Watch Out for These 5 Summertime Heat Pump Problems in Hoover, AL

Watch Out for These 5 Summertime Heat Pump Problems in Hoover, AL

Your heat pump offers an efficient, effective way to keep your Hoover, AL, home comfortable all year. In summer, the system works differently than in winter to help you battle soaring summertime temperatures. With that in mind, watch out for these five common summertime heat pump problems:

Heat Pump Won’t Start

There are several possible reasons that your heat pump won’t turn on. In some cases, it’s something as simple as a tripped breaker that provides power to the heat pump. However, you may also have a major problem that requires immediate heat pump repair.

While you should never try to tackle heat pump repair on your own, you can flip the breaker if it’s moved to the Off position. However, if nothing seems wrong in your breaker box, it’s time to turn to the professionals.

Heat Pump Won’t Cool the Air

If your heat pump fails to cool the indoor air, it could need maintenance, cleaning, more refrigerant, or new parts. If your system blows warm air, a service technician may need to replace your reversing valve. If the refrigerant levels are too low, the heat pump may not be able to produce enough cool air to keep your house comfortable.

It’s also possible that your air filters are too dirty to allow air to flow through your home. You need to check your filters monthly and change or clean them at least every three months or more often if necessary.

Heat Pump Won’t Stop Running

Your heat pump should keep your house cool and comfortable without running continuously. If it never shuts off, look out for these heat pump problems.

If your thermostat’s temperature setting is too low, your cooling system may run nonstop to achieve and maintain the desired temperature. If your thermostat seems to be working well, ask a service technician to clean your air filters and condenser coils. Dust and debris can clog the filters, coat the condenser coils, block airflow, and make it difficult for your heat pump to pull cool air into your house.

Leaking refrigerant can also cause your heat pump to run incessantly. If your system lacks refrigerant, it’ll have to work harder and run longer to cool your house. Also, a broken compressor could prevent your heat pump from shutting off. Whatever the case may be, diagnosing the problem early helps a technician fix your overworked system before it experiences more serious malfunctions.

Heat Pump Makes Strange Sounds

Your heat pump should make noise only when it starts and when it shuts down. If your system rattles, bangs, or makes other strange noises, pay close attention.

Rattling often signals loose parts or problems with the air handler, while objects that continuously hit the fan’s blades can cause banging sounds. Dirty motor bearings can cause grinding sounds, and malfunctioning coils can make your system buzz. Gurgling sounds indicate that you need to check your coolant levels.

Heat Pump Smells Bad

Your cooling system should improve the air quality in your home, so if you notice a bad smell, be sure to take action. Musty sock odors and foul, fishy, or burning smells signal that your heat pump needs service.

A musty-smelling heat pump usually indicates that you have dirty or contaminated ducts or evaporator coils. Pests can cause foul smells if they enter your heat pump and die there. Smelly insect debris can float through the air and make you feel unwell.

If you notice a burning odor emanating from your heat pump, you could have an electrical issue like faulty wiring or an overheated motor. These odors alert you to shut down your system immediately. Electrical malfunctions are dangerous because they can cause fires.

A faulty heat pump can leave your home uncomfortable and inefficient. Our team at Air Experts can repair heat pumps before they develop serious problems, so contact us today to schedule a service.