What’s With the Heat Pump? When There’s Trouble, Try These Tips

In addition to home heating, heat pumps are designed to provide efficient home cooling, too. That’s one of the big perks of using a heat pump in your Portland home — cooling and heating in one system. However, if your heat pump is on the fritz, and the only perk you want is for it to work, use these troubleshooting tips to try and cool things off.

Troubleshooting Tips

The first step of heat pump troubleshooting is locating the issue — sometimes by process of elimination:

• Controls — You’ve already checked the thermostat half a dozen times, but check it once more and make sure it is in COOL cycle, and the temperature setting is below room temperature reading.
• Power — If the heat pump is not powering on, check the circuit panel for a tripped breaker. Also, check the limit switch located near the indoor air-handling unit. The limit switch looks like a regular light switch.
• Poor airflow — Perhaps you feel a little cool airflow from the vents, but pressure is not normal. Check the air filter to see if it is dirty. If the filter is clogged, airflow is restricted. Check all the vents in the home to make sure they are fully open and not obstructed by curtains or furnishings.
• No cold air — If there is ample airflow from the vents, but it is not cool, check the evaporator coil for ice accumulation. The coil is located at the indoor air handling unit. Airflow restrictions (e.g. dirty air filters) and electrical problems are typically at the root of the frozen coil problem.
• Noises — If your hear grinding or scraping noises, turn off the system before it comes to a grinding halt. There is likely a compressor or blower motor problem. Call in the professionals. Ductwork may be the reason rooms are not receiving cool airflow. Rattling and clamoring are sure signs of loose and disconnected ducts. Metal tape (not cloth “duct” tape) and mastic sealant are the tools used for duct sealing.

For more details about these heat pump troubleshooting tips, please contact the professionals at Roth Heating & Cooling today.