Is Your Heat Pump Struggling This Winter?

Winter can be a challenging time for heat pumps, just like air-conditioners in Summertime. As temperatures drop your heat pump has to work longer to keep your home warm.

While this is normal, there are some signs that your heat pump may be struggling in the cold weather. By recognizing these warning signs early on, you can take action to address them before they turn into major problems.

1. Increased energy bills

A significant increase in your energy bill could indicate that your heat pump must run longer than usual to keep your home warm. Also, most heat-pump systems are augmented with back-up heating – sometimes called “Emergency Heat” on your thermostat and are set to come on automatically as needed. That helps heat pumps maintain warm temperatures inside when the outdoor heat-pump can’t keep up. But that will also increase energy usage and costs. The emergency or auxiliary heat may also come on if the outdoor heat-pump stops working because of a mechanical issue. (If neither come on – it’s another issue that needs to be checked).

2. Uneven heating

If some rooms feel significantly colder than others, this could be a sign that your heat pump is not distributing enough warm air. This could be due to a faulty blower motor or other issues with your heat pump system.

3. Strange noises

Grinding, squealing, or banging noises can all be signs of a malfunctioning heat pump. These noises could be caused by a variety of issues, such as loose or worn-out parts, debris in the system, or even a failing compressor.

4. Frost buildup

It's normal for some frost to accumulate on your heat pump during the winter months. However, if you notice excessive frost buildup on the unit, this could be a sign of a problem. This could be caused by a refrigerant leak or an issue with the defrost cycle in your heat pump.

5. Constant cycling

Short cycling can put unnecessary strain on your heat pump and lead to increased energy bills. It could be due to a faulty thermostat, dirty air filters, or other issues with the system.

6. Ice on outdoor unit

If you have a split-system heat pump, you may notice ice forming on the outdoor unit during winter. This could be due to a malfunctioning defrost cycle, low refrigerant levels, or other issues with the unit. Address this issue promptly before it causes damage to your heat pump.

7. Struggling system

If you find that your heat pump is struggling to keep your home warm during the winter, this could be due to a malfunctioning component in the system. Also, depending on age, it could be a sign that your heat pump is reaching the end of its lifespan. Either way, have a professional inspect your heat pump and determine the cause.

8. Poor airflow

Reduced, weak, or inconsistent airflow from your vents could be a sign that your heat pump's blower motor is malfunctioning, your air filters are clogged, and/or your damper system (if you have one) is not operating properly.

9. Constant running system

Lastly, if you find that your heat pump runs constantly without ever reaching the desired temperature in your home, this could be due to several reasons, such as a faulty thermostat, dirty air filters, or low refrigerant levels.

Remember: Ignoring these warning signs could lead to more serious problems and costly repairs down the line. Don't hesitate to call a professional HVAC technician from Environmental Air Systems, Inc., to inspect and repair your heat pump if you suspect that something may be wrong. We will be happy to help you understand the issue, determine the best course of action, and get to work so you can enjoy warm air again.