If your heat pump won’t come on or if it isn’t cooling or heating properly, images of a costly repair bill may start filling your head. Luckily, many problems can be easily fixed on your own. Here are a few heat pump troubleshooting steps to take before calling in the pros:
- Check the thermostat. Many problems are simply a result of a thermostat not set properly. It may have lost its settings after a power outage, you may not have programmed it for that day or you may have it in heating mode when you want cooling.
- Check the power supply. If someone was doing other work around your unit, it may have been unplugged. A tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse may also be the issue.
- Check the condensate pump. The water that builds up while your heat pump is working has to go somewhere. If it isn’t draining properly, your heat pump may automatically shut down to prevent damage. Check to see if it’s draining properly and clean the pump and pipes if it isn’t.
- Reset the system. Turn the system off, press any reset buttons and turn it back on again. Expect a 10-minute cooling off period before the system starts running again.
- Check the air filters. Clogged or blocked filters are often a source of problems. They can reduce air flow and cause your system to struggle or even ice over. Always be sure to clean or replace air filters regularly.
- Check the evaporator coils. If your filters are clogged, the outdoor temperature is low or your system struggles for a long period of time, ice may form on the evaporator coils. One sign of this is greatly reduced air flow. If this happens, simply turn the system off until the ice melts.
If you tried heat pump troubleshooting and still need help, call in the pros at James Lane Air Conditioning & Plumbing Co. to get your heat pump working again.
