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Understanding what a heat pump is, how it works, and what can go wrong with it is key to maintaining the perfect temperature in your home. It may seem like a complicated system, so let us break it down for you (and repair it when things go wrong).

What is a Heat Pump?

A heat pump is an electric-powered system that both cools and heats the rooms in your home. In the summertime, it brings heat out of your home, and in the wintertime, it brings heat from outside your home inside, keeping you comfortable no matter what’s happening outdoors.

How does a heat pump work?

A heat pump is a dual-party system with an indoor and outdoor component. These two units work as a team to bring heat in and out of your home, and to distribute it throughout your rooms.

The parts that make the system work include:

  • Refrigerant: The refrigerant is the substance that moves throughout your system to cool warm air to the temperature you set.
  • Refrigeration Lines: These pipes connect your indoor and outdoor heat pump units.
  • The Compressor: The compressor is the part that pumps the refrigerant throughout the system.
  • Evaporator Coils: The evaporator coil in your heat pump absorbs heat from the air moving across it.
  • Condenser Coil: The condenser coil in your heat pump rejects heat into the air moving across it.
  • TEVs (Thermostatic Expansion Valves): These valves work to regulate the pressure and state of the refrigerant (gas or liquid).
  • Reversing Valve: This valve works to regulate directional flow of the refrigerant depending on the mode (heating or cooling).
  • Ductwork: Your ductwork is responsible for distributing the heated or cooled air throughout the rooms in your home.

It’s good to know the parts and processes involved, so that when your heat pump isn’t working, you’ll have some idea of where the problem might be coming from.

Heat Pump Not Working? Issues and Repairs

With all of that hard work going on , there are several things that could go wrong with your heat pump that may call for professional assistance. Knowing what to look out for is one of the best ways to be prepared!

Common Heat Pump Problems

Some of the most common issues homeowners face with their heat pump systems are:

Heat pump blows cold air while in Heating mode or hot air while in Cooling mode

This can occur for a variety of reasons, some which you can fix yourself, like a clog or blockage on the outside of your outdoor unit (snow, debris, etc.), incorrect thermostat settings, or a dirty filter. However, if fixing these options does not resolve your problem, there is likely something else going on in your system.

Heat pump never stops running

If your heat pump does not want to turn off, the cause could be something as simple as inclement weather or an incorrect thermostat setting, or something much more serious, like a broken compressor. In the case of the latter, you will need to have your system inspected and the part replaced to properly repair your unit.

Heat pump will not turn on or it stopped running

Reasons for a heat pump refusing to turn on can run the gamut of incorrect thermostat settings to something as serious as full loss of power to the unit or a broken start capacitor. Have your system inspected by a professional to find the source of your issue and get things back on track.

How Haller Can Help

If you are experiencing any of the issues described above, or a different one altogether, Haller is here to help you resolve it. Along with a heat pump repair, you’ll also receive fast and reliable service that prioritizes your at-home comfort. With 24-hour service, we can resolve your problem quickly, and you’ll be comfortable before you know it.

The best way to prevent issues that could lead to a major repair? Perform routine maintenance on your system. Haller is here to help: learn more about Haller Maintenance Membership Plans.