When you need heat pump repair in The Bay Area, California, trust the experts at Contra Costa Heating & AC.
Your heat pump works hard to keep your home comfy.
Unlike air conditioners, the outdoor unit on heat pumps doesn’t get the season off when the temperatures drop.
Instead, your heat pump works all year to keep your home cozy in the winter and cool in the summer. That constant effort can lead to the need for repairs.
If that time does come, Contra Costa Heating & AC is happy to help. We can work on most any heat pump. We work hard to make your house the right temperature again as soon as possible.
Customer satisfaction, efficiency and safety are our top priorities. We’re happy to show you when you trust us with your home comfort. Call us at 510-343-9841 now to schedule an appointment.
Five Signs Your Heat Pump Needs to Be Repaired
Now that you have heard some of the usual causes of heat pump damage, it might be good to hear how those problems make themselves known. Here are some prevalent signs something is wrong with your heat pump.
1. Heat Pump Covered in Ice
During the winter, it’s possible that your outdoor unit will have a bit of ice buildup. When this develops, your unit should shift into a defrost cycle and reverse the refrigerant to melt the ice. If your entire unit is covered in ice and won’t defrost, you have a problem that needs professional service.
2. Heat Pump is Short Cycling
By short cycling, we mean that your heat pump turns on and stops before it’s had time to bring your home to your desired temperature. This is a sign that your heat pump is the wrong size for your home. And if it isn’t taken care of, it could wear your heat pump down.
3. Energy Bills are Climbing
Your heat pump is one of the most efficient HVAC solutions available—especially if you maintain it well. If you’re doing everything you can to take care of it and are still seeing your energy costs climb, it’s time to call in a professional.
4. Heat Pump Is Noisy
Your heat pump isn’t going to be totally silent, but it also shouldn’t be noticeably noisy. If you’re hearing new sounds from your system—especially any that sound incorrect—you may want to have a professional take a look.
5. Heating or Cooling Appears Weaker
Decreased home comfort is maybe the most obvious—and annoying—sign you may need a repair. If you’ve tried changing your setting and nothing seems to work, Contra Costa Heating & AC can help.
Common Origins of Heat Pump Problems
There are quite a few things that can cause problems for your heat pump. Here are some of the most experienced issues.
- Shortage of service. Like you, your heat pump needs to be taken care of to remain in good shape. You have a regular checkup. Your heat pump has seasonal maintenance. You should call in an HVAC expert twice a year to help your system stay healthy. Without maintenance, you’re putting your system at risk for a real problem later on.
- Clogged filter. One of the simplest ways to keep your heat pump working correctly is to periodically check and change your air filter. If you ignore it, your system has to work harder to keep your family comfortable. Working overtime like that can lead to damage, and later, a repair.
- Component failure. Your heat pump is made of quite a few parts—both moving and stationary. They’re all important to heating and cooling your home efficiently. When one fails, it can make it difficult—or impossible—for your system to carry on without a repair.
- Thermostat problems. Your thermostat is a delicate instrument. Any problem with it could make your house less comfortable.
Should I Repair or Replace My Heat Pump?
When your heat pump fails, it seems only natural to call for a repair. But sometimes, a repair isn’t worth the investment. In those times, a replacement is a better option. Here are some factors that can help you see if a repair is a better option:
- Your heat pump is less than 10 years old. If your heat pump is still relatively young, a repair likely makes sense. It still has a lot of life left in it. However, if your heat pump is getting older, a replacement might make more financial sense.
- You haven’t repaired your heat pump a bunch of times. If a repair on your system is a relatively rare occurrence, you may want to follow through with the repair. If you feel like you’ve been repairing your unit regularly, it might be time to think about a replacement.
- The repair you need is inexpensive. If a technician can take care of your issue fast and the price is relatively low, a repair is probably your best choice. But if your repair will take you for quite a bit—like replacing your heat pump’s compressor—it’s likely better to put that money into a new heat pump that will serve you for a lot longer.
What’s the Next Step Toward a New Heat Pump?
A Contra Costa Heating & AC technician can walk you through all your options and help you decide if repair or replacement makes more sense for your system. No matter what you need, we’re here to help. Give us a call at 510-343-9841 or request an appointment with us online.
