During the coldest months of the year, it’s comforting to come home to a warm, cozy living space. Unfortunately, frigid temperatures can strain heating systems like heat pumps. If you have this HVAC mechanism, it pays to look out for the following issues and become familiar with their solutions.

3 Heat Pump Problems That Are Common in Winter

1. Frozen Outdoor Unit

Heat pump HVAC systems are comprised of an indoor air handler and the outdoor pump, which extracts warmth from outside and pumps it into your home. In the winter time, this outdoor mechanism might become covered with a layer of frost, which is usually eliminated during the automatic defrost cycle. However, if the frost turns into a thick layer of ice that covers the entire pump, it won’t be able to thaw on its own. In this case, you should call a professional HVAC contractor to defrost and insulate this area.

2. Inadequate Heat

Heat pumps are known for being incredibly energy-efficient, because instead of producing their own heat, they extract existing heat energy from the air. Therefore, when it gets too cold, there isn’t enough energy to draw from, and your home won’t be as warm as you’d like. In most cases, you’ll need to supplement the heat pump with another system that you only use during the coldest time of year, such as a furnace.

3. Constant Operation

If your heat pump is working overtime this winter, it might be straining to deliver your desired temperature in a freezing environment. However, constant operation could also point to a thermostat error, which is telling the heat pump that your indoor air is colder than it actually is. In other cases, your heat pump’s compressor contactor may be faulty and need professional repair.

If you’re encountering any of these heat pump issues, get in touch with High Tech HVAC of Wisconsin Rapids, WI. These residential and commercial heating and cooling professionals have over 20 years of experience in the industry, so they can solve your HVAC issues with tact and efficiency. They also offer 24-hour emergency services for those urgent, middle-of-the-night heating problems. To schedule an appointment, call them at (715) 423-4881, and visit the website to learn more about the team.