If you cool your home with a heat pump, you might be surprised to learn that when in the cooling mode, an air-source heat pump operates basically the same way as a central air conditioner. Another trait that both kinds of systems share is that they can both malfunction. With summer well under way, it’s handy to know how to troubleshoot the heat pump. Here are a few tips.
- If the heat pump won’t come on at all, chances it’s a power issue. Check the circuit breaker at your main electrical panel. If it’s tripped, turn it on. If not, flip it off and then on again. If you have a subpanel located near the heat pump, follow the same procedure there. You may or may not have a power switch, mounted on the wall or on the interior of your air handler cabinet. Be sure that it’s in the ON position.
- If the heat pump runs but is not cooling, a good place to look first is the thermostat. Remove the cover and change the batteries if it’s battery operated. Clean the bimetal coil with a soft, lint-free brush. Make sure the anticipator setting is correct for your heat pump. If you don’t have the manual, contact the manufacturer.
- Carefully clean the coil in the outside condensing unit.
- Be sure your air filter is not clogged.
- If the heat pump is running but the blower is not delivering air, the problem is likely your limit switch. You will find this situated on your heat pump below the plenum; this is the box that distributes conditioned air to the ductwork.
- If the blower motor is indeed functional yet is not moving any air, the most common culprit is the belt. Isolate all power before working on it.
Would you like to know more about how to troubleshoot the heat pump in your Northeast Ohio home? Contact us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning for expert assistance. We’ve been serving Lorain, Erie, and Cuyahoga counties for over 34 years.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about heat pumps and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area