Signs Your Heat Pump Needs Immediate Service

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

Keep Your House Covered For A Warmer Winter

Keep Your House Covered for a Warmer Winter

Homeowners are 40% more likely to experience water leaks due to cold weather, but the damage may not be covered by their insurance policy. Many will state that it’s the homeowners responsibility to heat their home even if they are away in order to prevent accidents like burst pipes happening. Getting your plumbing system serviced and making sure your pipes are lagged can help prevent these occurrences and, along with other insulation and draft proofing, will keep your home safe and warm in winter.

Lagging Pipes and Insulation

Insulating your water pipes prevents them from freezing or getting damaged.  On cold pipes it can also prevent condensation forming on the pipes. This happens when the water inside the pipe is colder than the heated air surrounding it and can cause issues with damp. Lagging hot water pipes helps reduce heat loss and can raise the water temperature by up to 4 degrees. If a pipe does burst, make sure you know where to turn off the water to prevent further damage before calling a plumber.

Chimneys and Fireplaces

Another area to cover in your home is an open fireplace. When not in use, 14% of air in your home can be lost through a chimney. Check your damper is well fitted and working efficiently, or block the chimney completely with a tightly fitted foam chimney draft excluder. If your house is still chilly, think about adding an extra source of heat. An ethanol fire doesn’t require a flue and can be the cozy main attraction or accent to a living area.

Insulation and Draft Proofing

The US Department of Energy estimates that you can save up to 30% of your home’s energy by having it properly insulated and, for optimal energy efficiency, this should extend from the attic to the basement. As well as fitting insulation in the roof and walls, draft proofing smaller areas can make a difference to heat loss.  Weatherstripping can be fitted around windows and doors stop to seal any gaps. Heavy curtains, draft excluders at the bottom of doors and a rug on wooden floorboards will also help to minimize cold drafts and heat loss.

Covering up and adding extra layers is good advice to keep warm in the winter and it works for your house as well. Lagging pipes, insulating walls and covering floors keeps more of the valuable warmth of radiators and fires inside your home for a safe and cozy winter.

Guest Contributor, Cindy Trillo