For many, heat pumps are providing an energy effective choice for heating and cooling. As with a conventional HVAC system or other pieces of electrical equipment, heat pumps can need repair and/or cleaning to run efficiently. Continue reading to learn more about troubleshooting your heat pump.
- Check the Thermostat
A correctly operating thermostat is essential for your heat pump to operate. Without the thermostat, the heat pump will not turn on. It lacks the information about what temperature to sustain. Check the display for the thermostat as your first step. If that is not lit, your heat pump is not working. If your thermostat is battery operated, replace the batteries. For hardwired pumps, make sure that circuit breaker or fuse linked to operate the pump is working.
- Clean the Filters
Clean air filters are needed for heat pumps to effectively operate. If your heat pump is running sluggishly, check the air filters. Lift the filters up toward a light source. This visual inspection will let you know if they need cleaning.
To clean the filters, use soap and water. Leave them out in the air to dry before placing them back into the pump. As you learn more about using your heat pump, it is a good idea to check and clean your air filters at least once a month. Doing this as a preventive measure will cause your pump to run more efficiently.
- Grimy Coils
As with the air filters, dirty coils cause your heat pump to work extra hard, which will reduce its useful operating life. Unclean coils diminish the efficiency of the heat transfer, so you will not feel the same quality heat or cooling from the unit. Proactive cleaning will increase the longevity of your heat pump. Plan on removing the dirt and grime every other month.
- Leaking Refrigerant
Another essential element of your heat pump is refrigerant. Without refrigerant, the heat transfer cannot occur. Even as you learn more about how to maintain your heat pump, fixing an issue with the refrigerant requires an HVAC technician.
