Tips to Troubleshoot Your Heat Pump

May 2nd, 2019 Posted in Heat Pumps
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Is your heat pump giving you trouble? The first step in fixing the problem is identifying the issue. Sometimes it is something simple you can fix yourself; other times it may take a professional to complete a repair. Here are some easy ways to troubleshoot and identify the problem to determine what steps are needed to restore complete function.

Airflow Isn’t Consistent

Does it seem like the airflow is low or are different rooms getting less or more air? If only a few rooms get less air, it may be a ductwork issue to those rooms or the vents could be dirty. Clean the vents; if this doesn’t improve airflow in those rooms, you may need the ducts inspected.

If airflow is low to all rooms, check your filter. It may be dirty or clogged and need changing. Low airflow can also be caused by dirty evaporator coils, which may need professional assistance to remedy.

Temperature Is Wrong

If your heat pump isn’t heating or cooling to the correct temperature, it may be on the wrong setting. Make sure the thermostat is set correctly. If the settings are correct, it is possible there is a problem with the thermostat or there is a refrigerant leak.

Heat Pump Will Not Turn On

If your heat pump is not working at all, make sure there is not an electrical issue. Check your fuse box and ensure the unit is getting electricity. If this does not resolve the issue, call your local HVAC service to have them inspect your unit.

The best way to keep your heat pump working year-round is with routine tune-ups from a professional and DIY maintenance like filter changes. Stay on top of maintenance to avoid complete shutdowns and unexpected repairs.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
5950 Shiloh Road East
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(770) 475-9555

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Heat Pump Not Blowing Warm Air?

October 8th, 2017 Posted in Heat Pumps
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Heat pumps can be wonderful when they work the way they are intended. Cool air during the warm months and warm air when it is cold outside. But what do you do when the temperature drops and your heat pump is not giving you the warmth you need? Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you find the problem.

  • Is the thermostat working? One of the main reasons a heat pump is not providing warm air is due to a thermostat problem. Try setting the temperature on the heat pump a few degrees above the current temp in the house and turn the fan on. If the fan comes on but there is no warm air, it may be the thermostat.
  • No fan? If you turned the temperature up and turned the fan on but the fan does not engage, there are a few different things it may be. First check your breaker box to ensure the fuse was not tripped for the heat pump. If the fuse was tripped, you could have a blower motor, wiring or control panel issue. If the breaker is fine, it could be the blower motor.
  • Outdoor unit. If the fan is running but no heat is coming out, try setting your heat pump thermostat to emergency heat. Set the temperature at least five degrees above the current temp and see if warm air comes out the vents. If it does, there could be an issue with your outdoor unit.

Whatever the problem may be, you will need the help of an experienced HVAC service. If you have not had routine maintenance on your heat pump, schedule a tune-up to find out exactly what the heating problem is and have it fixed by a professional.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
5950 Shiloh Road East
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(770) 475-9555

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Winter Heat Pump Troubleshooting

March 13th, 2016 Posted in Heat Pumps
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If the temperature has dropped outdoors and your heat pump is not warming up your home, you may be facing a heating problem. But is it something you need to call your local HVAC service company to repair? Before you make a service call, do a little troubleshooting to see if it is something as simple as a blown fuse. Here are a few troubleshooting tips for a heat pump that is not heating your home.

  • Check the thermostat. Begin your troubleshooting at the thermostat to check where the temperature is set. Try moving it up a few degrees above the current temp to see if the unit turns on and whether it blows hot air.
  • Turn the fan on. If the fan does not come on, it could be a blown fuse. If the breaker is tripped, you may have a blown blower motor, bad wiring or the control board. If the breaker is not tripped, it may be the fan relay or the thermostat.
  • Check the heat. If the fan turns on, switch to emergency heat. If the unit blows warm air, the problem is most likely with the outside unit. If the fan is on but there is no heat, the thermostat may need to be replaced or it could be in your air handler.

