Heat pumps can provide substantial energy savings for St. Louis area homeowners. But just like any type of HVAC system, things can go wrong that affect the performance of your unit. The next time you’re having problems with your heat pump, try these heat pump troubleshooting tips before giving us a call.
Problem: Heat pump is not turning on
Troubleshooting tips: If your heat pump is not turning on at all, there is likely something wrong with its power source or its thermostat. First, check your circuit breaker to make sure your heat pump is receiving power. Try resetting the circuit to your heat pump and see if it turns on. Next, check the temperature setting on your thermostat. The problem might simply be that your thermostat isn’t set to low enough. Try lowering the setting by five degrees or so and wait a few minutes to see if your unit turns on.
Problem: Heat pump isn’t providing enough cooling.
Troubleshooting tips: There are a few things you can check if your heat pump isn’t providing enough cool air to your home. First, make sure that the supply registers are open around your home. If not, cool air won’t be delivered properly. Next, check the condition of your air filter. If you have a dirty air filter, it will restrict the airflow to your unit and prevent cool air from getting where it needs to go. Finally, make sure your thermostat is set to the correct temperature and that it isn’t positioned in direct sunlight or near drafts that could affect its readings.
Problem: Heat pump is short cycling.
Troubleshooting tips: There are a few different reasons why your heat pump might be turning on and off. This is another scenario in which a dirty air filter might be to blame. If your filter is restricting airflow too much, it could overwork your unit and cause it to short cycle. The same thing can happen to the outdoor portion of your heat pump if leaves, dirt, or other debris build-up around it. Make sure to clear away anything that could be blocking your outdoor unit’s airflow as well.
If your problem is not listed here, or if you try these tips and you’re still having problems with your heat pump, there is probably a larger problem that will require the assistance of a professional contractor like Jerry Kelly Heating, Air Conditioning, Electrical and Plumbing.
If you have any questions about these heat pump troubleshooting tips, or if you’d like a cooling system serviced or installed in your home, contact Jerry Kelly Heating, Air Conditioning, Electrical and Plumbing, your St. Louis area HVAC company.