It’s a cold winter morning in Kalispell and your heat pump just isn’t keeping your home warm enough. When your heating system isn’t heating, don’t panic, Central Heating Cooling Plumbing and Electric is here to guide you through the most common causes and what to check to restore your home’s warmth.
Understanding Your Heat Pump
First, it’s important to understand how heat pumps work. Unlike traditional heating systems that generate heat, heat pumps transfer heat from one place to another. In the winter, a ground-source heat pump extracts heat from underground and transfers it inside your home. This is generally a cost-effective and sustainable way to heat your home in Kalispell’s varied seasonal climate.
Common Causes for Heat Pump Issues
1. Thermostat Settings
Start with the basics. Ensure your thermostat is set to “heat” mode and the temperature setting is above the current room temperature. It might seem obvious, but it’s often overlooked. If you have a smart thermostat equipped with wireless sensors for placement in a remote locations, ensure they are connected and in the right location (not near a heat source) to maintain the desired temperature.
2. Power Supply Issues
Check if there’s a power supply to your heat pump. Inspect your electrical panel for tripped breakers. A disruption in power can prevent your heat pump from operating.
If your heat pump has tripped its circuit more than once, it’s important to have the cause of the electrical malfunction identified and repaired by a licensed electrician.
3. Dirty Filters
A clogged air filter will restrict airflow, significantly reducing the efficiency of your heat pump. Replacing the air filter regularly can prevent this issue.
4. Outdoor Unit Obstructions
The outdoor unit of your heat pump needs clear space to function correctly. Remove any debris, plants, snow, or ice that might be blocking the unit, restricting airflow, and impacting its heating ability.
5. Reversing Valve
Low refrigerant levels can significantly affect your heat pump’s heating efficiency. A reversing valve controls the flow of refrigerant to reach the temperature settings. A faulty valve will cause the heat pump malfunction.
6. Defrost Mode
In cold weather, it’s normal for the outdoor unit to frost over, but the system should periodically enter a defrost mode to clear it. If the unit is frosted over and not defrosting, there might be an issue with the defrost timer or controls.
7. Wear and Tear
Like any mechanical system, heat pumps are subject to wear and tear. Components such as belts, bearings, and electrical connections can wear out over time, affecting performance.
When to Call the Professionals
While some troubleshooting steps can be safely performed without HVAC experience, many issues require the expertise of trained professionals. If your heat pump is still not heating after checking the simple items above, it’s time to call Central Heating Cooling Plumbing Electrical. Our team of NATE certified HVAC technicians can diagnose and repair your heat pump quickly, ensuring your home is back to comfortable heating levels.
Preventative Heat Pump Maintenance
The best way to avoid heat pump issues is through regular maintenance. Our comprehensive maintenance plans include inspections, cleaning, and necessary adjustments to keep your heat pump running smoothly year round. Preventative maintenance not only ensures comfort but also, lowers operating costs, extends the lifespan of your system and can prevent costly repairs.
For all your heat pump installation, maintenance and repair needs, trust the experienced pros at Central Heating Cooling Plumbing Electric. We have been serving the heating needs of Kalispell homeowners for over 30 years.
