Reliable, Local Heat Pump Service
Heat pumps are similar to air conditioners in that they run exclusively on electricity. When functioning properly, they can deliver efficiency rates of 300% to 400%. However, when there is an issue, that efficiency can plummet, and electricity usage can spike. That’s why we encourage Burns homeowners to track their electricity consumption monthly and annually. You can do this by hand, or you can use a smart thermostat or other device to track it for you.
Timely heat pump service can provide many benefits:
- Better indoor air quality
- Longer heat pump lifespan
- More even heating and cooling
- Lower repair costs in the future
- Reduced electricity consumption
All heat pumps have an outdoor condenser unit that is vital to the refrigeration process. These units draw a considerable amount of electricity when they cycle on, and they can draw even more if there’s a pump problem, such as inadequate lubrication. If this happens, the system may struggle to start. You might notice this by a loud bang outside your window when the system turns on. Other issues can even trip your circuit breaker. You can reset the breaker once. If you have to reset it again, it’s time to schedule a professional heat pump service.
A common issue at the start of a season is when the system gets stuck in either cooling or heating mode. Your heat pump may activate on that first cold day but may not deliver any heat. This problem is often caused by a stuck reversing valve that will not move to the other position. The reversing valve is one of the reasons seasonal tune-ups are so important for heat pump systems.
Your heat pump may turn on without providing conditioned air, even if the blower is running. In this case, check for a clogged filter or a thermostat malfunction. Next, ensure there is no obstruction of the outdoor unit. If the problem persists, it may indicate a refrigerant leak.
Many homeowners expect refrigerant leaks to be substantial and obvious, but they often are not. Typically, leaks are small and can worsen slowly over time. During this period, the heat pump will continue to run but not as effectively. You may experience cold or warm spots in rooms before the situation worsens into a complete lack of heated or cooled air.