Signs You Might Have Heat Pump Trouble

Heat pumps are an energy-efficient way to both heat and cool your home. Like any other HVAC equipment, heat pumps require proper maintenance. Small problems that are not addressed in a timely manner can lead to expensive compressor problems later on.

There are several heat pump trouble signs you should be on the lookout for—if you observe these signs, it may be time to schedule heat pump repair.

Heat Pump Trouble Signs

Ice on Heat Pump

The outdoor coils of a heat pump maintain a temperature below 32 F during normal heating operation. As a result, any moisture in the air will tend to cause frost and ice to form on the coils. The more humid it is outside, the more frost will accumulate on your unit. Heat pumps have a built-in defrost cycle during which the frost is melted off. If the frost on the unit never seems to go away or continues to get thicker, there is probably a malfunction in the defrost cycle.

If this is the case, contact John Nugent & Sons for assistance.

Steam Rising from Heat Pump

If you see steam rising from your heat pump, don’t panic! During the defrost period (all heat pumps have this built into them), you may see what looks like clouds of smoke pouring off the outdoor unit. This is just steam—a perfectly normal result of the heated coils melting the frost. There will be even more steam during rainy or humid conditions.

Nothing is Working

If nothing on your unit is working, you most likely have an electrical problem in the system. First, check all circuit breakers. Sometimes breakers can be tripped even though they appear to be on. Try resetting the unit’s breakers by turning them all the way off and then back on again.

Next, check to make sure that no other power switches have been turned off.

If all switches and breakers seem fine and normal, you should call us so a licensed electrician can examine your heat pump unit.

Heat Pump Makes Loud Noises

If you hear humming, buzzing, and pressure relief noises coming from your unit, don’t worry—this is normal. However, if you hear banging, scraping, clanging, or loud vibration noises, turn the system off immediately to prevent further damage and call us. These are noises a normally functioning heat pump unit would not make.

We have been providing high-quality services to residents in Fairfax, Arlington, Centreville, Reston, and all throughout Northern Virginia since 1975. Call us or contact us online if you need any help with your heat pump unit. You invested too much money to have your system fail.