Nothing is more annoying than when your heat pump refuses to run properly during the heat of summer. The good news is that there are some easy fixes to try to get things working again.
When the Air Just Isn’t Cold
A frequent complaint is that the heat pump operates but does not cool the air. If you notice warm air circulating from your vents instead of cold air, the first piece of equipment to inspect is your thermostat. Check to make sure it’s on the “cool” setting and that the temperature is set well below what the current room temperature is. It seems obvious, but sometimes settings are inadvertently changed. A dirty air filter might be the problem if the thermostat is set correctly.
A dirty filter restricts the air flow and can cause difficulty cooling. Find your air filter. If it appears dark or dirty, replace it. Clogged filters reduce airflow, sometimes even halting the system from cooling your home.
Clogged Outdoor Unit: Your System Needs More Breathing Room
The outside part of your heat pump is essential for cooling because that’s where the heat from inside your house is dumped. If that unit is surrounded by debris, such as overgrown bushes, a pile of leaves, and even just general clutter, then it can’t do its job as well. This blocks air flow around the unit. So, it has to work a lot harder and can cause the system to overheat. And when it does, it either won’t put out cool air, or it will not work at all to cool down your home.
You’ll need to disconnect the power cord to really clean your unit well. Walk around your outdoor heat pump and make sure you have at least two feet of clearance in all directions. Clear plant life and away from anything that is blocking the vents.
Tripped Breakers
If your heat pump just won’t start up, the breaker may be the problem. The breaker will pop if the system overloads the circuit or if there is an electrical issue. Locate your heat pump breaker in the panel and check if it’s in the off or tripped position. If it is, you might want to see if you can turn it off entirely. You can then turn it right back on. If you reset the breaker and it trips immediately again, then you have a bigger problem with the heat pump, and a technician needs to be called out to diagnose and fix it.
If you’ve attempted all the above fixes and your heat pump still isn’t working, it’s time to call a professional. Messing with more complicated issues on your own can be a recipe for disaster or land you in the hospital. Contact the Arlington Heights, IL heat pump repair professionals at Paragon Mechanical right away.
