Do you know the signs of heat pump failure? By familiarizing yourself with these symptoms, you’ll protect your system from serious damage and ensure you don’t have to deal with uncomfortable days spent in your home. In this guide, we’ll cover a few common heat pump problems, explain when an issue is considered an emergency, discuss the risks of leaving these problems unchecked, and offer suggestions on getting the heat pump repairs you need.
Common Signs of Heat Pump Failure
Heat pump not working properly? Let’s explore some of the most common signs of a failing heat pump to see if you’re dealing with this issue.
Heat Pump Won’t Turn On
The most obvious sign of a heat pump failure is a unit that refuses to switch on or operate at all. There are many potential causes of this issue, including:
- Issues with the thermostat
- Defective capacitor
- Low or leaking refrigerant
- Compressor failure
- Broken contactor
- Bad wiring or electrical connections
- Malfunctioning relay
These issues can all lead to a system shutdown, leaving you stuck in need of urgent heat pump repair with no warning. Most of these issues are difficult and dangerous to try and fix yourself without the right tools and know-how, particularly anything to do with refrigerant, which requires a special EPA certification to work with legally and safely.
Short or Long Cycling
Short cycling is the term for an HVAC unit that repeatedly turns on and off without reaching the desired temperature you set on the thermostat. Typically, short and long cycling are caused by an overheating outdoor unit, most often caused by debris build-up, obstructions around the unit, or low refrigerant levels in the system.
Blower Issues
A common sign of a failing heat pump is a malfunctioning blower fan. This is one of the most important heat pump components, as it pushes the cooled or warmed air through your ductwork and into your home. Blower failure is often caused by a faulty limit switch or a malfunctioning thermostat, both of which require HVAC emergency repair to fix.
Strange Noises
Not all noises indicate a heat pump failure, but if they become very loud, frequent, or unusual, it’s often a sign that you need heat pump emergency repair. The main sounds to keep an ear out for are squealing or grinding noises. These often indicate an issue with your blower motor bearings, which will need lubrication or replacement. Rattling is also a concern, as this usually means components or hardware have come loose inside your heat pump.
Unpleasant Odors
Mold and mildew smells coming from your HVAC ducts are extremely unpleasant, and it means there is excessive moisture buildup (or standing water) somewhere in the system, which is a big concern. You should also pay immediate attention to any burning or smoky smells — these indicate an electrical problem which can become a dangerous fire in moments. If you smell a burning odor from your heat pump, immediately cut the power and contact the emergency heating services at Monarch.
Rising Energy Costs
Increasing utility bills are a subtle but serious sign of a failing heat pump. Old, unmaintained systems have to work harder to hit your set temperature, consuming more electricity and increasing your monthly energy costs. It’s often only a matter of time before an inefficient system fails.
Why Your Heat Pump Might Blow Cold Air in Heating Mode
Another common heat pump issue is when your heater blows cold air while in heat mode, or vice versa. This is sometimes caused by simply inputting the wrong settings on the thermostat or by a clogged, dirty air filter. If these aren’t the source of the issue, it’s time to contact a home heating repair pro to inspect the reversing valve and look for a refrigerant leak, both of which are common causes for this frustrating problem.
When Is a Heat Pump Issue Considered an Emergency?
Not all heat pump problems are emergencies. Many common issues can be fixed simply, such as by replacing an air filter, cleaning ducts, or clearing the outdoor unit of leaves and debris. However, certain issues are more serious. If you notice any of the following issues with your heat pump, look for an emergency HVAC service near you, like the reliable team at Monarch Home Services.
- Heat pump won’t run during extreme hot or cold temperatures.
- Heat pump is blowing hot air in cold mode, or vice versa.
- The unit is leaking refrigerant.
- You smell burning odors from your system.
- You’re hearing loud, frequent, unusual noises from the system.
- Airflow is very weak or inconsistent.
- Your energy bills have suddenly spiked.
The Dangers of Ignoring Emergency Heat Pump Repairs
By ignoring these heat pump problems, you put yourself at risk of some serious consequences. Continuing to run a malfunctioning heat pump will almost certainly lead to a jump in energy costs, meaning you’ll be paying as much as double your usual bill while getting subpar performance from your HVAC system.
Pushing a heat pump past its limits also affects the system’s components. As they struggle and strain to function, they’ll become damaged more quickly, wearing the entire system out prematurely.
Some heat pump problems are also a serious safety hazard if left unchecked. Refrigerant leaks can be extremely hazardous to your health if you’re exposed. Dirty units can reduce indoor air quality, affecting your respiratory well-being. And of course, wiring issues pose the very real risk of starting a dangerous electrical fire in your home.
When you consider these risks, plus the fact that a malfunctioning system simply can’t make your home as comfortable as it normally would, you can see why heat pump repairs should be a priority.
Why Trust Monarch Home Experts for Emergency Heat Pump Repair?
For more than two decades, Central California homeowners have trusted the HVAC experts at Monarch Home Services for their heating and cooling needs, whether it’s a routine tune-up or an emergency repair. We pride ourselves on offering fast service, quality work, and comprehensive solutions for our clients.
With a team of elite, trained technicians and decades of combined HVAC repair experience, you can count on Monarch to respond to your emergency heat pump repair call in a flash and stay until your system is running at full capacity. With 24/7 emergency service, countless glowing reviews, and flexible financing, we’re the best choice for heat pump repair in Central California. Contact us today to schedule your heat pump service appointment.