Having a heat pump in your house is a blessing especially if you live in a region that remains cold mostly throughout the year. Although heat pumps do an excellent job of keeping the house warm but can sometimes run into problems that require quick solutions. In this article, we are going to share some reasons your heat pump can run into problems in winter and some heat pump repair tips as well.

Frozen Pipes Or Coils

If your heat pump is not performing the way it should be in the winter, it could be that the pipes or the coils are frozen. If the outdoor unit of the heat pump is covered with thick layers of ice, it won’t be able to perform. Even though modern heat pumps come with an auto defrost function, that does not help if there is severe ice accumulation.

At the same time, if you notice there is no water coming through the faucet, it means the pipes are frozen. This can cause the pipes or coils to burst. In other words, the repair is going to be expensive. That said, you should immediately turn off the faucet or the heat pump and try to fix the issue.

If the pipe network in your house is in good condition and freezes due to dipping temperature, you can try out a few things to prevent that from happening. To begin with, you can try setting the temperature above 60 degrees.

Open the windows and remove the curtains when the sun is out to let natural warmth melt the ice. Bear in mind that you should not use sharp materials to remove the ice. Leave the water tap on and let it drip slowly. The same goes for the coils or the outdoor unit. Simply tap the ice using a shovel or any other tool until the upper layers are removed. if the evaporator coil is frozen, hire an expert.

Uneven Airflow

Homeowners often complain that some rooms in their houses are cooler or warmer than others. This usually takes place in the winter season, when everybody is trying to get a piece of every little warmth they can find. It happens due to the heat pump producing an uneven airflow.

Two tips might help you remedy the situation: change the air filters and inspect the vents for any problems. Air filters may seem like a minor component but play a significant role in keeping the contaminants out. The air distributed inside the house and consumed by you and your family members is made safe by the air filters first.

Therefore, the air filters must be regularly cleaned. If the air filters are clogged or damaged due to age, you will need to replace them. The best way to do that is by following the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Secondly, inspecting the air vents and ensuring their condition is perfect also helps. The reason is the warm air you receive is transported through the air vents. So, in the winter season, birds, rats, and other intruders tend to take up accommodation inside the vents which might lead to damage.

So, even before the heat reaches the inside, it escapes through the cracks and holes. That’s why some rooms in your house might be warmer than others or vice versa.

Problems With The Thermostat

Believe it or not, thermostats have come out to be the culprits in many cases. Faulty thermostats can be blamed for poor air flow. If you have installed an aftermarket thermostat, it might simply need a battery replacement or could have malfunctioned.

But if your heat pump comes with an inbuilt thermostat, it might be that it needs calibration. For this, you will need to contact an expert from HVAC companies Tyson’s Corner who will not only calibrate the device but also clean it. Sometimes, devices tend to struggle with communication just because layers of dust and debris can hinder the performance of the components.

The Heat Pump Isn’t The Right Type Or Size

Yes, you heard it right, the type and size play the biggest role in warming up a house. When searching for the right option, you will come across many heat pumps in different sizes and power levels. Some heat pumps won’t be as effective when the temperatures are down to freezing.

This means that if you live in a state or region that is extremely cold, you will need a heat pump that is made for the same purpose. On the other hand, you need the right size as well. Buying the wrong heat pump size is a common mistake made by homeowners.

A regular-size heat pump will not be able to warm up a property that is comparatively a lot bigger. This will also add to the energy bills as the heat pump will continue working to achieve the desired temperature. Similarly, if the property happens to be smaller and the heat pump is bigger than the average size, it will constantly trip. This can also increase the energy bills.

The best way to prevent the issue is by opting for the right size and kind. If you are not able to pick an option, you should consult an expert.

The Heat Pump Is Too Old

If you have recently purchased a new heat pump, it should not have a problem warming the house. But if the heat pump happens to be years old, it will struggle to do so. The reason is that the components turn weaker with time and will most probably malfunction or need repairs.

In this case, you cannot do much but spend on repairs and replacements. However, if there comes a point where the costs of repairs and replacements tend to match or cross the actual value of the heat pump, you should save that money and invest in a new heat pump.

Regardless of how well-maintained the heat pump is, it will begin experiencing problems after 10-15 simply because it has reached its maximum lifespan.

Heat Pump Is Not Maintained

Maintenance plays a big role in the efficiency of the heat pump. Most homeowners think that if their heat pumps are working fine, they do not require any type of maintenance or inspection, which is very wrong.

Heat pumps just like other household appliances need periodic maintenance and inspection. With time, dust, dirt, debris, and other external factors can take a toll on the health of the heat pump. So, if your heat pump is supposed to be used mostly throughout the year, you will need to take extra care of it.

Simply, clean or replace the air filters once a month at least and inspect the unit for any unusual signs or symptoms. If the problem is complicated, you will need to call in an expert. And, in addition to your inspections, your heat pump will also require periodic expert maintenance.

Such a service is surely going to cost you but ensures your heat pump runs smoothly for years to come. The last thing you would want is your heat pump failing to work just because it needed a bit of cleaning.

Conclusion

Heat pumps facing problems in the winter are common. But you should not panic. Instead, follow the tips mentioned above and ensure thorough inspection and proper maintenance and hire heat pump repair services Arlington when required. It is better to think of it as an investment rather than an expense as it helps you avoid malfunctions and breakdowns just when you need the heat pump the most.