When you need heat pump repair in Mission Viejo, California, trust the experts at 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning.
Your heat pump works hard to keep your house at the right temperature.
Unlike air conditioners, the outdoor unit on heat pumps doesn’t get time off when the temperatures drop.
Instead, your heat pump operates all year to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. That constant effort can culminate in the need for repairs.
If that time does arrive, 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning is happy to help. We can fix most any heat pump. We work hard to make your space comfortable again as soon as possible.
Customer satisfaction, efficiency and safety are our top priorities. We’re happy to demonstrate when you trust us with your home comfort. Call us at 949-204-0859 now to schedule an appointment.
Five Signals Your Heat Pump Needs to Be Repaired
Now that you understand some of the usual causes of heat pump damage, it might be helpful to hear how those issues make themselves known. Here are some prevalent signs something is faulty with your heat pump.
1. Heat Pump Covered in Ice
During the colder months, it’s possible that your outdoor unit will have a little ice buildup. When this occurs, 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 help.
2. Heat Pump is Short Cycling
By short cycling, we mean that your heat pump starts and stops before it’s had the opportunity to bring your home to your chosen temperature. This is a sign that your heat pump is incorrectly sized for your home. And if it isn’t taken care of, it could wear your heat pump down.
3. Energy Bills are Increasing
Your heat pump is one of the most efficient HVAC solutions available—especially if you keep up with it. If you’re doing everything you can to take care of it and are still seeing your energy costs go up, it’s time to call in a professional.
4. Heat Pump Is Noisy
Your heat pump isn’t going to be completely silent, but it also shouldn’t be terribly noisy. If you’re hearing new sounds from your unit—especially any that sound wrong—you may want to have a professional take a look.
5. Heating or Cooling Appears Weaker
Decreased home comfort is likely the most obvious—and annoying—sign you may need a repair. If you’ve tried changing your setting and nothing seems to work, 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning can help.
Common Origins of Heat Pump Problems
There are quite a few things that can cause trouble for your heat pump. Here are some of the most experienced issues.
- Shortage of maintenance. Like you, your heat pump needs to be taken care of to remain in good shape. You have a yearly checkup. Your heat pump has annual maintenance. You should schedule an appointment with an HVAC expert twice a year to help your system stay healthy. Without maintenance, you’re putting your system at risk for a breakdown.
- Clogged filter. One of the easiest ways to keep your heat pump working correctly is to periodically check and change your air filter. If you avoid it, your system has to work harder to keep your home comfortable. Working overtime like that can cause damage, and later, a repair.
- Component failure. Your heat pump is made of a variety of parts—both moving and stationary. They’re all important to heating and cooling your home efficiently. When one breaks down, it can make it challenging—or impossible—for your system to function without a repair.
- Thermostat problems. Your thermostat is a delicate instrument. Any trouble with it could make your home 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 money. In those times, a replacement is a better choice. Here are some factors that can help you choose if a repair is a better option:
- Your heat pump is less than 10 years old. If your heat pump is still fairly young, a repair likely makes sense. It still has a lot of life left in it. However, if your heat pump is up there in years, a replacement might make more financial sense.
- You haven’t repaired your heat pump multiple times. If a repair on your system is a relatively rare occurrence, you may want to go ahead with the repair. If you feel like you’ve been repairing your unit a lot, it might be time to contemplate 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 set you back 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 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning 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 949-204-0859 or request an appointment with us online.