Heat Pump: The Most Common Problems

During the summer or winter, your primary concern will be addressing any malfunctions that result in your heat pump AC not working. However, if your heat pump is not blowing the correct air temperature, explore these three main causes:

Air filters are put in place to catch dirt and debris, but when too much builds up, it can block airflow to the compressor. Routinely check your filter and change it out for a new one if it’s dirty.

If your refrigerant levels are too low, likely from a leak, your heat pump will struggle to adjust your indoor temperature to heat or cool your home. Have a professional come out to check, refilling and recharging the refrigerant level as needed.

If the airflow to your unit is blocked by any type of debris, this can make it hard for the heat pump to do its job. Luckily, the solution is simple. Clean off your heat pump and clear away any debris that may be blocking the way.

A heat pump that’s running constantly will create a spike in your energy bill and shorten the lifespan of your unit. The most common reasons heat pumps don’t shut off include:

Without a continuous flow of fresh air, the heat pump can’t cool or heat your home efficiently. Filters typically need to be replaced every 30-60 days, but it’s good practice to check the cleanliness of your filter each month so you can replace it sooner if needed.

The compressor contactor controls how much power goes to your heat pump. If that’s damaged, it’s possible your heat pump could run all the time. You’ll need a professional to replace the part.

It’s understandable that you want to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, but if the thermostat is set too high or low, the unit will work continuously to try to achieve your desired temperature.

If your heat pump won’t turn on at all, there are four likely causes to consider.

Ensure that the device is displaying correctly and is set to “cool” with the desired temperature below the home’s current indoor temperature.

Check the electrical panel and switch the heat pump breaker to “on” if necessary. If the breaker continues to trip itself off, there’s a bigger issue at play. Contact a heat pump technician right away for service.

If you can hear a faint clicking noise that occurs as the heat pump is supposed to be turning on, your problem is likely with the starter capacitor. You’ll need to bring a technician out to replace it.

If the heat pump turns on when you want cool air, but not for heat, this is likely the cause. It will also need to be replaced by a technician.