It’s frustrating to come home and find your heat pump is no longer working. Before calling a repairman, homeowners should try to rectify the situation themselves. The first step involves figuring out where the problem lies, and the symptoms should give a person a clue where to start looking.

No Heat in the Winter

The thermostat may be set at the wrong temperature if the heat pump does not produce heat. This is one of the most straightforward problems when repairing a broken heat pump. If that doesn’t resolve the situation, see if the air filter is clogged. A clogged filter can prevent heat from circulating throughout the home. However, it may also be a broken reversing valve; a professional will be needed to fix that problem.

A Hot House in the Summer

As with no heat in the winter, a hot house during the summer could be nothing more than the thermostat being set at the wrong temperature or setting. The reversing valve could also be broken here, leading to the heat pump heating the house rather than cooling it. Dirty heat pump components can cause the home to be warm during the summer, or the refrigerant may be low. If a homeowner suspects the refrigerant is low, they need to call a professional to have it replaced and the leak fixed.

Continuous Operation

Heat pumps are designed to turn on and off. When the heat pump runs constantly, there is a problem. Energy bills will rise, and the system will sustain excessive wear and tear. If the heat pump runs continuously, check the thermostat to see if that device has a problem. If not, it may be the air filter, the compressor, the coils, or low refrigerant. Replace the air filter. If that does not resolve the problem, it’s time to call a professional.

No Power to Outside Unit

If the outside unit has no power, the circuit breaker may be blown. The problem may also lie in the system’s starter capacitator, compressor, or numerous other parts. Before calling a technician, check and ensure all registers are open and there is adequate airflow. No airflow from the registers could make it appear as if there is no power to the outside unit.

When attempting to turn the unit on, listen for a clicking noise. If the unit clicks, the system may have a broken starter capacitor. The homeowner may try to replace this independently or call a professional to handle the task.

Frozen Heat Pump

Heat pumps have a defrost cycle to remove any frost that builds up on the outdoor coil. If the heat pump freezes in the winter, something is wrong with this cycle. It may be that debris around the exterior unit is preventing it from operating correctly. If that is not the issue, the outdoor fan may be faulty, or the refrigerant level may be low. A malfunctioning defrost timer or dirty coils could also cause this problem. Work with a licensed HVAC technician to determine the issue and how best to fix it.

A homeowner may encounter numerous other problems with the system. The heat pump may short cycle, the air handler may not work, or they may find the system is leaking water. Any unusual smell from the heat pump is also a cause for concern. Homeowners might attempt to repair the unit independently, but if there are any questions or concerns about how to do so, it is best to contact a licensed HVAC technician. They will quickly identify and resolve the problem so the home is at the proper temperature.