When your heat pump isn’t providing the warmth you expect, it’s essential to understand the common causes before reaching out to a professional for repairs.
Several factors could be contributing to this issue, including low refrigerant charge, a dirty or obstructed outdoor unit, a clogged air filter, or even a misperception caused by your own body.
Heat Pump Troubleshooting Tips
Low Refrigerant Charge
Refrigerant is the key to your heat pump’s heat transfer process. In warmer seasons, it moves heat from inside your home to the outdoors, and in colder seasons, it does the opposite. Problems arise when your heat pump’s refrigerant levels become too low.
In such cases, your unit struggles to transfer heat effectively. If you suspect low refrigerant, it’s advisable to contact an HVAC contractor to check your refrigerant levels. Low levels may indicate a refrigerant leak that requires repair.
Dirty or Obstructed Outdoor Unit
When your heat pump operates in heating mode, it extracts heat from the outdoor air using refrigerant and then uses this heat to warm your home’s indoor air. However, if the outdoor unit is dirty, covered in debris, or surrounded by obstructions like a fence, it won’t be able to absorb sufficient heat.
Ensure the area around your outdoor unit is clear to allow proper airflow. Cleaning the condenser coil, responsible for heat absorption, with a foaming coil cleaner and water sprayer can also help. Alternatively, you can hire a contractor for heat pump repair and maintenance services.
Clogged Air Filter
A dirty air filter can block airflow to the evaporator coil, where air is heated during the heat pump’s heating mode. If you notice very little air coming from your vents, a clogged filter may be the culprit. Check and replace the filter if it’s dirty. If your family has allergies, consider air filter options that can improve indoor air quality.
Body Perception
Sometimes, your body can trick you into thinking that the North Myrtle Beach heat pump isn’t blowing warm air. This occurs because the heat being released from the heat pump may be slightly cooler than your body’s temperature. As a result, the air from the heat pump might feel cool in comparison, even though it is still heating your home.
In colder outdoor temperatures, the air from the heat pump can feel even cooler because it struggles to extract heat efficiently from the chilly air. When outdoor temperatures drop below 40 degrees, the auxiliary heating coil kicks in to provide additional warmth inside your home.
If you continue to experience issues with your heat pump, call North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air now. We’ll help make your home comfortable and warm.
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North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air
1001 2nd Ave N
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
843-399-3237
https://www.northmyrtlebeachheatingandair.com/
Serving: North Myrtle Beach, Barefoot Landing, Little River, Longs, Cherry Grove