How To Fix Common Heat Pump Problems

A heat pump can be an efficient and versatile home cooling and heating solution – but only if it’s working properly.

In this week’s post, we’ll look at some common heat pump problems and how you can address them before you contact us for service.

Heat Pump Problem 1: If Your Heat Pump Doesn’t Run At All

If your heat pump won’t start:

• Check your thermostat – Make sure it’s set for “heat,” or for the target cooling temperature. Set the thermostat for at least five degrees above (for heating) or below (for cooling) your room’s current temperature to engage the system.
• Check your thermostat batteries – If you can’t see your thermostat’s digital readout, install new batteries. Plan to replace batteries about twice a year.
• Check for tripped circuit breakers – Reset circuit breakers that supply power to the unit. If the circuit breaker trips repeatedly, it will need professional repair.
• Check power switches – Make sure any wall switches that may affect operation of the heat pump are in the “on” position.
• Make sure your thermostat is heat pump compatible and properly installed – If you have installed a new thermostat recently, make sure it can be used for heat pumps (not all thermostats are), and that it has been installed properly. If you’re not sure, contact us.

If none of these solutions fixes the problem, contact us to schedule a service appointment.

Heat Pump Problem 2: Underperformance

If the air your heat pump isn’t producing warm air in “heat” mode, try the following:

• Check your thermostat – Make sure the temperature is set for at least five degrees above the current room temperature.
• Make sure all registers are open and unblocked – Make sure warm air can move throughout your house.
• Clean the heat pump filter – A clogged filter can cause your heat pump’s blower to overwork, which could eventually lead to a breakdown. Change dirty filters, and replace them regularly as recommended by the manufacturer.

If these simple steps don’t work, you probably need heat pump service.

Heat Pump Problem 3: Improper Cycling

• When a heat pump cycles (turns on and off) too frequently, the problem may be that the unit is overheating because of a clogged filter; try cleaning or replacing the filter to see if the problem goes away.
• If cleaning your filter doesn’t fix the problem, make sure the thermostat is set and installed incorrectly (see above). If you’re not sure how to check the installation, contact us.
• Another possible problem is that the heat pump is improperly sized for your living space. If you’ve recently made alterations to your house and haven’t upsized your HVAC systems to handle the larger heating or cooling load, you could be overburdening your heat pump system.

If you have tried these solutions and the heat pump continues to cycle more often than it should, contact us for service.

Most heat pump repairs are preventable with regular maintenance, so schedule yours today from the pros at Tom Fricker Complete Heating & Cooling. If your heat pump can’t be fixed, we’ve got your covered, too – just ask for a FREE, no-obligation estimate on a high-efficiency heat pump installation in Middlesex and Norfolk County, MA.