Heat pumps are a reliable heating and cooling option for many households out there. Unlike traditional gas furnaces, heat pumps utilize electricity to produce a comfortable living environment. Similar to other electronic household appliances, heat pumps tend to run into problems as well. One of the most common happens to be the fan not turning on. While there could be several reasons causing the issue, you need to be aware of the troubleshooting tips to be able to get the unit running back to normal, otherwise, you will need to call in a heat pump repair expert. Below, we look at some of the common problems and how you can prevent them in the future.
Damaged Capacitor
Heat pumps comprise several electrical components. These components work as a team when the heat pump is either turned on or running. A capacitor is a component that stores electric charge and supplies it to the blower motor, which turns on to distribute both warm and cool air in the house.
Although, capacitors tend to last long but can wear out due to electric fluctuations. Unfortunately, capacitors cannot be repaired and need replacement. On the other hand, capacitors can also malfunction with time due to normal wear and tear.
Units that tend to become old face such issues. But, if the heat pump happens to be new and the capacitor has malfunctioned due to some reason, you may be able to get it replaced under warranty. But, if possible, you should first check the capacitor using a multimeter as well.
If you notice that your capacitor is malfunctioning or burning out regularly, it means something else is the issue. You should check the voltage and ensure the unit is receiving proper supply.
Fan Motor Issues
Perhaps the most important component inside a heat pump is the fan motor. This component helps the unit distribute warm and cool air. The fan motor consists of bearings that wear out over time. It could also be that the fan motor malfunctions or burns due to exposure to moisture or water.
Therefore, you will need to replace the fan motor as it cannot be repaired. Some experts may claim they can repair the motor but it won’t be of any use. Moreover, you should look out for unusual signs. For instance, if there is a squeaking, grinding, or some other noise coming from the fan, you should get it checked.
Some people tend to wait for the problem to go away on its own. This only leads to the problem turning worse and ending up in expensive repair or replacement. Plus, if the heat pump needs a fan replacement, you will need to ensure you opt for the exact motor. For this, you will either need to consult the manufacturer or an expert.
Dirt And Debris
Although we are living in times where knowledge is available in abundance, ignorance is still not uncommon. No matter how much it is stressed, some people still fail to realize that dirt & debris can cause significant problems for electronic components and appliances such as heat pumps.
The accumulation of dirt & debris makes it difficult for the components to disperse heat and will eventually cause the components to malfunction. Dead leaves, shrubs, and branches can also end up inside the unit and damage the fan and other components.
This is why experts recommend getting the heat pump professionally inspected and maintained at least twice a year if the unit is used throughout the year. In the meantime, you should also ensure there are no overgrown trees or plantations surrounding the unit.
Additionally, you should invest in cleaning agents and tools and clean the outdoor unit at least once a month. This is a small price you pay to avoid future complications.
Power Supply Issues
If you turn on your heat pump and observe that it isn’t turned on at all, it means there is most probably a problem with the power supply. You can try connecting the heat pump to another power outlet. If the heat pump turns on, it means the power outlet is the issue.
But, if the heat pump still does not turn on, it means the problem most likely is with the heat pump itself. To fix the issue, you will need to check the power chord for any cracks or damages. If the power chord is jingled up, it can cause cracks.
Moreover, you should also check the circuit breaker. Circuit breakers contain fuses that act as safety devices and tend to burn out in an attempt to protect the electronic appliance. So, it could also be that the circuit breaker is tripped.
In such a case, you will need to check the status of the circuit breaker and ensure it is in position.
Bad Control Board
Amongst the many electrical components inside the heat pump, the control board is what sends signals to the other components. If the control board happens to malfunction, the entire unit will not turn on. Unfortunately, the control board is an expensive unit and cannot be repaired properly in most cases.
Then again, if the unit is under warranty, you can contact the manufacturer to claim the warranty. Otherwise, the replacement could be expensive and you will need to consult an expert to opt for the exact replacement. Control boards might look the same from the outside but are technically different. So, you will need to check the model and part number to ensure you end up with the right product. If you’re unsure about what to do, consult HVAC companies Arlington.
Faulty Thermostat
A malfunctioning thermostat won’t read the temperature correctly and won’t turn on the fan and heating as required. This means the fan won’t turn on when required. Therefore, check the thermostat. In some cases, it may need calibration, battery replacement, or cleaning. If the thermostat is faulty, you should replace it.
Do Heat Pumps Require Professional Maintenance?
Heat pumps like other household electronic appliances require professional maintenance. Even if your heat pump sits dormant for a few months, you will need to make sure it is properly inspected and maintained before turning on.
The reason is that during the summer, rats and other intruders tend to take up accommodation inside the unit and chew away the wires. Such issues can cause expensive damages and you need to be a step ahead at all times.
Most people assume that professional maintenance is just a waste of money. It is an investment you make to keep your unit running smoothly for years to come. Professional maintenance is not only about thoroughly cleaning the unit but also inspecting it to fix issues before they turn worse.
Heat pumps that receive professional maintenance tend to last longer than those that hardly receive any.
Conclusion
Sometimes, the problem is simple to fix but can be complicated as well. The key is to be familiar with the troubleshooting tips to avoid wasting time and effort. Plus, you should also keep professional maintenance in check that will ensure your heat pump runs as effectively and efficiently as possible. And if any problem is difficult to fix, don’t hesitate to get in touch with heat pump repair services Tyson’s Corner.