Heat Pump: When To Know You Need A Replacement

When winter comes, a knocking it is hard to imagine getting by without a reliable heat source for your home. A Goodman heat pump makes life cozy for you and your family during the cold seasons, which explains why you need to tell when it’s, time to get a new one. After all a chilly winter is no fun at all for anyone! Here are some signs that it is time you switched to a new heat pump. heat pump split system

Air that is Inconsistent with Temperature Settings

A common problem you experience with older heat pumps is that after some time they neither heat nor cool. Even though they might still be producing regular air levels, you will notice that the temperature of the air they are blowing out is inconsistent with the temperature levels you have set. Every now and then, you might experience some warm air on a cool setting or vice versa. heat pump malfunction

This particular problem is indicative of two things, one, your refrigerant levels are very low or your heat pump’s compressor has been damaged. If you experience inconsistent temperatures too, it might be a sign that something is seriously wrong with your heat pump. Before you think of purchasing a new unit, you should troubleshoot for minor issues that can be detected by inspecting coils, condensation drains, valves, and even filters. However, you should also be prepared to purchase a replacement just in case your unit cannot be salvaged.

The Heat Pump has Diminished Air Flow

If you notice that there is a marked decrease in your unit’s airflow it could be a sign that your heat pump is about to give up. If you set a reasonable temperature on your heat pump and find that the air blown in is cold, your heat pump is certainly not working, as it should. You can check to see if there is something wrong with the filters, but usually, this is a sign that you need a replacement ASAP.

Heat Pump is Emitting Strange Smells and Noises

Given modern advancements in air conditioning units, your heat pumps operation should not be obtrusively audible. Since you have had your unit for quite some time, you should be familiar with the cycling sounds it makes. If your heat pump unit starts to produce a different type of noise, you should take precautionary measures and have an HVAC professional do some repairs. Sometimes a component inside might have become lose or the fan is not working properly, or maybe your indoor unit is just clogged with dirt. However, if you hear strange noises such as buzzing, screeching, grinding, ticking, or rattling, this might indicate a major issue that needs you to replace your heat pump. Sometimes a faulty unit will give off foul odors, if this is the case for you, then this could be a sign that something’s terribly wrong. For instance, your ductwork might be moldy or maybe your unit’s installation has been damaged.

The Heat Pump Is Producing Too Much Moisture or Is Leaking

The amount of condensation that drips from a heat pump varies from one model to the next, so there is nothing out of the ordinary if you have a bit of water dripping from your unit. For the most part though whether your unit is running or not, it should be dry. In case you notice that there is an excessive amount of condensation in your house, it might be time to change your heat pump. But, before you do, ask an HVAC professional to inspect it as moisture and condensation don’t go well together.

Heat Pump Is Short Cycling

As you are well aware, it is completely normal for your unit to cycle on and off in order to maintain your preferred temperature levels. However, if you notice that your heat pump is switching itself off, or has trouble getting started, or turns on and off more frequently than usual, there is a big chance that your heat pump is experiencing some malfunction. When your heat pump short cycles it stresses the system and if not taken care of quickly can lead to a complete failure. No need to panic, sometimes a heat pump will malfunction when it has blown a fuse however this is not always the case.

Increased Energy Bills

You might notice that your energy bills have increased exponentially in the recent past with no plausible explanation. We recommend that you take an energy audit of your home to ensure that the consumption is justified. However, if all signs point to your heat pump being the reason for a spike in your energy bill, you will need to figure out why your unit has become less efficient. One of the reasons why a unit may become less efficient is if it is experiencing diminished cooling capacity and is struggling to maintain the set temperature.