Heat pumps – which use the principles of air conditioning to both cool your home in the summer and keep it warm in the winter – are rapidly becoming a popular alternative to more traditional forms of heating and air conditioning. Our cold Dover, DE winters used to be prohibitive towards heat pumps, since older models couldn’t handle our cold fronts, but recent advances have made them reliable no matter what the temperature. Like any system, though, they still suffer breakdowns from time to time, and when they do, you need a qualified service to fix them. Here are 3 common problems with heat pumps that you should watch out for.
What are the most common heat pump problems that need repair?
The most common heat pump issues needing repair include low refrigerant levels, reduced airflow due to fan or blockage problems, and a malfunctioning reversing valve that prevents switching between heating and cooling. Addressing these problems early can restore comfort and prevent system failure.
Heat Pump Refrigerant Leaks: What to Know
Like air conditioners, heat pumps rely on refrigerant to do their jobs. The exact type and amount of refrigerant depends on the make and model of heat pump, but it must always be in a set amount. When leaks spring up, it throws the balance off, resulting in increased strain and difficulty in heating or cooling the home as you’d like. Refrigerant is dangerous, so only a licensed technician should repair the leak and recharge the system.
Common Causes of Low Airflow in Heat Pumps
Low air flow often occurs because of problems with the fan or the fan motor, but it can also be caused by intermittent electricity and clogs in the air passages. Either way, it forces your system to work harder to do its job, and in the winter can be even more dangerous, as the hot air stuck in the system could overheat key components.
How a Broken Reversing Valve Affects Your Heat Pump
Heat pumps rely on a reversing valve to switch the flow of refrigerant and go from heating to cooling mode. When the valve is broken or malfunctioning, you might not be able to reverse the flow, meaning your system will be stuck in one mode until it’s fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What are some common problems that can occur with a heat pump?
Answer: Three frequent issues with heat pumps are refrigerant leaks, low airflow, and a broken reversing valve. Refrigerant leaks reduce efficiency, low airflow forces the system to work harder, and a broken reversing valve can prevent switching between heating and cooling modes.
Question: What causes a refrigerant leak in a heat pump and why is it a problem?
Answer: Refrigerant leaks can happen when the lines or connections degrade over time. A leak upsets the correct refrigerant balance, reducing heating and cooling performance and putting extra strain on the system. Technicians must fix leaks and recharge refrigerant.
Question: Why would a heat pump have low airflow and what does that mean?
Answer: Low airflow often comes from problems with the fan or fan motor, electrical issues, or clogs in air passages. Reduced airflow means the pump works harder and can overheat or fail to properly heat or cool the home.
Question: What is a reversing valve in a heat pump and what happens if it breaks?
Answer: A reversing valve lets a heat pump switch between heating and cooling by changing the refrigerant flow direction. If it malfunctions, the system may get stuck in one mode until repaired by a professional.
Question: Should I attempt to repair these heat pump issues myself?
Answer: No. Issues like refrigerant leaks require licensed HVAC technicians because refrigerant is hazardous, and reversing valve or fan problems need professional diagnosis and repair to ensure safe operation.
For quality heat pump repair, you can rely on Atlantic Refrigeration!