Mesa, AZ tends to stay mild and dry throughout the winter. But during cold snaps, you may find your heat pump cycles on more frequently. This increased use can make the system more vulnerable to repairs and breakdowns. Here are some of the most common winter heat pump problems and how we can fix them.
Short Cycling
A heat pump that experiences short cycling will turn on and off really fast, preventing it from ever going through a full heating cycle. You may notice uncomfortable indoor temperatures since the system will struggle to maintain consistent warmth. Short cycling is frequently the result of thermostat reading errors but it can also stem from clogged air filters or refrigerant leaks. We’ll check for refrigerant imbalances, airflow problems and thermostat issues to see what’s causing the problem.
Low Refrigerant
The refrigerant in a heat pump system is in charge of moving heat from one place to another. In the winter, the refrigerant absorbs heat outdoors and transfers it indoors. The refrigerant level should never be low. It’s not something that the heat pump uses and then you have to refill. Anytime it gets low, this means you have a leak of some type. It could be a damaged coil, a hole in the refrigerant line or a loose connection. The right repair method depends on the source of the leak. Loose fittings are usually simple to fix. When a leak comes from a coil, we’ll have to go in and patch or replace the damaged section.
Clogged Air Filter
It’s easy to forget about changing the air filter on a heat pump. This is why we always recommend setting a reminder or marking the date on your calendar. Clogged filters make the equipment use way more energy to heat the home. They also hurt indoor air quality since they can’t filter dust and other allergens before they enter the system. When a clogged filter leads to restricted airflow, the indoor coil may freeze over. Fortunately, most filter-related problems are easy to fix. We simply replace the dirty filter with a clean one.
Here is some guidance for how often to do filter changes on heat pumps.
- Fiberglass: Every 30 days
- Pleated: Every 60–90 days
- Electrostatic washable: Every 30 days
- HEPA: Every 6–12 months
- Media cabinet: Every 6 months
Weak Airflow
Weak airflow can come from blower motor problems, clogged filters or dirty coils. We’ll have to inspect all of these components to find the culprit. Cleaning the coils with water and a mild detergent will often fix the issue. This is not something you want to do yourself since the coils are fragile. We have the tools and training to safely and gently clean them without causing any damage.
Stuck Reversing Valve
The reversing valve is what gives the heat pump the ability to switch from cooling to heating mode and vice versa. If it gets stuck, the system itself will stay stuck in whatever mode it was last running in. Cold weather often causes more issues with stuck reversing valves because the system spends more time switching into defrost cycle modes. We may need to replace the whole valve to fix the problem. If the issue comes from a solenoid failure, we can do a quick solenoid replacement.
Broken Blower Motor
When the blower motor doesn’t work like it should, the system won’t move air properly. It may still turn on but not blow any warm air through the vents. Certain rooms will feel colder than others or the whole house may become uncomfortable. If you smell a burning odor, the motor might be overheating. You should shut the system off right away and give us a call. You don’t want to run the heat pump with an overheating motor because it can cause electrical damage. We’ll have to look at the motor, capacitor and wiring to see what type of repair the unit needs.
Thermostat Miscalibration
If the thermostat isn’t accurately reading the temperature, it will send mixed signals to the heat pump. This may cause the system to shut off too soon or run for too long. Both issues waste energy and cause unnecessary wear on the equipment. In some cases, we can recalibrate the thermostat to take care of the problem. In others, we might have to replace the device with a new one to fully restore comfort. If you haven’t yet made the upgrade to a smart thermostat, now is a great time. This type comes with advanced features like learning schedules and remote access that help the heat pump run smoother and use less energy.
Loose or Clogged Drain Line
It’s very normal for a heat pump to produce condensation as it runs during the winter. This is why it has a drain pan and drain line connected to it. However, when the line becomes clogged with dirt and algae, the moisture buildup won’t have anywhere to drain. It may back up into the air handler, leading to major water and electrical damage. We can clear the clog by using a special vacuum tool that uses steady suction.
Vibrations or Rattling
In colder weather, the vibrations or rattling noises from the heat pump tend to be more audible since the heating cycles are longer. Problems with the outside unit’s ducting, screws or blades can all lead to this problem. When necessary, we’ll tighten, clean or balance components after inspecting all of the moving parts. Reducing or eliminating vibrations helps the system function more silently and efficiently.
Corroded Metal Parts
Even though Mesa stays dry for most of the year, winter moisture, morning dew and desert dust can all lead to corrosion. Corroded metal parts hurt the system’s efficiency by restricting airflow and weakening key components. Metal coils, housing and brackets are all vulnerable to this type of wear. We can replace the parts as needed to ensure your system doesn’t break down unexpectedly.
Poor Ductwork Design
When was the last time you had your ductwork inspected? If it’s been more than a year, it’s time to book an appointment. Poor ductwork design and installation both make the heat pump work harder than it should. We may need to repair, reseal or reroute certain sections so the system has the best airflow possible. This can help prevent hot and cold spots throughout the house while also lowering your heating costs.
Best Way to Avoid Winter Heat Pump Problems
There’s a lot that can go wrong with a heat pump. But when you stay on top of regular maintenance and filter changes, it’s much easier to avoid most issues. We usually recommend seasonal heat pump tune-ups: once in the fall for heating and once in the spring for cooling. This schedule ensures the heat pump is ready to perform at peak efficiency year-round. We’ll clean all of the dirty coils and sensors, followed by precise refrigerant level checks. We can also check to see whether you have a clogged filter.
Get Comfort This Winter
Honest Air Conditioning is here to help you create a comfortable, energy-efficient living space this winter. We offer heat pump installations, repairs and maintenance. You can think of us as a one-stop shop for better home comfort. Contact Honest Air Conditioning today to book professional heat pump service with a skilled technician in Mesa.