The heat pump is a fairly complex piece of machinery that may be just the thing for homeowners who live in places with mild winters. It behaves somewhat like an air conditioner in the summer by providing cool air but differs from an air conditioner in that it can reverse itself in the winter and provide heat. Here are four signs that indicate your heat pump is having problems.

The Heat Pump Keeps Running

Like an air conditioning unit, the heat pump shouldn’t keep running and running. Eventually, the system breaks down from being overworked, but not before you see unusually high energy costs. Reasons for a heat pump that won’t quit are setting the thermostat too high or too low, dirty air filters or coils, a faulty compressor, or leaking refrigerant. An HVAC professional can fix all of these problems.

The Heat Pump Doesn’t Produce Warm Air

If a heat pump is failing to produce air at the desired temperature, it’s important to first check the thermostat settings to ensure it’s set correctly. If the issue persists, it could be due to a dirty air filter or low refrigerant levels. A blocked outside vent, caused by debris, can also lead to inefficiency in the heat pump’s operation. Additionally, leaky air ducts may contribute to the problem. It’s advisable to address these potential issues systematically to diagnose and resolve the root cause of the heat pump not heating effectively.

The Heat Pump Doesn’t Produce Cold Air

As with the heat pump not producing warm air, the problem may lie with how you programmed the thermostat. If you programmed the thermostat to the correct temperature and it’s still not producing cold air, you may need an HVAC professional to look at it. Other problems that prevent a heat pump from making cold air are faulty reversing valves or low or leaking refrigerants. Your heat pump may need to have its filters, fans, and coils cleaned. Ideally, an HVAC professional can do this at the start of the heating season and the beginning of the cooling season.

The Heat Pump Makes Weird Noises

As with other appliances, weird sounds are often a sign of trouble. Buzzing, banging, grinding, rattling, and gurgling noises from your heat pump may signal problems with various components, ranging from motor bearings to refrigerant to condenser coils. Have a professional check your heat pump immediately if it’s making strange sounds.

Call Our HVAC Professionals for Help With Your Heat Pump

When it works well, your heat pump keeps you comfortable in both summer and winter. If there’s a problem with your heat pump, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our HVAC professionals at Payne Heating and Air of Tallahassee, FL.