Winter is a high-demand season for your heat pump, which means that any issues with the system can leave your family in the cold. There are some common problems that these HVAC systems experience in the winter. Know what they are, why they occur, and how you can deal with them. This will help you be proactive about keeping your home comfortable and efficient all season long.

The Top Heat Pump System Problems During Winter

1. Frozen Outdoor Unit

The coils on the outdoor unit produce condensation during the heating cycle, and the cold temperatures freeze that condensation to create a layer of ice or frost. For this reason, the coils regularly run through a defrost cycle to keep it running efficiently.

If the defrost cycle isn’t working properly, the ice will build up more and more, coating the entire unit. This will impact air flow, crush the coils, and damage parts, such as the fan blades. If you see anything more than a light frosting that stays on your coils, call a professional to fix the defrost cycle. Never try to chip the ice off yourself, as you may damage the unit.

2. Not Enough Heat

If you keep turning up the thermostat, but your system is only pumping out slightly warm air, then there’s something wrong with your system. The most common problem behind this is impacted air flow. Check that your air filter doesn’t need a replacement and that your outside unit isn’t covered in ice or blocked by debris. If this isn’t the problem, then you likely have a low refrigerant charge and will need a heating and cooling technician to recharge your system.

3. Constant Running

It’s not unusual for a heat pump to run often in much colder temperatures, such as below 30 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if it is warmer and your system is constantly running, there is a problem. This could be that your equipment is simply undersized for your demand, that you need a refrigerant recharge, or that your unit is overdue for a cleaning and servicing.

Since their establishment in 1946, Osterwisch Company has been the trusted HVAC and electrical contractor of the greater Cincinnati, OH, area. They are the local experts on heat pump systems, who can quickly diagnose and fix your issue to restore your comfort as quickly as possible. Contact them online or at (513) 791-3282 to schedule their first-class furnace services.