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Heat Pump Repair and Service
Heat Pump Repair and Service
A heat pump that blows cool air in winter, ices over or never shuts off needs a look. Here is what is normal, what is not and what service keeps it healthy.
Troubleshooting
Common Heat Pump Problems
- Weak or cool air from the indoor unit while it is calling for heat
- The system runs nonstop and the house still does not reach the setting
- The outdoor unit will not start, or the fan stops while the compressor hums
- Water dripping from the indoor unit, or a musty smell when it starts
- Error codes or a blinking light on a ductless indoor unit
- A jump in the electric bill in winter, which can mean backup heat is running more than it should
Many of these come down to a dirty filter or coil, a blocked drain, a failed fan motor or capacitor, or low refrigerant from a leak. A filter and a clear outdoor unit are the two things worth checking before you call.
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Winter Operation
Defrost Cycles vs. Real Ice Problems
Frost on the outdoor unit in cold, damp weather is normal. A heat pump has to defrost itself.
During a defrost cycle the outdoor fan stops, the system briefly runs in reverse, and you may see steam rise from the unit. Indoors, the air can cool for a few minutes. The cycle usually ends on its own within several minutes, and the unit then returns to normal.
Ice is a problem when it does not go away. Call if:
- The outdoor coil stays covered in a solid layer of ice for hours
- Ice builds up on the base, or the unit sits in a block of ice
- The fan is frozen in place
- Snow or drifting has buried the unit. You can clear that yourself, gently, with the unit off.
Do not hit the ice or pour hot water on it. You can bend the coil fins or crack a part. A stuck defrost cycle usually points to a failed sensor, board or reversing valve, which takes a technician to confirm.
Service
Annual Service for Ducted and Ductless Systems
A heat pump works in both seasons, so it gets more use than a furnace or an AC alone.
Ducted Heat Pumps
Filter, indoor coil, blower, drain, ductwork connections, outdoor coil, fan and electrical parts, plus a check of the defrost and reversing controls.
Ductless Heat Pumps
Each indoor head gets its filter, coil, drain and fan checked. Mini-split filters clog quickly, and many can be rinsed between visits (check your manual).
The Outdoor Unit
Clear of snow, leaves and vegetation, sitting level, with a clear path for water to drain away from the base.
Costs and Programs
Repairs and Rebates
Most rebate programs are written around new, qualifying equipment, and their rules change.
Before you decide between repairing an older system and replacing it, read the current Rhode Island heat pump rebates page. If you are thinking about a new system, our heat pump installation page covers what to ask any contractor. We will go over repair and replacement options with you at the estimate and tell you which one makes sense for your unit.
Heat Pump Service Questions
Is Steam Coming Off My Heat Pump a Problem?
Usually not. Steam during a defrost cycle is frost melting and moisture evaporating off the coil. If the unit is also making loud noises, or the steam never stops, have it checked.
How Often Should a Heat Pump Be Serviced?
Once a year is a sound starting point, ideally before the heating season. Check and clean the filters between visits, as often as the manufacturer suggests.
Why Is My Heat Pump Blowing Cool Air in Winter?
It may be in a defrost cycle, which is brief and normal. If it keeps blowing cool air while heating, the cause can be a dirty filter, low refrigerant, a failed part, or a setting that has the system on cooling.
Do You Service Both Ducted and Ductless Heat Pumps?
Yes. Tell us the type of system, the brand if you know it and what it is doing, and we will go from there.
Get a Free Estimate
Tell us what is going on with your system. We will get back to you with next steps.