Heat Pump Problems: A Troubleshooter’s Guide

Heat Pump Problems: Outside unit will not start Possible Solutions: Defective circuit breaker, disconnected wires, defective thermostat

Heat Pump Problems: Circuit breaker continually trips when unit starts Possible Solutions: Defective breakers, capacitors

Heat Pump Problems: Outside unit runs but not fan Possible Solutions): Fan motor burned out, loose wires, bad capacitor

Heat Pump Problems: Heat pump collects ice Possible Solutions): Filters dirty, evaporator coil dirty, blower motor bad

Heat Pump Problems: Cold air blowing in the vents during winter (should be warm) Possible Solutions): Low on refrigerant, defective heat pump, vents blocked, filter blocked

Heat Pump Problems: Outdoor unit will not turn off Possible Solutions): Defective thermostat, refrigerant loss

Heat pumps can be extremely efficient in their use of energy. One of the most common of all heat pump problems is that the coils in the outside unit have a tendency to form a build-up of ice. The heat pump has to melt this ice , so it turns back to air-conditioner operation in order to heat up the coils. The unit may also contain some sort of burner or an electric heater to heat this cold air. As soon as the ice is melted, the heat pump will switch back to heating, then turns off the electric heater or burner.

If you are experiencing heat pump problems — -Make a note of when the problem occurs: all the time? Or just intermittently? -Note what you see and hear: what is running, what is not? -Note the manufacturer, model and any add-ons -Call your service professional; tell them you are experiencing heat pump problems, how long it has been going on, and all other pertinent info gathered -NEVER attempt a DIY repair the unit yourself. You will NOT save money, may void your warranty, and possibly damage the unit or injure yourself.

Another great option for those using ground source heat pumps is to use it for heating hot water. Ground source heat pumps can be installed with an add-on device called a ‘desuperheater’ – this device partially heats your water. In summertime, when your air conditioner is running (and ground source heat pumps can double as air conditioners), the desuperheater will use some of the extra heat taken out by the air conditioning process to heat your hot water! So, in the summertime, your water will be heated for free! In wintertime, part of the heating power of ground source heat pump is used to heat the water. If, in your home, your ground source heat pump operates most of the time (especially to cool things off in the summer) you can save lots of $$ in heating your water. Truly, ground source heat pumps are a modern miracle of engineering!

While you cannot service your unit, there are some things you CAN do by way of preventive maintenance that will help prevent most heat pump problems: -Clean off the fan blades of the blower (if you can see them) -Tighten all mounting bolts if they are loose -Check for loose hoses or wires – notify a pro if you find any -If you have removable filters, check them regularly and clean or replace them as directed in your owner’s manual.

Who is the best person to call if you are experiencing heat pump problems? The person most knowledgeable about your system is the person/company who installed it.

Most manufacturers will not help you to directly resolve your heat pump problems, they will usually refer you to a qualified repair technician.

If you suspect that you have been sold a defective unit, or that it was not installed properly, you may contact your local state agency or federal consumer advocacy department for further assistance with your heat pump problems.

Consumer tips – -Use reliable contractors -Ask lots of questions -Before spending a lot of money, get 2 or 3 additional estimates

Learn How to Diagnose and Repair Heat Pump Problems

Homeowners who tackle home projects for enjoyment or necessity wonder whether or not fixing a heat pump is a DIY project. Much of the maintenance of a heat pump can definitely be done yourself. A few repairs can be DIY tasks if you have the right tools. However, the majority of repair work on heat pump systems is best left to a professional contractor.

Heat Pump Repair Takes Specialized Skills

Even most skilled DIY homeowners don’t have the knowledge and skills to fix their heat pump system. HVAC repair has been called one of the toughest kinds of home repair because of what is involved. Many times, the issue is electrical, and electrical problems are notoriously difficult to diagnose whether they are in the heat pump or the air handler. Refrigerant systems work also takes experience and training that most of us simply don’t possess.

Heat Pump Repair Requires Special Tools

Most repair jobs around the house require a set of tools DIY buffs are familiar with. Those tools can be used to fix anything from the roof to installing kitchen counters to finishing the basement. Repairing a heat pump or a furnace takes special tools that most handymen and homeowners don’t have. Most rental placed don’t have them either. They are expensive and hard to find. These include specialized gauges to check the system’s refrigerant pressure and meters for the electrical and blower systems.

Handling Refrigerant Requires a License

To purchase and handle refrigerant to recharge a heat pump requires obtaining a refrigeration contractor’s license in every state. Refrigerant is not something you can pick up at the local home improvement store.

DIY Repairs and Maintenance of your Heat Pump System

There are a number of things you can do yourself, however. Homeowners with a good understanding of electrical systems can run power to where the unit will be installed. For existing systems, you may be able to diagnose a relay, switch or condensate pump that isn’t working and switch it out.

Replacing a thermostat can be fairly easy, and so can clearing a clogged condensate drain and fixing issues with exposed ductwork.

Annual maintenance can be done by a knowledgeable homeowner. With a shop vacuum and light brush you can clean both the outdoor and indoor coils as well as the blower and reachable duct work. You can check for refrigerant leaks or cracks in refrigerant lines.

What you can do yourself depends on your skill and experience. When in doubt, call a pro for heat pump problems you can’t handle , just like you want others to do when they call you to do whatever it is you do.

Is Heat Pump Repair a DIY Project?