Heat pumps have a lot of advantages over other traditional heating systems, thanks to their unique construction. However, they also have to deal with a lot of problems that other heating systems don’t, and for the same reason. If you’re using a heat pump to keep warm this winter, you should be aware of these issues. Read on to find out more about common heat pump problems, and when to call for repairs.
Refrigerant Leaks
Heat pumps don’t burn fuel to generate heat, instead using refrigerant to move pre-existing heat from one place to another. This makes refrigerant vital to the heat pump’s operation. If a leak develops in the refrigerant line, it will drain the system of the liquid that it needs to keep your home warm. Eventually, this will cause the entire system to break down. If you notice liquid dripping from your heat pump, or hear hissing coming from the system, you probably have a refrigerant leak. Call for repairs as soon as you can.
Ice
As the outside part of the heat pump evaporates refrigerant to absorb heat, the temperature around the unit will drop. Condensation will form on the coil as the air is cooled past the dew point. If the temperature drops low enough, the condensate will freeze and ice will form. This isn’t normally a problem, heat pumps use defrost cycles to melt ice off of their coils. If the cycle malfunctions, however, the ice can cover the entire coil and cause all sorts of issues. If you notice that your heat pump is mostly covered in ice, have a professional look at it to make sure it’s functioning properly. Better safe than sorry, after all.
If your heat pump needs repairs, call Sound Heating. We offer heat pump repair services throughout Tacoma, WA.