
Heat pumps are excellent HVAC systems for Georgia communities. They provide both heating and air conditioning, keeping your home comfortable throughout the year. They run efficiently and are customizable, making them a flexible home heating and cooling solution for any home.
If your heat pump’s not working correctly, you may not need a replacement. Sometimes, a simple repair is all that’s required. Call Ricky Heath, and our professional HVAC technicians will come to troubleshoot the issue and find the best, most cost-effective solution for your heat pump problem.
Common Reasons Your Heat Pump Is Not Working
There could be several reasons why your heat pump’s not turning on, is acting strangely, or is not maintaining a consistent temperature. The following are some of the most common reasons your heat pump’s not working, and the best solutions to each issue.
Thermostat issues or incorrect settings
One of the most common reasons heat pumps fail to meet Bibb County homeowners’ needs has a fairly simple fix. Your thermostat needs to be working properly and set correctly. Otherwise, the heat pump might start short-cycling or producing inconsistent temperatures. You might also notice high energy bills.
How to Fix
Depending on the thermostat problem, the issue could be as easy to fix as turning the entire system off and on again, and double-checking that you have the settings correct. If the thermostat display is frozen, or it won’t remember your settings, or won’t turn on at all, then it’s time to call a professional, as it may need recalibration or replacement.
Power supply or tripped breaker
A heat pump is a complex machine with many electrical components. If your heat pump’s not running at all it may be due to anything from a defective blower to a tripped circuit breaker.
How to Fix
Sometimes changing the filter and resetting the breaker may work to restore power, but in most cases, if there’s no power to your heat pump, it’s an electrical issue that needs to be checked by an experienced, licensed HVAC professional.
Clogged air filters restricting airflow
Restricted airflow through your heat pump will cause it to have to work harder to heat and cool your home. This reduces its efficiency and will eventually result in a breakdown as it overheats or the indoor coil freezes. If your air filters are clogged, you’ll notice signs like poor airflow, uneven temperatures, and high energy bills.
How to Fix
Changing your heat pump air filter is usually an easy task. Check the user manual for guidance, and make sure you buy the right filter for your specific model. If you’re unsure how to change the filter or want professional help, don’t hesitate to call Ricky Heath. We’ll provide a hands-on tutorial to guide you through the steps.
Frozen outdoor unit
The outdoor condenser portion of your heat pump may form a thin layer of ice on the outdoor unit in the winter if condensation occurs near the coils when temperatures are below 32 degrees. While this level of cold weather is rare in our area, it does happen, although it’s more likely that yard debris like dirt, plants, or leaves has blocked airflow.
How to Fix
Defrosting the heat pump may help with the immediate symptoms. Do not chip away ice. Simply turn the unit off, clear away any debris, and turn the fan on. If this doesn’t work, and it refreezes, there are bigger issues at hand that need to be looked at by an expert.
Low refrigerant levels or leaks
Some signs your heat pump has low refrigerant levels include short cycling (turning on and off quickly), poor heating and cooling capacity resulting in longer running time, and inefficient operation. Signs of a current leak include hissing or bubbling sounds and visible signs of refrigerant leaks, like an oily residue on or around the heat pump.
How to Fix
If you think your heat pump has a refrigerant issue, don’t try to fix it yourself. Call Ricky Heath, and one of our skilled HVAC techs will assess the issue and handle it for you under EPA guidelines. Don’t wait, and keep children and pets away, as refrigerant can harm the environment and can potentially make you sick or cause chemical burns.
Heat pump running continuously or cycling off too soon
Continuous operation and short cycling may be caused by low refrigerant, thermostat problems, airflow issues, electrical problems, incorrect sizing, old age, or problems with the condensate pump, among other issues.
How to Fix
The best way to address any heat pump concern is by calling Ricky Heath. We’ll find the root cause of the issue and provide a long-term solution, so you don’t have to worry about it happening again and again.
Ricky Heath’s AC, heating, and furnace services include a full diagnosis and price quote before beginning work. Macon-area residents can call us day or night to schedule service. We’re available now to help.
When to Call a Professional for Heat Pump Repairs
You should call a professional for your heat pump repairs if:
- Your at-home solutions, like a filter change or thermostat reset, aren’t working.
- There are strange sounds, like grinding or banging, coming from the unit.
- The problem is electrical.
- There are water leaks around the heat pump.
- Your heat pump won’t turn on.
- You suspect a refrigerant leak.
- Your HVAC unit is older than 10 to 15 years old.
At Ricky Heath, we value your business and your time, and always prioritize quality work, done quickly. Locals trust us for AC and heating repair, installations, maintenance, and inspections because we’re licensed, insured, and have a proven track record throughout local communities for excellent customer care, fast and effective solutions, and trustworthy business practices. You can count on us to do it right the first time.
Contact Ricky Heath Today for Quality Heat Pump Repair
Schedule your heat pump repair or replacement service in Perry, Macon, Centerville, Jackson, and other nearby Peach State communities today. Our professional heat pump repair experts will find the cause of your problem and fix it with a safe, long-lasting solution. Use our online form to contact us now, or give us a call, and consider your problem solved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my heat pump not running at all?
If your heat pump isn’t running, it could be due to a tripped breaker, thermostat issues, a broken compressor, or other reasons. Call Ricky Heath for an expert diagnosis and fast solutions.
Is it normal for a heat pump to freeze in winter?
Yes, in areas where winters frequently drop below freezing, you may notice a thin layer of ice on the outside part of your heat pump. If the ice is thick or reforms quickly after defrosting, there may be a bigger problem.
How do I reset my heat pump?
Before resetting your heat pump, check your user manual for instructions. In most cases, you’ll turn the system off at the thermostat, turn off the circuit breaker that provides the heat pump power at your electrical box, then wait around 5 minutes before restoring power and turning it back on.