If you rely on a heat pump to keep your home warm and cozy during our harsh winters, you may have noticed a decrease in its performance. Our heating season is long in Fairplay, MD, and you’ve undoubtedly been relying on your heat pump for many months now. That’s why it’s essential to be aware of the signs you need heat pump repair. Let’s go over four common repair needs you might be experiencing this time of year.
1. It Won’t Switch Modes
The usual suspect in this scenario is almost always the reversing valve. This component is what allows your heat pump to go back and forth between heating and cooling and vice versa. This piece of equipment is subject to wear and tear. Luckily, it’s an easy fix for our team.
2. Reduced Airflow or Lukewarm Air
It’s frustrating when your heat pump is technically working but taking forever to heat or cool your home. There’s an easy way to check if you have an airflow or temperature problem. If you have a ducted heat pump, hold your hand up to one of the vents. The air should be decidedly hot/cold and the flow of air should be strong and steady.
If it’s neither of these things, that’s a sign that something is amiss. Try checking the air filter. When was the last time you replaced it? If it’s been a while, this could be the culprit. But if a clean, new filter doesn’t remedy the problem, you’ll need to call us for heat pump repair.
3. Refrigerant Leaks
Just like a central AC, heat pumps use refrigerant for the heat exchange process. And just like air conditioners, they’re prone to refrigerant leaks, especially if your heat pump hasn’t received regular maintenance.
Signs of a refrigerant leak include a hissing noise and frozen evaporator coils. Refrigerant leaks don’t get better on their own and it’s hazardous to breathe in refrigerant. Contact us if you suspect a refrigerant leak.
4. Short Cycling
Speaking of refrigerant leaks—short cycling can happen because of them. Short cycling is evident when a heat pump is unable to complete a heating or cooling cycle. It’ll sound like your heat pump is constantly running, but the temperature of your home doesn’t change much. A refrigerant leak is a possible cause. Short cycling causes tremendous wear and tear, so don’t delay contacting us about this issue.
How Can I Avoid the Need for Heat Pump Repairs?
Do you want to hopefully avoid the need for heat pump repairs altogether? What homeowner wouldn’t? The best way to avoid unexpected and potentially unnecessary repairs is to get your heat pump tuned up twice a year, once before the heating season and once before the cooling season.
Bi-annual maintenance is even easier to take care of when you join one of our maintenance plans. We have four tiers of membership to make it easy to find a level that’s affordable for homeowners.
At Hagerstown Heating & Cooling, we want to protect customers from Google and other contractors in Fairplay, MD. Honesty at Its Best.