Heat Pump Issues to Be Aware of

We’re finally getting to the end of summer, which is great news for people sick of hot days. If you’re using a heat pump as your sole method of climate control, however, you still need to keep an eye out for any issues that might arise with the system.
Since you’re probably going to be using your heat pump throughout the heating season as well, you need to remember to keep an eye out for any issues that may develop. Let’s go over some of the more common heat pump problems you should be aware of as a result of strain put on the system.

Reversing Valve Failure
The reversing valve is the part of the heat pump that is responsible for allowing it to switch back and forth between heating and air conditioning modes. The valve itself is a 4-way junction that sits in the refrigerant line of the system. Inside the valve is a slide that moves between two positions, each of which puts the system into heating or air conditioning mode. The slide itself is controlled by an electromagnet called a solenoid, which pulls it back and forth. If the reversing valve malfunctions, the heat pump can become stuck in either heating or air conditioning mode.

There are two possible malfunctions that could cause the reversing valve to fail. Either the slide is stuck, or the solenoid has lost its charge. If the slide is stuck, you’ll need to have a professional technician open the valve up and reset it. If the solenoid has lost its charge, though, the only thing that can be done is to replace it.

Refrigerant Leaks
Like an air conditioner, a heat pump relies entirely on its refrigerant supply to heat or cool a home. If a leak develops in the refrigerant line, it will drain the system of the fluid that is required for it to operate properly. As the level of refrigerant in the system drops, the output capacity of the heat pump will drop as well. Eventually, the system will break down entirely when the refrigerant level drops too low. If you notice fluid dripping from your heat pump, it’s a good idea to call for repairs as soon as possible.

Short Cycling
Short cycling is when the heat pump turns itself on and off every couple of minutes. It’s the result of electrical issues, usually. However, it can also happen as the result of a damaged compressor. If your heat pump is short cycling, you need to call for repairs as soon as possible. Constant short cycling causes the system to break down much faster than it normally would. If the issue isn’t dealt with, you will likely have to pay significantly more in repair costs over the life of the heat pump, and have to replace it much earlier than you otherwise would have to.

SPS Mechanical Inc. offers comprehensive heat pump repair services in Haddonfield, NJ. If your heat pump requires services of any kind, we can help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experts.