A functional heat pump is essential for keeping your home comfortable. In the winter, this system pulls in and heats air from the outdoors to increase your indoor temperature. The reverse happens in the summer. While high-quality equipment will last 15 years or more, this year-round work can place stress on the system and leave you in need of repairs. To help you maintain superior climate control, here are five signs that it’s time for professional heat pump repairs.

How to Tell You Need Heat Pump Repairs

1. Frozen Coils

Containing refrigerant, the coils in your system help transfer heat into or away from your home. The transfer process, however, can release moisture, which may cause the coils to freeze. Normally, a heat pump will defrost automatically. However, dirty coils, clogged air filters, refrigerant leaks, and failing parts can worsen the process and cause freezing. A repair specialist can replace faulty parts or lost refrigerant.

2. Strange Sounds

If your heat pump is making unusual noises, there's likely an issue with an internal part. Metal grinding sounds, for instance, can be caused by loose parts or clogged fan blades. Gurgling, on the other hand, is an indicator of low refrigerant levels. Since the source of these sounds can vary, it’s best to have an HVAC contractor pinpoint and fix the underlying cause.

3. Stuck in a Mode  

When the seasons change, you will need to switch your system from cooling to heating mode, or vice versa. If the mode doesn’t change, however, you could have a faulty reversing valve. This component can be replaced by a professional.

4. Short Cycling

Short cycling is when a heat pump turns on and shuts off more frequently than it should. While you’ll be able to maintain proper temperatures with this problem, it will eventually wear down components and result in energy inefficiency. Short cycling can occur for a variety of reasons—including a refrigerant leak, electrical issues, or a faulty compressor.

5. Rising Energy Costs

If a heat pump is working harder than usual, it will end up using more energy. Sometimes, this problem is due to small issues—like dirty coils or a clogged air filter. In other cases, a more serious cause may be to blame—such as a faulty thermostat, aging equipment, or refrigerant leak.

If you notice any of these warning signs, Lenox Heating & Cooling in Chillicothe, OH, is here to help restore your home’s climate control system. Serving the Ross County area, this full-service HVAC contractor is equipped to inspect, maintain, and repair different types of heat pumps. If heat pump repairs aren’t enough to get your system working, this team can replace it with long-lasting and energy-efficient equipment. To learn more about their fast, reliable, and affordable services, visit them online. For service requests, call (740) 702-2665.