Inefficient heat pumps increase energy consumption and decrease the HVAC system’s service life. If your heat pump isn’t heating properly, begin by inspecting the thermostat settings to make sure they’re correct. You should also check the refrigerant levels, confirm that the outdoor power source is functioning, and look for any problems with the pump or valve breakage. If these solutions don’t work, ask your heat pump installation technicians to fix the issue.
Causes and Fixes For Your Heat Pump Not Heating Properly
There can be multiple reasons why your heat pump is not working properly. Here are some of the major reasons and solutions to fix the most common heat pump issues:
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A Broken Thermostat
Your thermostat might need work, even if your air pump works fine. It sets the heat pump to the temperature you want. If it is broken or malfunctioning, it won’t be able to regulate your heat pump. It is better to get a professional to look at your thermostat and see if there are any problems with its setting or programming.
Remember that heat pumps don’t work like heaters, which send out short bursts of very hot air. Instead, they make a steady flow of warm air. The air temperature is usually between 85° F and 93° F, but since our bodies are generally 98.6° F, it feels cold. Get professional heat pump services for the thermostat replacement.
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Clogged Air Filters
When the filter is clogged, the dirt stops air from getting to the evaporator coil, which stops the function of the HVAC. If something is wrong with your heat pump, check the air filters first. If the filter is really dirty, you should get a new one. If changing the filter is not possible, clean the air filters properly. Clean filters will allow clean air through the system, making your indoor environment safe and pleasant. Also, make sure you check the air ducts regularly. It helps you identify any new blockages or leaks.
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Refrigerant Leakage
The refrigerant cools the air, which is then circulated around. If the refrigerant is too low, the required cooling function will fail. The most common cause of low refrigerant is leakage due to poor maintenance and cleaning. You might be able to change the air filter without help, but you should only mess with the refrigerant with a trained heating expert. For this, find the housing of the air filter in your HVAC, then determine the size of the air filter. Next, remove the dirty filter, align it, and place the new filter.
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Blocked Outdoor Unit
The heat pump takes heated air from the outside. The pump cannot work if leaves, grass, toys, or other things get in the way of the outdoor unit. Outdoor unit blockage is quite common after a storm, as dirt, debris, and twigs tend to block it. To get rid of this, turn off the thermostat, disconnect the electrical connection, remove the obstacles, and vacuum the condenser fins. It is important to take your time to clean it properly or hire professional HVAC system services to ensure there is no damage.
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Broken Reverse Valve
Many current heat pumps are flexible and can heat and cool. The reverse valve on these heat pumps makes it easy for them to change from hot to cool settings and back again quickly. If this valve works correctly, the heat pump will only heat your home properly.
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Frozen Air Pump
A frozen air pump can cause you much trouble on cold winter days. You might see that your heat pump has full ice coverage. The heat pump won’t freeze over, so you may need to look into it. Sometimes, the reason is easy to figure out: it snowed recently and covered the pump fully. Getting rid of the snow around you should solve the problem.
To defrost the ice, thaw your heat pump manually by running warm water around the sides. Then, turn on the electric supply, set the automatic defrosting function, and run the fan for an hour. Do not use any objects to break the ice.
On the other hand, if you see that the heat pump is leaking coolant, it means it’s time to call a heat pump repair expert. The liquid that absorbs heat or the refrigerant, in low amounts, will stop the heat pump from working. Because refrigerant is a chemical, only a trained professional should handle it.
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Weak Heat Pump
Sometimes, the cold is too strong for your air pump to handle. In colder climates, air-to-air heat pumps may not be strong enough to heat your home. It is because they pull in cold air from outside and blow warm air into your home. If you live somewhere very cold, your heat pump works extra hard to warm the air.
If that’s the case, you should use a different heating system. Propane is a great choice for people who live in places where it regularly gets below freezing. However, you must consider its pros and cons when choosing your HVAC repair services.
How To Improve Your Heat Pump Performance?
To increase the efficiency of your heat pump, keep it on to maintain the temperature and make proper adjustments to keep the hot air inside the room by blocking possible heat loss ways. Also, ensure that your radiators are on and the hot water temperature is maintained to improve performance. Take advantage of the annual maintenance of your heat pump to keep up its efficiency and smooth working.
Conclusion
When your heat pump is not heating properly, it is best to contact your heat pump installation service provider for help. If you want to try fixing the issue yourself, start by cleaning the pump, setting the thermostat, and unclogging the air filters. You can also try outdoor unit power adjustment, valve repair, or pump replacement to improve the heating process of the HVAC system.
