Heat pumps are popular in Grand Junction, CO, because the area has milder winters than Colorado’s higher-elevation mountain regions. These setups require both heating and cooling for year-round comfort. But just like all HVAC systems, heat pumps need regular care and maintenance. If your system experiences problems, one of our technicians can help you decide whether you need a repair or replacement.
Keeps Turning On and Off Really Fast
If your heat pump keeps cycling on and off, this is known as short cycling. It puts a lot of unnecessary wear and strain on the heat pump’s components, wearing them down quickly. It will also keep the heat pump from doing a full heating or cooling cycle, which leaves the home uncomfortable. Short cycling is frequently the result of thermostat malfunctions or having a unit that is too small or large for the home.
To fix this type of problem, we’ll check the thermostat’s settings and calibration. To rule out a refrigerant leak, we’ll test the refrigerant lines. When short cycling is the outcome of a system that is too big or too small, we’ll recommend a replacement of the correct size.
Frozen Outdoor Unit
When the condenser coil doesn’t shed heat like it’s supposed to, the outdoor unit may freeze over. If you see ice forming along the fins, this is usually a clear sign of restricted heat transfer. This problem happens when the defrost cycle fails or when the refrigerant drops too low. It can also occur when the airflow around the outdoor unit becomes blocked.
We can test the reversing valve, defrost control board, and sensors to see what’s contributing to the problem. The necessary repair may range from simple to complex, depending on the underlying cause.
Frozen Indoor Coil
When the indoor coil freezes over, you might have a clogged air filter, refrigerant leak, or blower motor problem. The coil freezes over because it doesn’t get enough warm airflow. Signs of a frozen indoor coil include reduced airflow, warm air from the vents (in cooling mode), and visible ice buildup.
We can defrost the coil to restore the heat pump’s normal operation. But we must also address the underlying cause. To do this, we’ll check the air filter, refrigerant levels, and blower motor to see which repair to make.
Low Refrigerant Levels
Your heat pump should never have low refrigerant. If it does, it means there’s a leak. You don’t want to run the system with low refrigerant because it increases the risk of overheating and coil damage. It can even shut down the system completely if the refrigerant gets low enough.
We’ll do a pressure test to see the location of the leak. If it’s in a fitting, we can tighten or reseal it. But if it’s the result of a damaged coil, we’ll have to replace the affected component. If the refrigerant line itself has a crack in it, we can install a new one.
Dirty Air Filters
Dirty filters cause major issues for heat pumps. They not only make indoor air quality worse, but they also restrict airflow and make the unit use more energy. If you go long enough without doing filter changes, the heat pump may overheat and quit working altogether.
The number of air filters that your setup has depends on the number of air handlers you have. Ductless setups often have two or more air handlers. Each one will have its own air filter. You must keep them changed regularly. The type of filter determines the best replacement schedule to follow. Most 1-inch filters need cleaning or replacement once every 30 days. The standard guideline for 2-4-inch filters is once every 60 to 90 days.
Dirty Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil oversees absorbing heat from the indoor air. But over time, it becomes dirty with dust, dirt, and moisture buildup. This makes it difficult for the coil to absorb heat like it should. You may notice the system having longer run times or freezing problems.
We’ll clean the coil using specialized tools along with coil-safe cleaners. We may need to remove the blower motor or access the housing if we find heavy debris or microbial growth. Once the coil no longer has dirt or buildup on it, the system should run more efficiently again.
Clogged Condensate Drain Line
As heat pumps remove heat from the air, they produce quite a bit of moisture. That’s why they have moisture drains and condensate drain lines. But without regular cleaning, the lines will clog with sludge and algae. This can cause water to back up, and if not fixed quickly, it can cause major damage.
We have specialized suction tools that completely remove all sludge and buildup in the drain lines. We can do pressure tests to confirm each line is fully cleared. As we flush the system, we’ll inspect the drain pan for cracks and make sure the float switch works like it should.
Faulty Reversing Valve
This component is what makes it possible for the heat pump to switch from heating to cooling mode and vice versa. If the system gets stuck in one mode, the reversing valve may be faulty.
We’ll have to check several parts to see whether the valve is no longer working correctly. This includes refrigerant pressures, electrical connections, and the solenoid that controls the valve. In a lot of cases, it’s best to replace the valve to ensure it doesn’t become stuck or defective again.
Bad Blower Motor
When the blower motor doesn’t work, there’s nothing to push air across the coils. This means the system can’t provide warm or cool air. The coils may freeze over, and the unit may not work at all.
We can test the blower motor with a multimeter. There might be mechanical wear causing issues with the bearings or the fan wheel. If this is the case, we’ll have to repair or replace the worn components. But when the problem stems from a burned-out motor, we’ll have to install a new one.
Failed Contactor
The compressor and outdoor fan motor share a flow of electricity that a 2-pole contactor controls. When the contactor suddenly quits working or gets stuck, the system may stay in the “on” mode.
We’ll check the contactor for burning, pitting, and mechanical sticking. If we suspect anything is wrong with it, we can do a replacement, so you don’t have to worry about the system running nonstop.
Best Way to Avoid Heat Pump Issues
Investing in seasonal maintenance is the smartest way to steer clear of heat pump problems. We’ll replace worn-out parts, so the system doesn’t break down unexpectedly. Checking the refrigerant level will tell us whether there’s a leak. Adjusting the ductwork or blower can improve airflow. This allows the unit to run more efficiently. The result is a heat pump that uses less energy and keeps your home more comfortable.
Home Comfort Services is the company to call when you need heat pump service. We do installation, repairs, and tune-ups. We’re all about helping homeowners create energy-efficient living spaces year-round. Our membership maintenance plan comes with two precision tune-ups each year and discounts on other services. Call Home Comfort Services now to book professional heat pump service in Grand Junction.
