If your Omaha, NE, home has a heat pump, you are likely already aware of its advantages. However, if you don’t have much experience with heat pumps, you may not notice when yours needs repair. Heat pumps, after all, don’t work exactly like conventional HVAC systems. That means what’s normal for a heat pump may not be what you expect. To help you stay on top of your heat pump’s maintenance and service, here are five signs your heat pump needs repair.
1. Unusually High Energy Bills
The biggest benefit of owning a heat pump is that it’s extraordinarily energy efficient. Compared with conventional HVAC systems, a heat pump can cut your energy use by 50% or more. Of course, your heat pump’s performance will depend somewhat on the weather. However, if you own a heat pump and experience a sudden energy bill spike, you shouldn’t ignore it. An energy bill spike may indicate that your heat pump needs repair.
If it’s been extra hot or cold in recent days, that could explain the energy bill spike. However, if you haven’t noticed any extreme weather or your energy use never normalizes, your heat pump likely needs repair. Your heat pump might be using its backup heating elements inappropriately. Or, it may have a refrigerant leak that’s impeding its ability to heat or cool your home.
2. Odd Sounds
Another benefit of heat pumps is that they operate very quietly. This is because most heat pumps only run their fans and compressors as fast as required at any given time. They typically activate at full power to raise or lower your home’s temperature. Once they hit your desired temperature, they slow down to maintain it. So, if your heat pump starts making any unusual noises or seems to always run at full power, it might need repair. You should pay careful attention to any banging or clunking sounds coming from your heat pump. This can indicate a broken fan blade or a loose component. If you ignore those sounds, the damage can spread.
3. Odd Smells
When your heat pump is operating normally, you shouldn’t notice any odd smells coming from your unit or your vents. If you smell a musty odor coming from your vents, there could be mold on your heat pump’s heat exchanger. This will compromise your equipment’s ability to function and could have negative health effects for everyone in your home. If you notice a burning smell coming from your heat pump or vents, you may have an electrical issue with your heat pump. Such smells can come from loose electrical connectors within your heat pump. Or they may come from damaged motors or capacitors. In either case, a timely repair is the solution.
4. A Constantly Running Heat Pump
Unlike conventional HVAC systems, it isn’t unusual for a heat pump to run for extended periods before turning off. In most homes, a heat pump will cycle on and off approximately three times per hour to maintain its temperature. The only exception is on extremely cold days. On those days, your heat pump may run almost continuously to maintain your home’s temperature. However, if your heat pump starts running constantly at any other time, something’s wrong. This indicates that your heat pump is struggling to either gather or eliminate heat. So, if your heat pump doesn’t ever seem to turn off, it likely needs repair.
5. Lack of Adequate Airflow
A lack of adequate airflow coming from your vents may also indicate an issue. This can happen when there’s damage or an obstruction in your ductwork. It may also happen if your heat pump has frozen over and can’t pass air through its heat exchanger. In either case, only a professional HVAC technician can identify and fix the problem. It’s also a good idea to call for repairs right away when you notice low airflow. Operating your heat pump in that state will cause unnecessary wear and tear and eventually failure.
Your Local Heat Pump Experts
Xtreme Heating & Cooling LLC is the leader in heat pump repair in Omaha. Our team of highly trained HVAC technicians has extensive experience repairing all makes and models of heat pumps. Plus, we offer comprehensive HVAC installation, repair, and maintenance services. In addition, we provide commercial services, geothermal, indoor air quality services, and smart thermostats. We have a long list of five-star reviews from satisfied local homeowners. If you need a heat pump repair in Omaha, contact Xtreme Heating & Cooling LLC today!
