Calling for heat pump repair service in a timely manner is key to protecting your home comfort. Since these systems provide both heating and cooling for your home, having a broken one can lead to serious issues for your family. So, how can you avoid having a complete system breakdown? It starts with knowing what signs indicate a problem, and calling for help first.

If you’re noticing issues that may indicate you need help with your heat pump system, don’t wait to call our team. Ignoring a malfunctioning heat pump can lead to further problems. A compromised system can:

• Reduce Efficiency: A struggling heat pump will use more energy to maintain your desired temperature, leading to higher utility bills.
• Shorten Lifespan: Neglecting repairs can lead to premature wear and tear, shortening your heat pump’s lifespan and requiring a full system replacement.
• Compromise Comfort: A malfunctioning heat pump won’t effectively heat or cool your home, creating an uncomfortable living environment.
• Cause Safety Hazards: In rare cases, electrical issues or refrigerant leaks can pose safety hazards.

Ensure the comfort and safety of your home and everyone in it by addressing heat pump issues right away. Call Robinson Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. anytime day or night to fix any system problems you encounter in West Chester, OH.

Heat pumps are complex systems, and various issues can hinder their performance. Robinson Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc.’s technicians diagnose and resolve a wide range of problems, including:

Reduced Heating or Cooling Capacity

If your heat pump struggles to maintain your desired temperature, it could be due to clogged air filters, refrigerant leaks, malfunctioning components, or a failing compressor.

Unusual Noises

Strange grinding, clanging, or rattling noises emanating from your heat pump can indicate loose parts, failing bearings, or a damaged compressor.

Uneven Temperatures

Inconsistent heating or cooling throughout your home suggests airflow problems, clogged ductwork, or a malfunctioning thermostat.

Short Cycling

If your heat pump frequently turns on and off in short bursts, it could be caused by a faulty thermostat, refrigerant issues, or an oversized unit.

Ice Buildup on the Outdoor Unit

During freezing temperatures, ice buildup on the outdoor coil can prevent your heat pump from functioning correctly. This can be caused by low refrigerant levels, a dirty coil, or a malfunctioning defrost cycle.

Less Energy Efficiency

If your energy costs are going up, and there’s no other reason for that increase, take a closer look at your pump. Many heat pump problems can reduce the efficiency of the system by driving up electrical costs or causing the system to rely on its emergency backup heating, and these issues cause less efficient operation and drive up your heating and cooling costs.

The signs mentioned above are all signs that you need help with your system. Heat pumps and mini split systems operate in similar ways, and our HVAC technicians know how to fix a wide range of issues.

Common Heat Pump Repairs

Some common problems we see and can fix include:

Broken Compressor

Loud vibrating and banging sounds can indicate a problem with the compressor. While regular maintenance can limit the risk of these issues, over time, they will eventually develop.

Electrical Component Issues

Heat pumps have multiple electrical components. These need to be replaced from time to time to keep the system running. Lack of power to the system or intermittent electrical concerns are both signs of this issue.

Low Refrigerant Levels

Coolant is essential to the operations of a heat pump. Low refrigerant levels can cause compressor issues or ice buildup in the unit. This issue can also hurt the system’s overall function. Refrigerant leaks are a common cause of low refrigerant levels and require replacement parts in addition to refilling the refrigerant.

Reversing Valve Malfunction

Because the heat pump provides both heating and cooling, it has a reversing valve that helps it switch from one mode to the next. These can get stuck, preventing the system from switching modes. This tendency to get stuck makes them one of the more common replacement parts for heat pumps.

Evaporator Coil Concerns

If there’s a problem with your evaporator coil, you may notice your heat pump turning on and off quickly, without actually heating or cooling your home.

What to Check Before Calling Us?

While many issues with equipment can mean you need professional repair, you can do some troubleshooting on your own before you call us. Before contacting Robinson Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc., be sure to look for the following:

Thermostat Issues

Many people call to schedule service with our team, only to learn that they had a problem with their thermostat that was easily repaired. Thermostat issues are usually easy to fix and may be as simple as a change of batteries or adjustment of the temperature setting.

Dirty Evaporator Coil

Remove the cabinet from the indoor unit and inspect the evaporator coils to see how dirty they are. If they’re visibly dirty, wipe them down with specialized cleaners and see if it fixes the issue.

Lack of Power

If the system won’t power up at all, check to ensure it has power and there isn’t a tripped breaker or unplugged component. Don’t attempt electrical repair without the right training, but do make sure everything is connected to the electricity as it should be before calling us.

While our team is here for your heat pump repair needs in West Chester, the best way to lower the cost of repair is to prevent it altogether. The key to that is heat pump maintenance. Regular maintenance is vital for keeping your West Chester heat pump operating efficiently and preventing system issues that often lead to costly breakdowns. Robinson Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. offers comprehensive heat pump tune up services to provide the care your system needs and help you avoid performance issues and the need for emergency heat pump repair.

At a maintenance appointment, we will inspect your system inside and out. Based on our findings, we will offer recommendations for service that will keep your equipment operating at its most efficient level. We’ll also test all connections and clean the system to improve its efficiency. This process reduces the risk of serious repair and pushes off the need for replacement as long as possible, giving you the most function out of your pump. Schedule tune-ups in the spring and fall for maximum comfort and protection.

Or, consider joining our Preferred Customer Maintenance Agreement for added peace of mind. As a member, you’ll receive two maintenance tune ups per year, as well as money-saving discounts on any repair work your current system may need.

Why is my heat pump iced over?

Ice on a heat pump is typically a sign of low refrigerant levels or a problem with the unit’s defrost setting. Some frost is normal, but ice indicates you need to call for service.

What is a heat pump’s average lifespan?

With proper annual service, a heat pump lasts between 10 to 15 years on average. This average will vary depending on how much you use the system and how large your home is. If yours needs to be repaired and is near the end of its lifespan, it may be time to consider replacement.

Can I do my own heat pump repairs?

No, most heat pump repairs require the service of professional HVAC companies who understand the function and safety of these systems. You put your safety at risk by attempting to DIY a repair.

Should I repair or replace my heat pump?

If your heat pump is older and has a costly repair, a new heat pump may be a more cost effective solution. If the heat pump problem is minor, then consider repairing it.

What does heat pump repair cost?

Heat pump repair costs vary depending on what is wrong with the system. They can be as little as a few hundred dollars, or be closer to the cost of a new system. Heat pump repair costs will include the replacement parts and labor costs necessary to fix your heat pump system.