Sometimes, heat pump service can wait, but there are signs to call for emergency heat pump repairs now. Jay’s Heating Air & Plumbing is available 24/7. Our NATE-certified technicians are licensed, insured, and factory-trained, so they can address any problem.
Heat pumps provide heating and cooling. If the issue is an emergency and can’t wait, we’re here in Mount Airy, NC, year-round to find a heat pump repair solution. But the sooner you call, the better; here are eight signs you have a heat pump emergency:
1. The System Has Stopped Running
If your heat pump won’t run in extreme temperatures, this can certainly be considered an emergency. Call for help unless the circuit breaker for the unit has tripped or the thermostat is set incorrectly (both of these issues are easily resolved). A professional can determine if the issue is relatively easy to fix, such as replacing a starter capacitor, or if the reversing valve has failed. A complete inspection helps find damage or faulty parts that are preventing the unit from turning on.
2. The Heat Pump Is On But You’re Too Cold (Or Warm)
Being left in the cold is not only uncomfortable but dangerous. Check the system’s mode. If it isn’t in heat mode, adjust the unit to the proper setting (or set it to cool mode if you’re getting warm air blowing in summer). A clogged filter can also prevent the system from providing heat. If changing it or adjusting the setting doesn’t work, call an emergency heat pump repair company to check for a faulty reversing valve or refrigerant leak.
3. The Heat Pump Is Frozen
Frozen coils are usually a sign of restricted airflow. Changing the filter can help. While running the system in fan mode can melt the ice, it may be best to call a technician to determine the best solution. They can also check for more serious issues that can cause frozen coils, such as a refrigerant leak. This can not only irreparably damage the system; refrigerant is also toxic so it can put your family’s health at risk.
4. Loud Noises Come from the System
By now, you should be used to the hum of your heat pump. But call for help if you hear the following sounds:
- Rattling or Flapping: Your heat pump may have a loose fan belt.
- Screeching: This can mean the fan motor is failing
- Bubbling: An ominous sign of a refrigerant leak.
However, any unusual sound warrants a thorough inspection by a professional who has the tools and experience to diagnose and fix the underlying problem.
5. Something Doesn’t Smell Quite Right
A variety of odors can indicate a heat pump emergency. The smell of something burning can mean a mechanical component is damaged or a wire or another electrical component has shorted out. If your heat pump is blowing musty-smelling air, mold may be growing in it. Insect infestations or dead animals in the system can also release foul odors.
6. There’s Not Enough Airflow
The airflow should be consistent while your heat pump is running. Poor airflow can be due to a technical issue that can cause major damage if it’s not fixed quickly. It will also cause the system to work harder, draining energy and accelerating wear and tear. A technician will check for potential causes such as:
- Clogged filters
- Blocked ducts
- Leaky ductwork
- Dirty coils
- A blocked outdoor unit
- A malfunctioning blower motor
7. Your Energy Bill Suddenly Spikes
A sudden increase in your utility bill may seem like an inconvenience, but not an emergency. However, it can mean your heat pump has a serious problem, especially if usage hasn’t changed. While the solution may be as simple as replacing the filter, a refrigerant leak, installation error, or failing heat pump can cause your energy bill to spike without warning. A technician can determine whether to repair or replace it.
8. The Heat Pump Doesn’t Run Long Enough
A short cycling heat pump may also not seem like an urgent situation. But if it turns on and runs only briefly before shutting off, it’ll use more energy and strain itself. You’ll face expensive repairs without immediate service, so call for emergency heat pump repair. The source of the problem can be anything from a faulty thermostat to a failing compressor.
Call Jay’s for Emergency Heat Pump Repairs
Our team of experts in Mount Airy can quickly reach your home and determine what’s wrong with your heat pump. They arrive with the tools and equipment to repair it on the spot. Contact us if the system isn’t turning on, fails to heat or cool your home, freezes, makes loud noises, releases bad odors, or there’s reduced airflow. High energy bills and short cycling are also signs of a problem. Call us at (336) 715-4011 in an emergency or to learn more about our heat pump repair and installation services in Mount Airy, NC.
Buy