When something goes wrong with your heat pump, it may come as quite a surprise. We, on the other hand, deal with heat pumps every day. Nothing surprises us! If you want to make our jobs easier—which also means making your repairs quicker and less expensive—you’ll want to notice quickly when something goes wrong and have it fixed right away.
How can you tell that it’s time to get your heat pump repaired? You’ve got to know how to spot the signs that something is wrong! And what could be wrong with your heat pump? Here are some of the most common heat pump repair needs that we see all the time.
Refrigerant Leaks
The substance that flows through the coils of your heat pump never gets used up or worn out. The only way to end up with insufficient amounts of refrigerant is if a coil is damaged and the refrigerant leaks out! This can cause some serious issues if it isn’t addressed promptly, so don’t ignore the signs.
Insufficient heating or cooling, the compressor running more and more of the time, a sweet chemical smell, a bubbling or hissing sound, and ice building up on the evaporator coils are all signs of a refrigerant leak. A qualified technician can repair the damaged spot and top up the refrigerant so your system will get right back to working properly.
Blower Fan Motor Issues
To get the heated and cooled air moving through the system of ductwork, the heat pump needs a fan, and a motor to power it. If this motor overheats due to layers of dust acting like insulation or due to electrical issues, or if the bearings in the motor wear down, it could be repaired. But if you ignore the signs, you could end up with a motor so badly damaged that it has to be replaced instead, which will cost you a lot more.
Signs of blower fan motor issues include grinding sounds, too-frequent startups and shutdowns, and odors of scorched dust, hot metal, or melting plastic. You may also notice that the airflow coming from your vents is significantly decreased. Don’t delay! Get it repaired.
Drainage Concerns
All heat pumps have drainage systems, and if they get blocked or clogged, they can either overflow and cause water damage or trigger the system to shut down to prevent such an occurrence. Ductless systems have condensate pans and drainage lines in each and every air handler, so the chances of a drainage concern is higher.
Mold or bacteria growing in the condensate pan can clog the drain, and they will also cause unpleasant mildewy or vinegary odors which may alert you to the problem. Frequent shutdowns, excess humidity, or moisture or water staining are also indicators to keep watch for.
Reversing Valve Failure
The reason your heat pump can both cool and heat is the reversing valve, which can direct refrigerant flow either way. If you’re unable to switch the mode your heat pump is in, the reversing valve is to blame, and you need heat pump repair in Nashville, TN.
Covenant Heating and Cooling is your trusted resource for reliable heat pump repair in Nashville, TN. We are “Dedicated to the Promise of Serving You!” Contact us today.