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No one wants to have issues with a home heating system in the winter, but your heat pump can malfunction. You can try diagnosing the problems yourself, so you can then troubleshoot to fix your heat pump. You need to know some basics about what a heat pump is and how it functions so you can identify when things aren’t working properly. Read on for three common causes of a malfunctioning heat pump, and how to address them before calling a professional HVAC maintenance company for assistance.

 

HEAT PUMP BASICS

A heat pump is a home heating system that uses electricity to cool or heat a residence. In the winter, heat pumps work by transferring heat (rather than generating it) from outdoors and distributing it throughout a home via a duct system–standard home heating systems with heat pumps draw heat from the outdoor air, pulling into an indoor air handler for distribution inside. Homeowners like you often choose them because they are quiet, low-maintenance, highly efficient, and keep energy costs low; and heat pumps provide uniform heating throughout a home.

 

3 COMMON REASONS FOR MALFUNCTION

There are many reasons a heat pump can malfunction. The most common causes of such a malfunction include power issues with the unit itself of the thermostat, air flow issues, and equipment issues. The first thing to check is power. If your heat pump is not working properly, it could be due to an issue with the power source. Check the fuse for the heating system to make sure it has not been tripped; reset it if required. And if it is a power issue with your thermostat, check the calibration and adjust the thermostat; if it does not respond to the adjustment, you might need a replacement.

 

Your heat pump problem might be related to air flow. First, confirm that the vent covers are open to allow air circulation. Next, inspect your air filter. If you have a dirty, clogged air filter, it could be the reason that air is not circulating well through the system; clean the filter or replace it. This oft-overlooked task is easy to do and can solve the problem right away in many cases.

 

If your problem is not a dirty filter, check your heat pump components; yours might have a defective fan or other faulty parts that are preventing the heat pump from working properly to circulate air. If your home heating system is making rattling or squeaking sounds, your heat pump might have loose parts within the heat pump or other equipment failings. Loose parts might simply need tightening, but other problems might be less obvious and require maintenance from a professional HVAC technician. You can have the pump’s components replaced if they are beyond repair. 

 

MAINTAINING YOUR HEAT PUMP

Your home HVAC system needs regularly scheduled maintenance. Following a maintenance schedule can help keep you from having issues with your heat pump system in the first place. But if your heat pump is over 15 years old, it is likely time to replace it, regardless of how well you have had it maintained. Your heat pump problems simply could be an indication that you need a new one.

Heat pump systems can be damaged in cold weather conditions, causing the pump to perform poorly. A professional HVAC maintenance and installation company can send a technician to help diagnose problems with your heat pump system, and address them through repair or replacement of parts. And if you need a new home HVAC system, the experienced and skilled professionals can help guide you to the best one to meet your needs. If you require winter maintenance for your current HVAC system or need a new one altogether in the Austin, Texas area, the comfort professionals at The Coolest LLC can help! The team of trained HVAC specialists at The Coolest is ready to provide expert advice and customized recommendations based on your personal preferences. Contact The Coolest LLC today to discuss your options.