Beware These 5 Summertime Heat Pump Problems in Bennsville, MD

Homeowners around Bennsville, MD can truly appreciate their heat pumps as the summer temperatures climb. That said, the risk of operational problems lingers in the background as your system eventually wears. Be aware of these five common heat pump problems you may encounter during the summertime.

1. The System Won’t Turn On

One of the most obvious problems is your heat pump completely failing to start up. The power going to the system is the first place to check, ensuring you don’t have any tripped circuit breakers. Additionally, check the disconnect box near the outside unit, something technicians use to terminate power during service.

If the power supply seems in order, check that the thermostat has power and is set properly. The proper mode setting is “Cool” to prevent it from switching between heating and cooling. Additionally, check the time settings and your programs if you’re running any.

If these don’t appear to cause the problem, you may have any number of failures or a refrigerant leak. Getting routine heat pump maintenance helps keep you ahead of these problems and can give you some warning when something’s operating suboptimally.

2. The Unit Is Running Constantly

On the other side of the operational spectrum, you may notice your heat pump seems to run constantly. First, high-efficiency heat pumps run longer cycles by design because they use lower compressor and fan settings. This helps save power while also increasing home comfort by constantly moving your home’s air.

For standard heat pumps, cooling cycles should last 10 to 15 minutes, with about 10 minutes between cycles. This may vary depending on your home’s insulation, the outside temperature and indoor activity. A system that’s running constantly may trace back to several issues, including common problems like:

• An undersized unit
• Compressor issues
• Refrigerant leak
• Restricted airflow

3. It’s Not Producing Cool Air

Your system should expel air that’s approximately 14 to 20 degrees cooler than the air entering the system. If it’s not noticeably cooler, it may indicate problems ranging from improper settings to mechanical issues.

Check the fan setting on your thermostat and ensure it’s set to Auto. If it’s set to On, the fan will run constantly, even between compressor cycles. The air coming from your vents between cooling cycles will feel warmer than you’d expect.

Additionally, check that your HVAC filter is clean and doesn’t need replacing. Restricted airflow through the unit, stemming from a dirty filter, can certainly make the air flowing from your system feel warmer.

Finally, you may have issues with your system’s cooling function. This can stem from a faulty reversing valve, insufficient refrigerant and compressor issues, among others. All of these are best left to a professional to troubleshoot and resolve to prevent personal injury or property damage.

4. The Unit Is Icing Up

Shut the system down if you notice icing outside or if there’s a puddle around your inside unit. A puddle likely indicates icing on your indoor refrigerant coil during cooling cycles.

While an oversized unit may cause this, it’s more commonly an indication of either a refrigerant leak or a compressor issue. Routine heat pump maintenance includes checking refrigerant levels and inspecting the compressor. If either of these is even marginally off, you can schedule a repair before it leaves you sweating.

5. It’s Making Strange Noises

Efficiently operating heat pumps should only produce the whir of the fans spinning and a low hum from the compressor. Other sounds may indicate loose or broken components, low refrigerant, compressor issues or faulty electrical components. Sounds you’ll want to look out for and have a professional troubleshoot include: rattling, banging, grinding and buzzing.

Don’t allow these heat pump problems to fill your summer with heat and stress. Ignoring the early signs of a problem can complicate repairs and potentially drive up repair costs. Call to schedule your heat pump repair service with one of our NATE-certified technicians at Hancock Refrigeration Heating & Air Conditioning in Bennsville, MD.

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