When you need heat pump repair in Auburn, California, trust the experts at Forster Heating.
Your heat pump works hard to keep your house comfy.
Unlike air conditioners, the outdoor unit on heat pumps doesn’t get the season off when the temperatures cool down.
Instead, your heat pump functions all year to keep your home cozy in the winter and cool in the summer. That constant effort can culminate in the need for repairs.
If that time does occur, Forster Heating is happy to help. We can work on most any heat pump. We work hard to make your house the right temperature again as soon as possible.
Customer satisfaction, efficiency and safety are our top priorities. We’re happy to show you when you trust us with your home comfort. Call us at 530-885-8081 now to schedule an appointment.
Five Signs Your Heat Pump Needs to Be Fixed
Now that you know some of the basic causes of heat pump damage, it might be good to hear how those issues make themselves known. Here are some prevalent signs something is wrong with your heat pump.
1. Heat Pump Covered in Ice
During the frigid days of winter, it’s possible that your outdoor unit will have a little ice buildup. When this happens, your unit should switch into a defrost cycle and reverse the refrigerant to melt the ice. If your full unit is covered in ice and won’t defrost, you have a concern that needs professional service.
2. Heat Pump is Short Cycling
By short cycling, we mean that your heat pump turns on and stops before it’s had the opportunity to bring your home to your preferred temperature. This is a sign that your heat pump is the wrong size for your home. And if it isn’t taken care of, it could wear your heat pump down.
3. Energy Bills are Increasing
Your heat pump is one of the most efficient HVAC solutions available—especially if you take care of it. If you’re doing everything you can to take care of it and are still watching your energy costs increase, it’s time to find a professional.
4. Heat Pump Is Noisy
Your heat pump isn’t going to be absolutely silent, but it also shouldn’t be terribly noisy. If you’re hearing new sounds from your unit—especially any that sound incorrect—you may want to have a professional inspect it.
5. Heating or Cooling Seems Weaker
Reduced home comfort is perhaps the most obvious—and annoying—sign you may need a repair. If you’ve tried changing your setting and nothing seems to work, Forster Heating can help.
Common Reasons for Heat Pump Problems
There are quite a few things that can cause trouble for your heat pump. Here are some of the most experienced issues.
- Absence of maintenance. Like you, your heat pump needs to be taken care of to remain in good shape. You have an annual checkup. Your heat pump has yearly maintenance. You should bring in an HVAC expert twice a year to help your system stay strong. Without maintenance, you’re putting your system at risk for a failure.
- Clogged filter. One of the easiest ways to keep your heat pump on track is to regularly check and replace your air filter. If you avoid it, your system has to work harder to keep your family comfortable. Operating overtime like that can cause damage, and later, a repair.
- Component failure. Your heat pump is made of a number of parts—both moving and stationary. They’re all important to heating and cooling your home efficiently. When one stops working, it can make it difficult—or impossible—for your system to carry on without a repair.
- Thermostat problems. Your thermostat is a precise instrument. Any trouble with it could make your home less comfortable.
Should I Repair or Replace My Heat Pump?
When your heat pump fails, it seems only natural to call for a repair. But sometimes, a repair isn’t worth the investment. In those times, a replacement is a better investment. Here are some factors that can help you decide if a repair is a better option:
- Your heat pump is less than 10 years old. If your heat pump is still relatively young, a repair likely makes sense. It still has a lot of life left to live. However, if your heat pump is aging, a replacement might make more financial sense.
- You haven’t repaired your heat pump multiple times. If a repair on your system is a relatively rare occurrence, you may want to continue with the repair. If you feel like you’ve been repairing your unit pretty often, it might be time to think about a replacement.
- The repair you need is inexpensive. If a technician can take care of your issue easily and the price is relatively low, a repair is probably your best choice. But if your repair will set you back quite a bit—like replacing your heat pump’s compressor—it’s likely better to place that money into a new heat pump that will serve you for a lot longer.
What’s the Next Step Toward a New Heat Pump?
A Forster Heating technician can walk you through all your options and help you decide if repair or replacement makes more sense for your system. No matter what you need, we’re here to help. Give us a call at 530-885-8081 or request an appointment with us online.
