While heat pumps are usually very reliable heating and cooling systems, like any other mechanical device, they do have the potential to break down, and often at the most inconvenient times. While most of the things that can go wrong with a heat pump require the assistance of a reliable HVAC technician, it’s usually a good idea to first kick the tires yourself, with some basic heat pump troubleshooting.
Check the thermostat: Homeowners often forget to switch the thermostat to cooling or heating mode after the change of seasons. So if your heat pump doesn’t kick on at the start of the heating or cooling season, turn the thermostat temperature up or down several degrees to see if that kicks on the system.
Checking the safety float switch: Check whether your heat pump is provided with a safety float switch. This switch shuts off the system automatically whenever the drain pan is at the brink of overflowing. If the heat pump’s drain pan is clogged, you should clean it immediately. If this doesn’t kick on the heat pump and you suspect a leak, call your HVAC contractor.
Checking the air filter: If your heat pump’s performance is the problem, check the system’s air filter and its condition. If it’s dirty, replace it as a clogged filter can force the air handler to overwork itself, and under-perform or eventually break down. After installing your new heat pump filter, you can gauge whether this improves performance.
If none of these heat pump troubleshooting steps correct or identify the problem, it’s time to call your HVAC contractor.
For expert advice on heat pump troubleshooting and other concerns related to home comfort, please contact us at Donald P. Dick Air Conditioning. We provide quality HVAC services to homeowners in the Fresno area.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the greater Fresno, California area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about heat pump troubleshooting and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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