The one thing that no homeowner wants to encounter during the winter months is a malfunctioning heat pump. In the wintertime, the heat pump transfers heat from the outside of your home into the inside. The lower the temperatures drop outside during the winter, the harder it becomes for your heat pump to continue normal operations. Here are a few common heat pump problems that you may experience during the winter. If you are experiencing any of these, count on A-TEMP Heating, Cooling & Electrical for reliable solutions!
Common Heat Pump Problems During Cold Weather
Covered in Ice
It is normal for a light layer of ice or frost to appear on the coils of your heat pump during periods of normal operation. When this happens, the heat pump will de-ice itself with the defrost cycle. However, when the ice or frost extends beyond the outside of the coils and covers practically the entire unit and inside of the coils, it is time for you to be concerned. Leaving your heat pump covered in ice and frost for an extended period can result in damage to the unit.
Non-functioning
A heat pump may not be functioning due to a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse. Reset the fuses and circuits to the unit and then proceed to turn the unit on. If after checking and resetting the fuses and circuit breaker, the heat pump does not power on, you should give A-TEMP a call to get to the root of the problem.
Draining Problems
Improper drainage can cause a heat pump to freeze over and prevent it from working properly or even at all. Signs of draining problems include leaking and dripping. To enable your heat pump to drain properly to prevent freezing, make sure that the unit is placed on a sturdy surface. That surface should be high enough to prevent the unit from being submerged in snow, rain, and other elements. Keep the coils dry and change the filters regularly.
Blocked Coils
Blocked coils can cause the heat pump to work harder, decrease airflow and cause condensation and moisture to collect around the coils. If you factor in the cold temperatures, the chances of your heat pump freezing significantly increases. Remember, your heat pump needs to have a enough airflow to allow it to gather heat from the environment to heat the inside of your home. When the coils are blocked and airflow is compromised, the efficiency of the unit diminishes. Keep the area surrounding the outside of the coils clear to prevent problems with airflow and efficiency.
Weather Elements
Snow, freezing rain, and ice can all interfere with your heat pump’s ability to function properly. These elements can prevent the fan in your heat pump from working, To get rid of any ice that has accumulated and blocked the fan, you can either wait for the ice to melt on its own or pour some warm water over the unit. If those methods do not work, contact us here at A-TEMP to schedule one of our A-TEAM service technicians to get out to fix the problem. Never attempt to remove any ice from your heat pump with force, such as with an ice pick, hammer, or shovel.
Time for Replacement
Sometimes even with regular maintenance and care, a heat pump can still malfunction. If you notice that your heat pump is needing service more often, it may be time for you to replace it. It is recommended for homeowners to replace their heat pump every 12-16 years to ensure maximum comfort throughout the year. Replacing your old unit with a new and more energy efficient heat pump can save you more money, time, and hassle.
If you are experiencing issues with your heat pump, call A-TEMP Heating, Cooling & Electrical today at (503) 694-3396 or contact us online to schedule a service in Portland!