How Can I Tell If My Heat Pump Needs Repairs or Replacement?

If you have switched from a conventional heating system to a heat pump, you’ll want to take every precaution to ensure it stands the test of time. Keeping your new environmentally friendly system in good working order requires regular maintenance, and knowing when to make necessary repairs makes a difference. 

However, there comes a point when constantly making the same repairs over and over again becomes less than ideal. For homeowners unsure of their next steps, the W.F. Smith Heating & Air Conditioning team is here to help! Follow our helpful guide to learn how you can tell if your heat pump needs repairs or a replacement. 

Signs Your Heat Pump Needs Repairs

When your unit works as intended, your home stays nice and warm throughout the winter without unexpected spikes in your energy bills. Your heat pump will deliver warm air throughout your space as efficiently as possible, ensuring you always reach a comfortable temperature. However, when your system starts slowing down or showing signs of inefficiency, a visit from a heat pump repair company in Bucks County, PA, can help. 

Here are some of the most common signs that your heat pump requires repairs:

Your System Frequent Goes Into Defrost Mode

While you can expect a certain degree of odd noises from your heating system while it’s turned on, some sounds should catch your attention. For example, when the unit goes into defrost mode, you’ll hear the fan shut off, and the heat is used to thaw the parts. However, hearing the system enter this mode frequently could indicate a potential problem that requires immediate repair. 

You See Ice Forming on the Coils

While you can expect to see some ice forming on the outdoor unit while it’s in heat mode, pay attention to the thickness of the ice. If overly thick pieces of ice form over moving parts or it doesn’t regularly defrost, it usually means it’s time to get it looked at by the professionals. 

You Experience Restricted Airflow

One of the most crucial pieces of your heat pump’s efficiency is how easily air flows throughout your home. When it works properly, the warm air flows from the heat pump and gets distributed throughout the house. When parts of your system get obstructed, the heated air can’t freely flow throughout your home and can make your system work overtime to compensate. If you notice your home is taking longer to warm up or has started short-cycling, it’s time to call in the heat pump experts in Bucks County, PA. 

Signs Your Heat Pump Needs Replacing

While repairing your heat pump can do a world of good for your home, there comes a time when you begin to see a diminished return on your investment, and repairs aren’t enough. Knowing when repairs aren’t enough to ensure your system runs smoothly and you need to replace your unit will be beneficial in the long run. Here are some signs you need to replace your heat pump completely. 

Your System Is Older

A well-maintained heat pump can last upwards of 15 years. However, during the later part of its life, you may notice that the need for repairs becomes more frequent and extensive. When the number of times you get your system repaired starts to outweigh the price of a brand-new unit, it may be time to make the switch. 

Your Home Never Feels Comfortable

Your heat pump’s primary goal is to keep your home as comfortable as possible throughout the year. It’s designed to maintain your desired temperature and remove some of your daily anxiety. However, if your unit never quite gets your space as comfortable as you want, it’s time to replace your system with a more efficient model. 

Your Utility Bills Keep Rising

Sometimes, you can only tell your heat pump is not working is to look at how it affects your bottom line. For example, when your system isn’t running as efficiently as it once did, you notice that your utility bills are consistently on the rise. These unexpectedly frequent spikes can point to an issue with the unit itself, and you need to get a professional to take a look. 

Trust W.F. Smith Heating & Air Conditioning With Your Heat Pump Needs

When repairing or replacing your heat pump, you want to find a locally focused company that can handle whatever you throw their way. Our experienced team can help determine whether your system needs routine repairs or a total replacement. We work with our customers to identify the issues with their systems and ensure they receive the care and attention they deserve. 

Contact our team to schedule your next service appointment today!