As the temperature starts to rise in Daytona, you can’t afford to have your heat pump stop working unexpectedly. Unfortunately, heat pump problems are more likely during periods of high temperature when the unit is used more intensively. By understanding common heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) issues, you can learn when to troubleshoot on your own and when to call for professional help.
How a Heat Pump Works
A heat pump uses the same technology as an air conditioner to absorb and transfer heat from one place to another. The biggest difference is that heat pumps can switch direction in the winter, so they are able to heat and cool your home.
During the summertime, refrigerant lines absorb heat inside your home and turn into a gas. Once the refrigerant is sent outdoors, the compressor and condenser work to compress the refrigerant and release the heat. Then, the process can begin again.
Reasons Why Your Heat Pump Isn’t Cooling Your Home
If there is a problem at any point in this process, your heat pump will not be able to work properly. Airflow problems, thermostat issues, and reversing valve malfunctions are just a few of the reasons why your heat pump might stop cooling your home.
Thermostat Malfunctions
The thermostat must signal the control board to switch on. If the thermostat is broken or has dead batteries, this cannot happen. Similarly, the wrong mode and temperature settings can prevent the system from kicking on.
Tripped Breakers
Often, heat pumps will be set up with different breakers for the indoor and outdoor units. If the outdoor breaker trips, the air will still flow into your home. Because the outdoor unit isn’t on, the airflow will feel warm.
Problems With the Reversing Valve
The reversing valve helps the heat pump transfer between heating and cooling throughout the year. If this valve stops working properly, your heat pump may try to heat your home instead of keeping it cool.
Clogged Filters
Clogged air filters reduce airflow. Eventually, a dirty filter can cause your evaporator coil to freeze.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
While evaporator coils can freeze because of a clogged air filter, the same problem can occur due to excess dirt buildup, excessive strain during extreme operating conditions, blower motor problems, and low refrigerant levels.
All of these causes can stop the evaporator coil from absorbing heat properly. This can result in the coil becoming too cold. Once this occurs, existing moisture in the air condenses and turns to ice around the coil. After the coil ices up completely, you must wait for the coil to thaw before you can get the underlying problem fixed.
Things You Can Safely Troubleshoot
If your heat pump is not cooling, there are a few things you can check on your own. For more serious issues, you can schedule professional repairs with Daytona One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating.
Check Your Breaker
Inspect your breaker panel to see if a switch has been tripped. You can reset it once if it has. If it trips again, you should call for help because this means that there is an underlying electrical problem involved.
Review Your Thermostat Settings
Sometimes, family members will change thermostat settings without letting anyone know. You can easily fix this problem by making sure your thermostat is set to the correct mode and temperature.
Replace the Air Filter
By cleaning or replacing a dirty filter, you can prevent airflow-related problems. In general, you should replace your filter every 30 to 90 days. This should be done more often during periods of peak usage. Additionally, homes that have pets or smokers will need more frequent replacements.
Verify Airflow
To troubleshoot potential problems, check your vents to see if any air is coming out. If you can’t feel any air movement, you may have a problem with your ductwork, blower motor, thermostat, or air filter.
When To Call for Help
Although you can troubleshoot some common heat pump problems on your own, any issue that involves mechanical, electrical, or refrigerant-based components should be dealt with by a professional. Trying to handle complex repairs on your own can lead to major HVAC damage and potential safety risks.
If you notice the following symptoms, we recommend calling for help right away.
- Unusual noises
- Short cycling
- Weird smells
- Frequently tripped breakers
- Warm airflow
It’s also important to note that you should immediately call for help if your heat pump stops working on a hot day. Similarly, homes that have elderly family members should call for help right away.
How To Prevent Future Problems
To avoid future issues, one of the most important things you can do is schedule a routine maintenance appointment. Tune-ups are a chance to catch minor issues before they escalate. During the tune-up appointment, our technicians will clean and lubricate your unit’s components. By doing so, we can prevent unnecessary wear and tear from happening in the future.
As a homeowner, you can also prevent HVAC issues by performing maintenance throughout the year. Besides changing your air filter regularly, we also recommend cleaning around your outdoor unit. By removing debris and plant matter, you can ensure proper airflow and effieciency in your HVAC system.
Get Professional Support Today
Your family deserves a cool, comfortable home. When the weather gets hot, you can’t wait hours or days to get your heat pump fixed. By reaching out to our HVAC technicians, you can get fast services and flexible appointment scheduling. Once you give us a call, one of our local technicians will promptly come to your home to find the source of the problem.
Learn more about how Daytona One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating can help by giving us a call today. We’re on time, or you don’t pay a dime!
