In recent years, many homeowners have moved away from traditional central heating and air conditioning systems and embraced the heat pump, which provides year-round home comfort with a single unit. In warm temperatures, the pump removes warm air and cools it with the help of refrigerant; in the winter, it does the reverse. Much like a standard AC compressor, when a heat pump runs low on refrigerant or has a leak, it can impact the effectiveness of its components and cause it to lose functionality prematurely. Here’s a look at the common signs of an issue.

How to Tell Your Heat Pump Is Low on Refrigerant

1. Rising Costs

If you notice a significant increase in your utility bill, it could be the result of low refrigerant levels in your heat pump. If the system is low on refrigerant, it can put excess stress on other mechanisms in the system like the compressor, making the heating and air conditioning system less effective. These parts will try to work much harder to achieve the thermostat’s set temperature and will drive up energy costs in the home. 

2. Icing

When the heat pump uses refrigerant, it’s converted from liquid to gas. It’s possible that connector points throughout the system may become loose, creating a leak where refrigerant can escape.

In these areas, ice may develop over the unit’s evaporator coil and hinder it from absorbing heat. A technician will need to examine every point of the refrigerant line to isolate the issue.

3. Gurgling

Any strange noises coming from your heat pump should be taken into account. A gurgling sound, in particular, is an indication of a refrigerant leak mixed with air bubbles. Bubbling signifies that the leak may have been happening for some time and should be taken care of immediately.

When your heating and air conditioning system has trouble, visit the trusted technicians at Service Air Eastern Shore Inc. in Fairhope, AL. With over 19 years of experience, their fully certified and highly trained technicians have the expertise needed to create a comfortable home environment for you. They can easily identify and troubleshoot issues using equipment from the industry’s top brands. They’ll maximize the efficiency of your system to lower your utility bills with a complete satisfaction guarantee on all services. For more information, visit their website or give them a call at (251) 990-8060 to get started today.