blow air where you need it. Every fan has some moving parts, and those components can wear out or loosen up. A worn bearing, for example, might cause a fan to develop some play and get noisy as it bumps around. Even a millimeter of play in a fan can make some annoying noises when it's operating at full speed. Generally, the solution is to replace the fan.

Error Codes

Modern heat pumps typically use electronic thermostats, and these can spit out error codes. Even if you can reference the codes using the system's manual or the manufacturer's website, they can be inscrutable. A technician can go through the heater diagnostics to figure out what the code means and how to respond. Frequently, the problem is with the electronics, and a technician may need to replace the control panels to get the system back to working condition.

Poor Response

A heat pump should respond fairly quickly when you change the temperature. If the system is slow to respond or does nothing, ask a heat pump services professional to check it out. The system could have electronic problems, but it might also have mechanical issues.

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