If it is not something as simple as the thermostat being set incorrectly or a blown fuse, you will most likely need to call your local HVAC service company to fix the issue. Keep in mind that regular heat pump maintenance and inspections can help reduce emergency repairs and catch problems before they start and you are left in the cold.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
Buford, GA
(770) 475-9528

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Strange Heat Pump Behavior

January 16th, 2014 Posted in Heat Pumps
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Heat pumps are a popular home heating and cooling alternative in many parts of the country where very cold winter temperatures are uncommon.  A heat pump works just like a standard central air conditioner in warm weather.  In cold weather, a heat pump operates in reverse and uses electricity to extract heat from the outside air and move it inside the home.  Since heat pumps move heat rather than create heat like a gas or oil furnace, they are very energy efficient.  However, they are not very effective in very cold weather and are not a good option in areas that regularly see temperatures below freezing unless they are paired with a backup furnace or other heating system.

If you have not had a heat pump before, you will find that they take a little getting used to.  One of the first things you will notice is that the warm air coming out of the register is not as hot as you may be used to with a traditional gas or oil furnace.  Heat pumps make up for the lower warm air temperature by running for longer periods than a gas or oil furnace.  As a result, heating is more even throughout the day.

You may also notice that, from time to time, your heat pump will make “whooshing” noise and you may see what looks like steam coming out of the top of the outside unit.  This behavior is part of the normal de-icing operation for a heat pump.  In order to prevent ice from accumulating on the coils, the heat pump will periodically reverse operation to melt any accumulated ice and frost from the coils.  The “whoosh” noise is the sound of the reversing valve and what looks like steam is water vapor from the melted ice and frost.  

Posted on behalf of James Smith, ClimateSmith LLC

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What Do HVAC Systems include?

October 9th, 2013 Posted in Heat Pumps
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The acronym “HVAC” stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. HVAC systems are the combination of various separate components. The typical HVAC system includes a:

  • Central Air-Conditioning Unit
  • Heating System
  • Ventilation System

Central Air-Conditioning Unit

A major component of HVAC systems is the central air-conditioning unit. It cools and dehumidifies the air before it circulates it throughout your home. These units are typically located outdoors due to the noise generated during the cooling process.

Heating System

Heating systems consist of either a furnace, heat pump, or a boiler.  Some homes located in colder climates have both a heat pump and furnace.

  • The heat pump warms the home during times when the weather isn’t extremely cold (temperatures above freezing).
  • The furnace warms the home when outdoor temperatures fall below freezing.

Heat pumps generate up to three times more heat than the energy they use. The reason is that heat pumps draw heat from the outdoor air and pull it into your home. They are a much more efficient way to warm your home than boilers or furnaces.

Furnaces draw their power from heating oil, natural gas, propane, or electricity. Considering the ever-rising price of electricity nowadays, propane and natural gas are typically more economical sources of energy than heating oil or electricity for heating your home.

Ventilation

Ventilation systems consist of:

  • ductwork
  • intake registers
  • outflow vents (enabling the circulation of heated/cooled air throughout your home)

Heating and air-conditioning units depend on your home’s ductwork system to provide a flow of incoming air and to distribute conditioned air.

For more information on HVAC systems, contact your local HVAC service company.

Posted on behalf of James Smith, ClimateSmith LLC

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Heat Pumps

August 10th, 2013 Posted in Heat Pumps
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Heat pumps are a very popular HVAC system in use throughout the United States due to their effectiveness in heating and cooling, as well as their being very cost effective to operate.  In general, heat pumps work by transferring heat from the air or the ground to create either heating or cooling for the home, depending upon if the mode that the system is operating in.  The reason for their efficiency is that they are not burning any fuel create heat, but  use just enough energy to facilitate the transfer of the heat found in the air or ground.  Heat pumps are an excellent choice for homes found in a warm to hot climates. 

There are a two type of heat pump systems, which are defined by the means which backup heat is provided.  The first is a dual-fuel system, which utilizes a gas furnace as a backup, while the second is a traditional heat pump that utilizes electric heat as a backup.  In a dual-fuel system, when temperatures fall below freezing the gas furnace kicks in, but at times when the temperature is above freezing the heat pump is providing the heating.   In a traditional heat pump, when temperatures fall below freezing the electric heater kicks in, but at times when the temperature is above freezing the heat pump is providing the heating.  Many qualified HVAC contractors are going to recommend the dual-fuel heat pump, because they are by far the most efficient when temperatures fall below freezing. 

A qualified and licensed HVAC contractor will be able to provide their professional opinion as to the suitability of a heat pump based HVAC system for your home and if it is the right choice to meet your family’s needs.

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