Having a heat pump in your house is a blessing, especially if you live in a cold region. When it’s freezing outside, a heat pump keeps you warm and cozy. However, sometimes problems related to airflow could be frustrating and you may have to inspect the unit or consider heat pump repair. The unit won’t be able to provide proper airflow due to several reasons. Let’s discuss those reasons and try solving them.
Clogged Air Filters
The first thing you need to do if your heat pump is facing an airflow problem is to check the air filters. Heat pumps like other home appliances like air conditioners need regular maintenance. If they are ignored, do not be surprised if the air filter comes out to be clogged.
Air filters are designed to keep toxicants and contaminants away before the air enters your house. So, sooner or later when the air filters accumulate to the point where the filter gets choked, the airflow is blocked. It creates a problem with the airflow and also strains the unit.
Therefore, make sure the air filter is clean and if due, you should replace it. The best way to do that is by consulting the user manual.
Oversized Or Undersized Heat Pump
One of the most common mistakes when buying heat pumps is opting for the wrong size. Some homeowners believe that buying a bigger heat pump will be more effective whereas others think that a smaller heat pump will be more cost-effective.
There is a problem with both mindsets. The size of your heat pump is directly proportional to the size of your house. If you have a bigger house, you will need a bigger heat pump. And the same is the case when the house is relatively smaller.
Having a small heat pump for a big house will only cause the heat pump to utilize electricity without having the heat pump to work effectively as it simply won’t have the capacity to warm up the house. Meanwhile, if the house is small, a bigger heat pump will continuously trip.
Low Refrigerant Levels In Your Unit
Heat pumps rely on refrigerants to produce warm air. Every heat pump needs to have a specific amount of refrigerant level to perform effectively. So, if the level happens to be down, the heat pump will not be able to perform properly. There could be several reasons behind the refrigerant level being low.
For instance, there could be a leak. A leak could take place if the unit is older or someone might have damaged a component containing refrigerant while servicing the HVAC unit. In this case, consult an expert who will help solve the leakage. Otherwise, you will simply end up damaging the unit.
Blocked Or Leaking Ducts
Blocked or leaking ducts are another reason causing improper heat pump airflow. With time, the air ducts can clog due to dust, debris, and lack of maintenance. In most cases, the air ducts get taken over by rats and other creatures due to the off-season. They begin residing in specific spots or areas inside the ducts blocking them.
Additionally, they can also damage the ducts that could cause leaks. So, the warm air will escape even before it reaches your house. You can try inspecting the air ducts for leaks and holes but if they are minor, you most probably won’t be able to catch them. So then again, an expert’s inspection would help.
Faulty Thermostat
If you have performed an inspection and observed there is nothing wrong with the unit, it could be that the thermostat is faulty. It might be that it needs calibration or is simply malfunctioning. To sort out the issue, you should try replacing the batteries. Try removing any dust or debris accumulation using a soft brush.
It could also be that the thermostat is incorrectly calibrated. To find out, place a glass thermometer next to the thermostat. After 15 minutes. Check the readings on both the thermometer and the thermostat. If there is a discrepancy of more than 1 degree, you will need to recalibrate your thermostat.
Conclusion
In the end, most heat pump airflow problems have to do with maintenance and could easily be prevented by offering regular expert inspections. Some people avoid that to save money but it only creates problems down the road. So, if you have airflow problems in the future, make sure to keep the factors above in mind or consult HVAC companies huntington.