Heat Pump Troubleshooting: Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Table of Contents

• What Should I Do When My Heat Pump Isn’t Running at All?
• Why Is My Heat Pump Not Performing as Well as Before?
• Why Is My Heat Pump Running but Not Cooling?
• Why Is My Heat Pump Leaking Water Inside?
• What Are the Reasons for Mold in My Air Conditioning Unit?
• How Do I Manually Reset My Heat Pump?
• Should My Heat Pump Be Completely Covered in Frost?
• What Are Those Strange Sounds That I’m Hearing?
• What Causes Those Unpleasant Odours?
• Regular Maintenance
• When to Make a Service Call

Buying a heat pump is an optimal way of maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. However, as with any complex system, you may occasionally encounter heat pump issues that can disrupt the comfort you have come to cherish. Save money by consulting this heat pump troubleshooting guide before calling a technician.

Heat pumps vary from one model to the next, but the same principles generally apply to common problems. Consult your user manual for more precise instructions.

What Should I Do When My Heat Pump Isn’t Running at All?

If your heat pump isn’t working, check to see that it is set to the desired mode, whether automatic, heating, or air conditioning. Ensure that the thermostat temperature is set higher than the room temperature if you’re in heat mode or lower if you’re using the air conditioning.

Switch the circuit breaker on and off in the electrical panel, and check for blown fuses. Ensure the air intake grill is closed correctly and the system’s timer isn’t on. If you’ve restarted your system, it can take about three minutes to turn it back on, preventing blowing a fuse. The same happens when you reactivate the circuit breaker.

Why Is My Heat Pump Not Performing as Well as Before?

Your heat pump system might be working but not as efficiently as it should. Verify the following elements:

1. Inspect the air return filter. Clean it or replace it if it’s dirty.
2. Check the outdoor unit. Make sure the coils and the outdoor fan aren’t obstructed.
3. Close any open window or door. Verify whether other appliances are in the room, such as an oven, computers, or even multiple people that might be heating the room.

If your unit is in heating mode yet has stopped before reaching the set temperature, the outdoor unit could be in defrost mode. Does your unit have a “silent” mode? When set to this mode, the fan motor runs at a very low speed. When the heating mode is activated, the fan runs at low speed, allowing the unit to heat up.

Why Is My Heat Pump Running but Not Cooling?

One of the most frustrating issues is when your heat pump is not cooling. This problem can arise from several causes. Here is a quick overview of these, along with tips on how to resolve them:

1. Thermostat Settings: Ensure the thermostat is set to a temperature lower than the current room temperature. Incorrect settings can prevent the heat pump from cooling effectively.
2. Dirty Air Filters: Clogged filters restrict airflow, reducing cooling efficiency. Clean or replace the air filters regularly.
3. Refrigerant Levels: Low refrigerant levels can impair cooling. If you suspect this, contacting a professional to check and refill the refrigerant is best.
4. Blocked Outdoor Unit: Make sure the outdoor unit is free from debris and obstructions that can affect its performance.

Why Is My Heat Pump Leaking Water Inside?

Water leaking from a heat pump inside your home can cause significant damage if not addressed promptly. Here are some common reasons for this issue:

1. Clogged Drain Line: A blocked drain line can cause water to back up and leak inside. Regular maintenance to keep the drain line clear can prevent this.
2. Frozen Evaporator Coils: If the coils freeze, they can cause water to overflow when they thaw. To avoid this, ensure proper airflow and refrigerant levels.
3. Improper Installation: Incorrect installation can lead to improper drainage, causing leaks. Ensure your unit is installed by professionals like those at Entreprises MST.

Regular maintenance can help prevent your heat pump from leaking water and other related issues.

What Are the Reasons for Mould in My Air Conditioning Unit?

Mould in your air conditioning unit is a serious concern as it can affect indoor air quality and health. Here are some reasons for mould growth:

1. Moisture Accumulation: Excess moisture from condensation can lead to mould growth. Ensure your system is adequately ventilated to manage humidity levels.
2. Dirty Filters: Dirty filters can harbour mould spores, spreading them throughout the system. Replace or clean filters regularly.
3. Standing Water: Ensure no standing water is in the drip pan or other unit components. Regularly inspect and clean these areas.

Preventing mould in air conditioning units requires diligent maintenance and moisture control.

How Do I Manually Reset My Heat Pump?

Resetting your heat pump can resolve minor issues, restore normal operation, and save you from unnecessary service calls. Here’s how to reset your heat pump manually:

1. Turn Off the Thermostat: Switch off your thermostat to prevent the heat pump from running during the reset process.
2. Locate the Reset Button: Some heat pumps have a reset button on the outdoor unit. Press and hold it for a few seconds.
3. Turn Off the Power: If there is no reset button, turn off the heat pump’s power at the circuit breaker. Wait for about 5 minutes before turning it back on.
4. Restart the System: Turn the thermostat back on and set it to the desired temperature.

Should My Heat Pump Be Completely Covered in Frost?

Seeing frost on your heat pump can be alarming, but it’s not always a cause for concern. Here’s what you need to know about your heat pump frosting up:

1. Defrost Cycle: Heat pumps have a defrost cycle to manage frost buildup. If the defrost cycle is working properly, occasional frost is normal.
2. Continuous Frost: If your heat pump is completely covered in frost for extended periods, it could indicate a problem with the defrost cycle, airflow, or refrigerant levels.
3. Blocked Airflow: Ensure there is no debris or obstruction around the outdoor unit that can hinder airflow.

If you notice your heat pump is consistently frosted, it is best to contact a professional.

What Are Those Strange Sounds That I’m Hearing?

Sometimes, squeaking or cracking sounds can be heard. These are due to friction between parts that are expanding with temperature variations. The sound of water is perfectly normal. That’s the sound of coolant flowing through your unit.

What Causes Those Unpleasant Odours?

The indoor unit sucks air from the room, thus absorbing gas held in carpets, furniture, and walls and then releasing it into the room. It can be a cause of unpleasant odours.

Regular Maintenance

Basic maintenance can help avoid many serious problems with your heat pump, especially if it is recommended in your user manual. Having a professional perform specific annual maintenance on your unit is also a good idea.

When to Make a Service Call

If your unit has a problem not indicated in this guide or user manual or gives off a burning smell, shut the unit and circuit breaker off and call your local heat pump provider. MST technicians are trained to fix any problem on any heat pump model.