You depend on your heat pump throughout the year. In the winter, it brings heat inside and moves warm air outside during the summer.
Since a heat pump isn’t generating warm or cool air, it’s more energy-efficient than a traditional heating and cooling system—and, since your heat pump is almost constantly working, routine maintenance is a given.
However, even keeping up with maintenance can still mean occasional calls to a heat pump repair Denver service.
How do you know when it’s time to call the professionals? Here’s a look at some of the common signs your heat pump may be struggling.
Heat Pumps Have a Lifespan
Like any other type of appliance, heat pumps have a lifespan. Don’t panic, you shouldn’t be replacing your heat pump every couple of years or so.
On average, a heat pump will run for anywhere between 10 – 15 years. Modern devices can last a few years longer with routine maintenance.
How often should you plan on having your heat pump services? Industry experts recommend scheduling routine maintenance twice a year, once in the spring and again in the fall.
This helps to ensure your heat pump is ready for summer and winter temperatures.
Signs Your Heat Pump May Need Repairs
Even keeping up with a maintenance schedule isn’t always enough to prevent some common issues. If you start noticing any of these common signs, it’s time to call a heat pump repair service.
Always Running
Anyone living in the Deep South expects to hear their heat pump running almost continuously in the summer. Colorado residents shouldn’t hear their heat pumps always running, even in the winter.
Hopefully, this is a simple fix. Your filter is probably clogged. Replacing the old filter should be enough to get your heat pump running more efficiently.
Even though you should be able to change out a filter without professional help, it’s still a good idea to have the unit checked for any other issues. When a heat pump is constantly running, wear and tear can be a problem.
Can’t Get Your Home to a Comfortable Temperature
Is cold air blowing out of the vents when you’re trying to heat your home or vice-versa? No matter where you set the thermostat, you simply can’t get your home at a comfortable indoor temperature.
You’re either bundled up indoors or wondering if your neighbors can see your state of undress through the windows.
When your heat pump isn’t bringing in warm or cool air, you may have a problem with the electronic control board.
Skyrocketing Energy Bills
Sure, the price of everything is going up. This probably means your utility rates are also going up at least a little bit.
However, if your energy bills are through the roof for no good reason, the culprit may be your heat pump. Since heat pumps are designed for energy efficiency, your utility bills shouldn’t be significantly increasing.
The issue may be something relatively simple like a clogged filter or air duct. The problem can also be more serious, and yes this typically means repair costs also go up.
The best suggestion is to contact a heat pump repair service and schedule an inspection.
From there you can decide if the issue is repairable or if it makes more sense to replace the heat pump. If your heat pump is nearing the end of its lifespan, it may be better to just replace it. You usually end up saving money on frequent repairs.
Strange Noises and Weird Smells
Your heat pump is going to make a little racket, especially when it cycles on and off. This is normal and you’ll even get used to the various sounds. When your heat pump starts making odd noises like a banging sound, don’t panic just yet.
Chances are, the odd sounds don’t mean you need to replace the heat pump. Instead, you may have a simple repair like tightening a loose fan blade. Your heat pump may also need to be leveled and this is usually a relatively easy fix.
Heat pumps run on electricity so you should never smell gas. However, your heat pump can still emit odors like rotten or stale smells. This can indicate the presence of mold or possibly a decaying rodent.
When you start noticing things like a strange odor starting to occur, then it’s time for you to reach out and call the professionals.
If it’s any sort of burning smell then turn the heat pump off immediately as this can indicate an electrical problem and you don’t want to risk a fire happening in your home.
Keeping up with routine maintenance is a great way of making sure that your heat pump is running efficiently and at its very best.
Also if you notice an issue, don’t ignore it—instead, call a heat pump repair company and schedule an appointment to get the issue resolved.
