A heating and cooling system is an essential aspect of many homes.
In summer and winter, proper air conditioning is crucial as a significant portion of the US population needs heating and cooling. The heat pump is among the top HVAC systems that people are fond of using.
A good heat pump keeps your home cool in summer and warm in winter. If it’s working properly, you can enjoy better indoor conditions and don’t have to pay hefty energy bills. In addition, a good system requires fewer repairs and improves indoor air quality.
In this article, learn all about heat pump issues and how to tell if your unit is working properly. There are specific signs worth noting that show when the unit is in good condition. Also, other signs indicate it is time to contact a heating and cooling expert, like one of the experienced technicians at Anderson Air.
How to Tell If Heat Pump is Working Well
As the temperatures rise or drop, you need to turn on your heat pump. Here are some of the common indicators that you should look for if you want to learn how to tell if your heat pump is working:
- Consistent Energy Consumption
A heat pump uses energy to cool or heat your home. Regular tune-ups and check-ups ensure your heat pump is working properly.
One way to tell this is the case is when you have consistent energy consumption. You should pay roughly the same amount for your electric bill every month, provided your unit is working properly and energy companies don’t increase their rates.
- Few Repairs
When was the last time you contacted an HVAC company for repairs? If you schedule few or no repairs in a year, you have a good working HVAC system.
Heat pumps are among the best units to heat or cool a home. One that’s working well and in good condition will cost you little or no money to do repairs.
- Infrequent Cycles
A heat pump will shut down and start up multiple times as it cools or heats your home. Usually, a good working unit will shut down a maximum of 20 times a day. That shows it’s running properly.
But, this also depends on the conditions in your home, like temperature and humidity. Still, a good working heat pump won’t exceed three cycles per hour.
How to Tell If Your Heat Pump Is Not Working Properly
Heat pumps, like any other HVAC system, require regular servicing. Since it’s in intensive use, especially during summer and winter, the unit can develop problems. Some of the signs that show the heat pump isn’t working include:
- Over-The-Top Energy Bills
When it’s hot or cold outside, you must use the heat pump to be comfortable at home. A working heat pump is a life-saver when the seasons change. However, it won’t work effectively when this unit begins developing issues.
Among the top signs to watch out for is ever-increasing energy bills. HVAC experts insist on servicing systems once or twice a year to improve efficiency. When you skip these important heat pump tune-ups, it requires more energy to keep working.
The more energy the heat pump consumes, the higher your energy bills. Each month that you have it running, it needs more energy to keep cooling or heating your space. So, if you notice your electric bill is higher, call an HVAC expert at Anderson Air for a tune-up.
- Lack of Proper Airflow
The purpose of a heat pump is to deliver conditioned air into your home. In summer, you get cool air, while you have warm air in winter. If a heat pump isn’t working properly, you end up experiencing poor airflow.
Usually, a heat pump will have poor airflow for reasons like dirty air filters. Remember, the air filter is there to capture dirt and debris entering your home. After some time, this gets clogged and needs cleaning or replacing.
Also, you might experience poor airflow because of dirty evaporator coils or a spoilt motor blower. The best thing to do is call your HVAC professional over to service the unit.
- Unwanted Odors
Did you know that a heat pump can be the source of unwanted odors in your home? Always smell the air coming out of your heat pump. If you find it unpleasant and strange, your heat pump needs immediate maintenance.
Some of the smells that can come from a poorly working heat pump include:
- Musty Odor: This indicates the presence of mold and mildew in your heat pump.
- Fishy or Burning Odor: This is a sign of electrical faults or overheating.
- Sulfur Odor: A rotten egg smell, similar to sulfur, indicates a refrigerant leak.
- Sewer Odor: This is a sign of a backed-up drainage line or a full condensate pan.
- “Dirty Sock” Odor: This smell indicates your evaporator coils need cleaning.
All these smells need immediate solutions since they can lead to a poor working heat pump in your home.
- Strange Noises
Just as it produces weird odors, your heat pump can start making strange noises when it’s faulty. These noises are different and usually indicate different problems with your system.
Some of the heat pump noises to note are:
- Banging Noises
Banging noise from your heat pump means a loose part flying around in the unit. Usually, these are loose fan blades or nuts. Shut down the unit when you hear this noise to avoid damaging the heat pump.
- Rattling Noises
Prolonged use of any device can lead to issues like loose cover panels. Since the screws are coming loose, the panels start to rattle when your heat pump works.
- Poor Heating or Cooling
The whole purpose of a heat pump is to cool your home in summer and heat it in winter. If this isn’t the case, something is wrong.
For instance, your heat pump might start blowing warm air in summer or cool air in winter. This means it requires repair or maintenance to restore proper function.
Key Takeaway
Heat pumps are some of the best HVAC systems in the market. Since you can use it in summer and winter, you don’t need two separate units for the different seasons. When you get one for your home, signs that it’s working well will include consistent energy use and good cycling.
If your heat pump has some problems, it can start to consume more energy leading to an increasing electric bill. Also, the heat pump can have strange odors and noises.
So, always be on the lookout for any strange behavior on the heat pump. And if you notice any inconsistency, don’t hesitate to contact a qualified technician for assistance.
Best of luck!
