Heat Pump Troubleshooting
Heat pumps provide affordable year-round comfort—that is, when they’re working properly. If you’re experiencing difficulties, follow these heat pump troubleshooting tips before you call a pro.
Heat Pump Doesn’t Heat Properly
Remember, heat pumps don’t produce air as hot as furnaces. Occasional defrost mode also results in temporarily cool air. With this in mind, move forward with these troubleshooting tips:
- Make sure the thermostat is set to heat. Increase the temperature 5 degrees and see if the air warms up.
- Double check that all supply registers are wide open.
- Change the filter to prevent restricted airflow.
- Make sure the backup electric resistance heater kicks in when the heat pump can’t keep up with demand.
- If you’re still stumped, call a technician to diagnose the problem and provide heat pump repair.
Heat Pump Won’t Run
If the heat pump is completely unresponsive, it could be experiencing power problems. To check that the system is receiving power:
- Make sure the thermostat is set to the right mode (heating or cooling) and the desired temperature.
- Reset any tripped breakers in the main electrical panel.
- Make sure the power switch in the air handler unit is turned on.
- Reset any tripped breakers and replace blown fuses in the air handler cabinet.
- Call a professional for help if the heat pump still won’t turn on.
Heat Pump Freezes Up
The defrost cycle should prevent the heat pump from icing up in the winter, but if this happens, do the following:
- Ensure furniture and rugs aren’t blocking return air registers.
- Change the filter to improve airflow.
- Call a professional if restricted airflow isn’t the problem.
Heat Pump Short Cycles
Short cycling is inefficient and wears out the heat pump faster. To troubleshoot the problem, try these tips:
- Replace the filter to prevent restricted airflow from overheating the unit.
- Call a professional to recalibrate the thermostat or replace the heat anticipator.
Heat Pump Makes Strange Noises
Odd sounds are annoying and may indicate a problem. Follow this advice:
- Tighten the screws on the cover panel to eliminate rattling noises.
- Dent the metal ductwork slightly to make the surface more rigid and less likely to ping and pop as hot air blows by.
- Call a professional to address squealing and grinding sounds.
When these heat pump troubleshooting tips aren’t enough to get your system working right again, contact Arctic Air Conditioning for help!
