Common Wintertime Heat Pump Problems in Wilmington, NC

February 15, 2024

When temperatures turn chilly, the heat pump in your Wilmington, NC, home needs to perform well. So, if your heating system is struggling to keep your home warm, mechanical issues could be causing heating issues. Below, you’ll learn more about common wintertime heat pump problems and how HVAC maintenance could head off most potential issues.

Mechanical Issues

Low refrigerant levels can cause your heat pump to stop producing warm air. If you’ve noticed a significant increase in energy usage – your electrical costs have suddenly risen – the culprit could be a refrigerant leak that needs professional repairs.

Diminished heating performance can also happen when the unit’s reversing valve is malfunctioning. When this valve is working as designed, the HVAC system shouldn’t have any problems switching between hot and cold settings. A faulty valve can disrupt the entire system, increase your energy costs, and lead to costly repairs. If you suspect the reversing valve is malfunctioning, call for repairs immediately to prevent further damage.

Maintenance Issues

The good news is that most heat pump issues result from a lack of maintenance. For example, if you forget to change the heating system’s filter, you’ll likely experience poor heating performance. Changing the filter every 30 to 90 days can keep the unit producing warm air and keep your home’s interior temperature at a comfortable level.

Maintaining your home’s heating system is the number one way to prevent unexpected breakdowns and keep the system running efficiently. HVAC professionals recommend that homeowners with heat pump systems invest in seasonal tune-ups. These tune-ups are done twice a year and include a multi-point inspection designed to calibrate the system for exceptional performance and take care of minor repairs before they turn into more costly problems.

Are you experiencing problems with your home’s heating system? Learn more about Airmax Heating & Cooling’s heat pump maintenance solutions or call us today!