Signs Your Heat Pump Needs Immediate Service

Heat pumps have always been a reliable way of keeping ourselves warm during the winter. However, heat pumps are still machines that are bound to have something go wrong with it in the course of its lifespan.

When it suddenly acts up, it most likely means that it needs immediate service. Here are some signs that should tell you when to call an HVAC company for a professional heating system repair.

Insanely high energy bills

Getting high energy bills when you’ve got your heat pump running all throughout the summers and winters is perfectly natural. What isn’t is an energy bill that is practically double what you usually get. The prime suspect in any suspiciously high bill will be your heat pump.

Dirty air filters could be the cause as it restricts airflow and makes the heat pump work harder, which in turn leads to more energy consumption and higher bills. There could also be holes in your duct, which wastes a lot of precious heated air. These are possible causes that you can DIY, but some problems like low refrigerant charge or refrigerant overcharge are best left to HVAC experts.

Weird sounds

An HVAC system does make some noise, but when it’s louder than usual, and there are clattering, banging, hissing, or bubbling sounds involved, waste no time in shutting the unit down and calling a trusted HVAC company. Only pros should deal with what could be a poorly-lubricated central air fan motor, a loose fan belts, a compressor running under too much pressure, or a refrigerant leak.

Burning smells

Does the heated air coming out of your heat pump smell have a burning smell? If so, shut it down immediately because there really must be something burning inside. It could be a component that’s overheating or a simple electrical problem. Whatever the cause, never even try to turn the unit on again until the HVAC pros get there.

No more heat

If the heat pump has been running for an hour and everyone is still shivering, then there must be something wrong with your heat pump. A dirty air filter can cause it, but so can a malfunctioning PCB assembly, a defective thermistor, or a failing capacitor.

While you can change the air filters yourself, only skilled and experienced HVAC professionals should deal with the other possible issues.

You wouldn’t want your heat pump to break down in the middle of winter, so if you notice any of the signs mentioned above, call an HVAC company right away.

 Guest Contributor, Michelle West