Due to its high efficiency, more and more homeowners have made the switch to heat pump systems for heating and cooling their indoor spaces. According to the United States Department of Energy, using a heat pump can reduce your electricity use for heating by approximately 50% compared to electric resistance heating such as furnaces and baseboard heaters.
However, just like any home equipment, your heat pump may cease to be functional and energy efficient after years of use. Through proper maintenance and repair, you can help extend the life of your heat pump system for many more years.
Avoid expensive replacements by promptly addressing issues in your heating system. Here are 6 telltale signs your heat pump needs immediate attention from an HVAC expert:
The system is turning on and off.
Do you notice your heat pump turning on and off frequently? Such occurrence is referred to as heat pump short cycling. This is a common problem with heat pumps, usually caused by a malfunctioning thermostat or refrigerant leak.
When your heat pump short cycles, it becomes unable to function optimally. It will restart over and over again, trying to maintain the set temperature, which leads to a significant wastage of energy.
Your heat pump is making loud, strange noises during operation.
It is normal for heat pumps to make a sound during operation, but it should never create loud, disturbing noises. The banging, clanking, or screeching noises coming from your heat pump system can be a clear indication of a serious problem.
In most cases, these unusual noises are caused by loose or failing internal components. Quick action is necessary when it comes to repairing this type of heat pump issue. Make it a point to call a professional heat pump repair to reduce emergency breakdowns during cold weather. Read: Heat Pump Glossary
You are experiencing low air quality at home.
If most people in your home are getting sick, your HVAC system is partly to blame. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, a properly functioning HVAC system provides adequate outdoor ventilation, controlling odors, and reducing the pollutants that cause health problems inside the home.
To provide better protection to your family, do not hesitate to ask the help of a professional HVAC contractor in keeping your heating equipment’s health in check.
Your heat pump is reaching the end of its lifespan.
In a 2006 survey conducted by the National Association of Home Builders, it was found out that the average life expectancy of heat pumps is 16 years. As your heat pump reaches old age, component issues will start to appear one by one.
Routine maintenance and repairs will help extend the life of your heating equipment by many more years. However, you should never do heating repairs on your own and only trust the service of known experts.
Your heating bill is unusually high.
One way to detect component issues in your heating system is to monitor your monthly energy bills. If your heating bill has significantly increased without any changes in demand, a failing heat pump could be the reason.
The United States Department of Energy claimed that the difference between the energy consumption of a well-maintained heat pump and a severely neglected one ranges from 10% to 25%. Immediate attention from the pros is necessary for bringing back the energy efficiency of your heat pump.
There are hot and cold spots throughout the house.
You know your heat pump is acting up when you can feel hot and cold spots in your house during cold weather. To prevent a temperature imbalance from affecting the comfort and safety of your family, hire a professional HVAC contractor to look into your heating equipment. Fixing air duct leaks and adding insulation will also help maintain the efficiency of your heating system.
Are you facing similar heating issues at home? If yes, waste no time and consult a licensed and skilled HVAC contractor right away. To get the best professional heating repair Fort Worth, don’t hesitate to ask for honest service recommendations from family and friends. You may also go to the local industry page online and search for top-performing companies that satisfy your service requirements. Call your prospective HVAC company today to get quality consultations and estimates!