4 Common Summertime Heat Pump Issues in Port St. Lucie, FL

Summer is one of the seasons when your heat pump is extra busy attempting to regulate your indoor temperatures and humidity. Being in regular use may cause your heat pump to run into problems. Below, we will discuss the common heat pump issues to expect this summer in Port St. Lucie, FL.

1. Running Continuously

If you pay close attention to your heat pump when it’s running efficiently, say after a maintenance visit, you will notice the system runs in cycles. Each cycle lasts 10 to 20 minutes. In an hour, your heat pump operates in two to three cycles.

This means that a heat pump that runs continuously instead of operating in cycles may have an underlying condition. Some common issues that cause your unit to run incessantly include a clogged air filter, refrigerant leaks, a dirty outdoor component, or an undersized heat pump.

Your heat pump components wear out more quickly when the system runs continuously. Your energy bill will also go up. Therefore, it is essential to address the situation as soon as possible.

You can start by replacing your air filter to see if the problem goes away. If replacing the filter does not solve the issue, seek the services of a professional technician. However, keep in mind that your heat pump may run continuously sometimes when the outdoor temperatures are extreme.

2. Uneven Temperature Distribution

Some rooms in your house may be cool while others remain warm, despite the heat pump running. This issue is common if you have an undersized or old heat pump, leaky ductwork, or dirty vents. Some non-HVAC problems, such as poor insulation in some rooms, blocked vents, and poorly sealed windows, may also contribute to this problem.

An undersized or old heat pump does not have sufficient capability to cool the whole house. Leaky ducts allow the cooled air to escape before reaching all rooms in your house, while dirty vents block the cooled air from entering some rooms.

Poor insulation and poorly sealed windows cause the cooled air to escape. You may have also blocked your vents with your furniture, restricting the cooled air from your heat pump from entering your room.

3. Short Cycling

Short cycling is a situation where your heat pump does not complete temperature regulation cycles. Instead, the system stops in the middle of a cycle and starts again.

When your heat pump starts more times than usual, you will pay more energy costs. This is because the heat pump’s compressor consumes the highest amount of energy while starting.

Issues contributing to short cycling include a clogged air filter, an oversized system, refrigerant leaks, and thermostat errors. A clogged air filter creates airflow problems, thus causing system short cycling.

An oversized heat pump does not distribute the cooled air evenly because it cools your house quickly and shuts down before completing a temperature regulation cycle. Since there are rooms that remain hot, the system turns on again and repeats the same thing.

An incorrectly calibrated thermostat will send confusing signals to your heat pump, causing it to short cycle. Wrong thermostat locations may also cause this issue.

4. Unusual Sounds and Smells

Ordinarily, heat pumps produce soft whirring sounds when working to regulate your indoor temperatures. Also, the system does not produce any odors. Therefore, if you detect any weird smells and sounds, all is not well.

Common sounds include banging, hissing, buzzing, and vibrating. A banging or metal-on-metal sound indicates there is a loose component in your system, while a hissing noise means your refrigerant is leaking. Electrical issues may cause buzzing noises, while a problematic compressor may result in vibrating noises when the heat pump is starting.

Common heat pump odors include a musty smell, a burning smell, and a sulfur-like smell. A musty smell occurs when there is biological growth in your heat pump. An overworking motor and electrical issues cause a burning smell. A dead rodent in your system may cause a sulfur-like smell.

Contact Stephen K Denny, Inc. whenever you need professional and timely heat pump services. We have been in the HVAC business for more than 28 years, meaning we have extensive experience working on every type of HVAC system.

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