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Bringing polar vortexes and snowfall, the coldest months of the year are here – which means you’re relying on your heat pump to keep your home comfortable. However, freezing temperatures outside can cause unusual heat pump behavior, and it may be hard to tell if your unit is fine or if you need to call an HVAC technician. The guide below reviews some common winter problems that affect heat pumps and whether you should take action.

What You Should Know About Your HVAC System’s Heat Pump & Winter

What’s Normal  

The most common complaint about heat pumps is that the air coming from the vents is colder than it should be. Because a heat pump doesn’t have a direct heat source like a furnace, the vents may not give off a cozy warmth. It will be hard for them to efficiently warm your home in temperatures below freezing. However, that doesn’t mean the pump isn’t working. Your furnace or auxiliary electric heat source will kick on if it’s truly unable to function. You may also be concerned because your heat pump is running nonstop. This is by design. The unit is constantly absorbing heat from the outdoor air and redistributing it to your home. Even though it’s constantly running, it’s still much more efficient than your furnace, and you’re saving on your energy bills.

HVACWhat’s Not Normal

There are a few situations that call for professional service. If the apparatus seems not to be working properly even on milder days, talk to a technician about your refrigerant levels. If the pump is caked in ice for extended periods, it can cause operational issues. It should automatically kick into a defrost mode, but if it doesn’t, call an HVAC technician. You can also increase the heat pump’s efficiency by having your ducts, filters, and coils cleaned and inspected for proper positioning to aid air distribution. If your unit truly does fail to turn on, the problem could be electrical. You may need to reset the circuit breaker, or have a professional help with frayed or damaged cables. 

 

If your heat pump is underperforming or your furnace is on the fritz, it’s time to contact an HVAC professional. The professionals at Rochester Heating And Cooling have helped Monroe County, NY, and the surrounding areas with heating and cooling issues for more than 15 years. They’re proud to offer prompt, reliable, and accurate service that will keep your home safe and comfortable all year round. To schedule HVAC repairs, duct cleaning, and plumbing services, call (585) 458-3700. Visit them online to view their full range of expertise.

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