Many Alabama homes use a heat pump for perfect indoor temperatures throughout the year. Homeowners often don’t realize there’s an issue until there’s a lack of heating or cooling. In many cases, however, your heat pump shows signs of trouble prior to malfunctioning. Douglas Cooling & Heating discusses the signs of trouble a heat pump presents so you can anticipate the need to schedule service.
Strange Noises
Heat pumps are fairly quiet, although they make some regular noises during operation or starts and stops. The usual noises aren’t cause for concern – problem noises are ones out of the ordinary.
Don’t ignore minor strange sounds and wait for them to become louder or more frequent before calling for repair. Strange sounds indicate problems with components which could become worse. Bangs, grinding, rattles, and screeches are all noises which cause concern.
Higher Energy Bills
Heat pumps offer highly efficient heating and cooling – one of the reasons many Alabama homeowners choose heat pump technology for their indoor comfort needs. Low energy bills are a definite perk, so if your heating and cooling bills start to climb, there’s a problem.
If your energy bills are higher than normal without any other explanation, such as increased occupancy of the home or adding energy-consuming appliances, your heat pump could be the cause.
Worn out or broken components within the heat pump can force the unit to draw more energy and overwork to hit your desired temperatures. This increases your utility costs and causes damage to the unit.
Room Temperature Air
Heat pumps can blow cool air and warm air into your home, depending on your settings. If you’re receiving room temperature air and your thermostat settings are appropriate for your desired temperature, something’s wrong.
Also, if you’re feeling hot air when the heat pump is in cooling mode or vice versa, your heat pump needs attention. It’s possible the heat pump’s reversing valve which switches modes may need to be replaced.
Frequent Cycling
Is your heat pump running more frequently than it used to? If you notice heating or cooling cycles initiating more often, it’s a sign of heat pump trouble.
While improper thermostat calibration could be causing the issue, more serious issues with the heat pump may be to blame, such as a dysfunctional blower motor.
Poor Temperature Control
Along with frequent cycling, is your home not reaching your desired temperatures despite the heat pump is constantly running? Or are you having a hard time maintaining your preferred comfort levels?
Poor temperature control could be caused by a repairable issue, but often it’s a sign your heat pump is not sized appropriately for your home. Our NATE-certified technicians can identify the issue and inform you of the best route to take to improve your comfort.
Needs Frequent Repairs
Heat pumps, just as furnaces and air conditioners, tend to require more frequent repairs when they’re reaching their last two years of service life. If you’ve been seeing Douglas Cooling & Heating technicians fairly regularly for your heat pump, it’s a sign that instead of seeing us for repairs, it’s time to see us for heat pump replacement.
Heat Pump Troubles Are No Trouble for Us
If you notice any of the heat pump trouble signs we’ve discussed above, do not delay in calling us for service. Continuing to operate your heat pump with problems can cause further damage. This may require replacement when a simpler repair could have solved the issue if addressed earlier.
Our NATE-certified technicians are ready to diagnose and fix your heat pump problems. Call us today to schedule heat pump service.
