Heat pumps are a great option for yearlong comfort in the home. They can handle most families’ heating and cooling needs, but they’re only as good as the shape they’re in. When a heat pump shows signs of trouble, repair or new heat pump installation in St Louis may be necessary. Homeowners can look for the following signs that a heat pump may need repair or replacement.
Ice on the Coils
If there’s ice on the coil that’s currently serving as the evaporator coil (the indoor coil when in cooling mode, the outdoor coil when in heating mode), the heat pump could have a refrigerant leak or the coil itself could be dirty. In either case, it’s best to call an HVAC tech out to plug the leak, refill the refrigerant, or clean the coil.
Clicking or Grinding Noises
Odd noises are rarely a good thing when they’re coming from a heat pump. Grinding and clicking are the two most common warning signs that a part is about to fail. While clicking indicates that a capacitor may be on the verge of failure, grinding shows that the motor has lost its lubrication and is about to burn out. In either case, an HVAC tech can replace the failed units and restore the system’s full function.
The Pump is Stuck in a Single Mode
If the heat pump doesn’t cool or heat, the issue may lie in the reversing valve. This important part allows the refrigerant to change its flow direction, thereby switching the heat pump into heating or cooling mode. If the valve fails, the unit will remain in a single mode. Call a pro to get a new reversing valve when the unit doesn’t heat or cool as it should.
Call the Experts for Repair or Replacement
Home heat pumps are complicated devices. A variety of systems, from air handlers to refrigerant loops, must all work in balance to ensure proper operation. It takes special tools and training to repair these units, and DIY repairs often do more harm than good. For professional repair or heat pump installation near St Louis, contact Classic Aire Care.
