Heat pumps are incredibly advanced and reliable systems. Or, at least, they are supposed to be.
There is a chance that your heat pump may be struggling to get by lately. Since these systems run almost nonstop throughout the year, they see a lot more wear and tear. All that stress can add up.
Think of it like this, if you work out every day for a month with no rest days, how would you feel? Probably pretty tired!
While your heat pump can’t feel tired, it can develop problems that require expert attention. But first, they need to get your attention so you can reach out to us for HVAC service and maintenance. Here’s how your heat pump may be sending out red flags to alert you to a problem.
8 Warning Signs Your Heat Pump May Exhibit
- Weakened airflow: A properly working heat pump produces strong, steady airflow. If your airflow is weaker than usual, it means your heat pump is struggling.
- Increased energy bills: Increased energy bills are often a signal that something is wrong with your heat pump.
- Short cycling: Does your heat pump turn on only to shut off after a few brief minutes? That is bad news for your comfort, your energy bills, and your system.
- Nonstop cycles: Maybe you notice the opposite behavior from your system–it never seems to stop running. This is another sign of trouble that shouldn’t be ignored.
- Odd noises: You know what your heat pump sounds like normally. Sounds like banging, rattling, hissing, and screeching should catch your attention because they are cause for concern.
- Odd smells: If running your heat pump produces odd smells such as the smell of dirty socks or burning electrical parts, it is worth it to schedule repairs.
- Incorrect temperature: No matter how long or how little you run your heat pump, the temperature in the house is never right. And that’s a sign something is amiss.
- Unresponsiveness: You turn on your heat pump and…nothing. No beep, no air, no nothing. Unresponsiveness may mean you need major repairs or a new heat pump altogether.
First and foremost don’t try to maintain or repair your heat pump by yourself. DIY or amateur work almost always causes more damage to the system, rather than fixing it. Instead, follow these steps:
- Make sure to check and change the filter if you haven’t done this already.
- Take note of what warning signs your heat pump is showing.
- Reach out to a professional technician to discuss whether you need maintenance or repairs and schedule an appointment.
- If at all possible, leave your heat pump off until it is serviced by a professional to protect it from further damage.
Whether your heat pump has been struggling for a while or it just started to act up recently, you should absolutely schedule your system maintenance, repairs, or replacement with a professional technician.