5 Wintertime Heat Pump Problems in Maumelle, AR

Winter conditions are very demanding for your heat pump. As a result, the system may break down once in a while as it works hard to create a comfortable indoor environment for your family. Below, we will discuss some common wintertime heat pump problems in Maumelle, AR.

1. Inconsistent Temperatures

Ideally, a heat pump should distribute temperatures uniformly in all rooms in your house. However, several issues may make your system fail to heat some rooms in your home to your liking. These issues include a clogged air filter, ductwork leaks and dirty vents.

If your heat pump’s air filter traps too many contaminants and isn’t replaced, the clogged filter blocks sufficient air from going into your heat pump for heating. Since the system only gets little air to heat, it distributes a small amount of heated air in your house, resulting in cold and hot spots.

When dirt and debris accumulate on your vents, the contaminants can prevent sufficient amounts of heated air from entering their respective rooms in your home. Also, if you place your furniture too close to these structures, the furniture can block heated air from your heat pump as well.

Perforations in your ductwork create an opportunity for heated air coming from your heat pump to escape. In these cases, only a small amount of the heated air gets to your living space, resulting in uneven temperature distribution.

Have a technician inspect your system to determine why it fails to distribute temperatures evenly. They will clean your vents, replace your air filter and repair any leaks they find.

2. Running Constantly

For variable-speed heat pumps, running constantly does not mean your system is faulty. These units run continuously at lower speeds to maintain comfortable and consistent temperatures throughout your home.

On the other hand, a constantly running single-stage heat pump suggests some parts are malfunctioning. Some of the reasons your single-stage heat pump runs constantly include refrigerant leaks, ductwork leaks, a clogged air filter, a dirty outdoor component or an undersized system.

Refrigerant leaks reduce the system’s ability to bring in enough heat from outside, making the unit run constantly. Ductwork leaks allow heated air to escape, making it difficult for the system to reach the temperatures set on the thermostat.

A clogged air filter makes your system run for a longer period as it tries to draw enough air. A dirty outdoor component inhibits the heat pump’s ability to absorb heat from the environment, making the system run constantly. Finally, an undersized heat pump runs constantly because your temperature needs exceed the heat pump’s capability.

3. A Frozen Outdoor Coil

The outdoor coil absorbs heat from the surroundings during winter. Being exposed to cold temperatures makes the coil freeze occasionally. The accumulated ice prevents the coil from absorbing heat.

To allow your outdoor coil to continue operating optimally in cold conditions, heat pump manufacturers designed these systems to shed this accumulated ice on their own through a defrost cycle. During the defrost cycle, the heat pump’s reversing valve changes the direction of the refrigerant flow, and the fluid starts moving heat from your house to the outdoor coil, thus melting the accumulated ice.

If the refrigerant leaks, the heat pump is unable to move heat to the outdoor coil; thus, the ice remains on the coil. Also, if your outdoor coil is dirty, it cannot absorb enough heat. Consequently, the outdoor coil remains cold and freezes up.

4. Failure to Turn On

Typically, your thermostat signals the heat pump to start working after you key in your preferred temperatures on the device. If your heat pump fails to turn on, the system may have a faulty starter capacitor or thermostat issues. The heat pump may also be overheating, thus shutting down prematurely.

5. Strange Sounds

Strange sounds mean there are faulty components in your system. For instance, loose parts can make a banging sound as they hit other parts. A whirring noise often occurs due to loose blower fan motor bearings.

If you hear gurgling and hissing sounds, your refrigerant is probably leaking. Buzzing noises occur when the electrical components malfunction.

If you detect anything unusual in your system, act immediately instead of ignoring the problem and hoping it will dissipate. Contact Freyaldenhoven Heating and Cooling for professional heat pump services. Our knowledgeable technicians can provide long-term solutions to HVAC issues.

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