Have any of our local heat pump owners felt a little left out?
Heat pumps tend to get overshadowed pretty often by furnaces and boilers in the wintertime, primarily because the sole purpose of these systems is to provide powerful heating for your home.
What are common heat pump problems that require repair and how are they fixed?
- No power / system completely shut down
The issue may be a mis-set thermostat, blown fuse or breaker, or electrical fault in the unit. A technician can test wiring, replace failed components, and restore power. - Heat pump runs continuously (never shuts off)
This often happens in very cold weather, or when the unit is undersized for the home. A repair specialist can assess capacity mismatch or system inefficiencies. - Unit can’t meet thermostat demand
Causes include blocked vents, clogged air filters, or refrigerant leaks. Solutions involve clearing airflow paths, cleaning or replacing filters, or repairing refrigerant lines under pressure diagnostics.
With heat pumps, they’re a multifaceted system with both heating and cooling options, so they tend to make up fewer calls from troubled homeowners, but they’re still important.
If you’re a heat pump owner in our neck of the woods, then you’re in luck! Heat pumps are popular here due to their incredible efficiency and eco-friendly nature.
However, they can still run into problems in the coldest months of the winter, so you’d better be ready to get them properly diagnosed.
Let’s figure out if you need heating repair in Colorado Springs, CO, or if you’re in good shape for the next few months.
What to Do When Your Heat Pump Shuts Down
Let’s first start with one of the simplest problems that can happen–a system that’s completely shut down.
Most conventional heating systems, like furnaces, will continue to grumble as they run even in disrepair, but a heat pump can be sensitive to a few important factors.
- First, this could be a thermostat issue. Since the heat pump runs at the request of your thermostat, your thermostat could be set incorrectly.
- It could be an electrical concern. Heat pumps require electricity to run. Even minor power fluctuations in your home can cause them to shut down. Call in a professional to test if your system is having electrical malfunctions.
Why Your Heat Pump Runs Constantly and How to Fix It
This is a pretty common issue with heat pumps, especially where we live. Here are a few good explanations as to why your heat pump is constantly running:
- Extreme cold. It’s no secret that we get some intensely cold days here in Colorado Springs. A heat pump is going to have to work harder and longer to keep your home warm. Since it moves heat instead of creating it, this could take longer time than conventional systems.
- Improper sizing. Your heat pump could be too small for your home, due to new additions or other recent changes. This could mean it’s trying to heat a home that’s just too large for it. Get a second opinion from a professional just to be safe.
Troubleshooting a Heat Pump That Can’t Reach Set Temperature
A heat pump should be well-equipped to meet the demand set by your thermostat. If not, then something is wrong with it.
- Make sure your vents aren’t blocked. How is your home supposed to feel warm and cozy if the air can’t get into your rooms? Unblock all air vents to ensure there’s maximum airflow in your house.
- Change the air filter. Usually, a blocked air filter will cause airflow to be restricted, making your home feel colder and less comfortable.
- There could be a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant is the lifeblood of your heat pump. Without proper refrigerant levels, it could be doing a sub-par job of heating your home. This would require a repair, or even a replacement if it’s bad enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What could cause a heat pump to completely shut down?
Answer: A fully non‑operational heat pump may stem from thermostat misconfiguration or electrical faults like wiring issues or power fluctuations. Since heat pumps rely on both thermostat input and steady power, either issue can prevent the system from turning on.
Question: Why does my heat pump stay on all the time?
Answer: Constant operation may occur during extreme cold weather, when the heat pump must run continuously to maintain indoor warmth. It may also happen if the system is undersized for the home, forcing it to overwork to meet demand.
Question: What causes a heat pump to fail meeting thermostat demand (i.e. not warming enough)?
Answer: Common causes include blocked or closed vents, a clogged air filter that restricts airflow, or a refrigerant leak reducing system efficiency. These problems prevent the heat pump from delivering the desired indoor temperature.
Question: How is a refrigerant leak relevant to heat pump issues?
Answer: Refrigerant is essential for heat transfer. If there’s a leak, system pressure drops and the unit can’t move heat effectively. This leads to poor performance, especially in extreme weather. Prompt detection and repair is important.
Question: Can improper sizing of the heat pump cause problems?
Answer: Yes. If the pump is too small for the home, it will run continuously and still fail to reach the set temperature. Proper sizing during installation ensures better comfort and efficiency.
Contact the pros if you’re experiencing any of these problems. The experts at SoCo Heating and Cooling will get your system diagnosed and repaired in record time. So Cool. So Cozy.