Troubleshooting Common Heat Pump Issues

A heat pump serves both as a reliable source of heat during the winter months and to provide cool comfort during the dog days of summer. Because it is in high demand year-round, your heat pump may experience issues from time to time. In order to restore service as quickly as possible, you’ll need to know what is wrong and what to do about it!

Here are some tips to help you troubleshoot some common heat pump issues, to determine if and when you need to call National Heating and Air Conditioning for heat pump repair.

If you’re in need of heat pump diagnosis or repair, call the experts at National Heating and Air Conditioning at (513) 621-4620, or contact us online to schedule an appointment.

Common Heat Pump Issues and Solutions

Heat Pump Won’t Turn On

If your heat pump isn’t running there is likely an issue with either the thermostat or the power source to the unit. Before calling for heat pump repair check the following:

• Thermostat setting – First, check to see that the thermostat is in the right mode for heating or cooling. Next, check the temperature setting to ensure it is set several degrees higher or lower than the current temperature in the room. Finally, if the thermostat has been recently installed verify that it is a heat pump compatible thermostat, which is different than a regular thermostat.
• Circuit breaker – Look at the main electrical panel and/or subpanel which supply power to the heat pump. Ensure that the breakers are on, or if they have tripped, turn them to the off position and then back on. If either breaker trips again you have a short in the system which requires the attention of a licensed electrician. Leave the unit off until you can schedule a repair.
• On/off switch – Not all heat pumps have a dedicated power switch, but if yours does it will be on a nearby wall or inside the housing of the air handler. Make sure the switch is in the on position.

Heat Pump Is Short Cycling

Frequent on and off cycling is a sign the unit may be overheating, likely due to a lack of airflow. Check your air filter to see if it needs replacing and ensure that all supply and return vents are not blocked. Clear the area around the outdoor unit which may be obstructed by leaves, branches, tall grasses, or other debris.

Heat Pump Is Icing Up

• Winter – During the winter months a light coating of frost or ice is expected, but a heavy coating or a unit that is encased in a thick covering of snow and ice is not. Verify that nothing is blocking airflow to the unit and that water is not dripping on the unit from up above. DO NOT try to chip away the ice which may cause damage, and call for professional service.
• Summer – A buildup of ice on the indoor unit can mean there is a refrigerant leak, dirty coils, clogged filter, or system failure. Turn off the power to the unit and call for service.

Heat Pump Is Making Unusual Sounds

Squealing, grinding, or other loud mechanical noises are a sign that something is amiss. Turn off the unit to avoid further damage and call National for heat pump repair.

Heat Pump Repair in Cincinnati

At National Heating and Air Conditioning, we put in the work to ensure that your heating and cooling units remain reliable and dependable through every season. If you think you are overdue for a maintenance visit, or if common heat pump problems have you losing your cool, give us a call! Located in Cincinnati, Ohio, we also service the local areas in and around Loveland, Mason, Montgomery, Indian Hill, Fairfield, Hamilton, Blue Ash, Madeira, Maineville, West Chester, Milford, Lebanon, and Morrow, Ohio.