Heat pumps are great systems for providing both heating and cooling to your home. However, like everything else, they do run into problems here and there over their lifespan. When something is wrong with your heat pump, it can be difficult sometimes to pinpoint exactly what’s wrong.
However, there are some common red flags to watch for when it comes to heat pump operation. Even if you don’t know exactly what is going on, noticing any of these signs means it’s time to schedule AC repair in Fairfax, VA. You can keep reading to learn more about five things you can watch for that indicate your heat pump has something wrong.
Unusual Sounds
This is one of the top reasons that we receive calls for heat pump service. You hear an unusual sound coming from the system and don’t know exactly what it means. The good news is, you don’t have to know exactly what is wrong to know that something is wrong. All you have to do is give our team a call and we will do the rest. We can get down to the source of that unusual sound and either repair or replace the component causing it.
Bad Odors
It’s also a red flag if there is a bad odor coming from your air conditioner. If you begin to smell something unusual in your home, stand very close to an air vent and see if the odor is originating from inside your ductwork. If so, give us a call right away. That odor can mean a couple of different things. Something inside of your unit may be burning up or wearing out. It’s also possible that moisture has developed somewhere in the system and you have mold growth as a result.
Stuck in One Mode
One problem that is unique to a heat pump is that it can get stuck in one mode. This means that your heat pump is either stuck being set to heating or stuck being set to cooling. If your heat pump cannot switch modes, then it cannot possibly reach your desired temperature in your home.
The good news about this problem is that it’s usually an easy fix. The reversing valve is usually something we can replace quickly and easily. Of course, if the problem is deeper in your system, we can troubleshoot and find a solution either way.
Changes in Output
You also want to pay attention to how your heat pump operates. Cooling cycles should last a consistent amount of time, usually between 15-20 minutes with an equal amount of time in between each cooling cycle. If your heat pump begins to turn on and off at more frequent intervals or stays on without turning off at all, that’s a problem.
Changes in heat pump operation may result in your home being hotter or cooler than you expect. If you hold your hand up to an air vent, you may not feel strong airflow or you may feel lukewarm air instead of air that is specifically hot or cold.
System Age
It’s also more likely that you need repairs the closer your heat pump gets to the end of its life. The average heat pump will last for around 10-15 years. As you get closer to the 10-year mark or even past it, the likelihood of repairs increases. Experts estimate that you will see an uptick in repair needs in the last two years of your heat pump’s lifespan.
If you take excellent care of your heat pump, there’s a good chance that it could last for the tail end of the lifespan estimate. However, if you do not keep up with regular maintenance and repairs as they arise, your heat pump may not even last the average of 10-15 years. We can offer feedback after completing an assessment if you have any concerns about how your heat pump is operating.
B&B Air Conditioning & Heating Service. We are always there when you need us. Schedule an appointment today for heat pump service.