There’s nothing quite like the disappointment of turning on your heat pump on a chilly morning, only to discover that it isn’t actually heating the room. Maybe it’s blowing cold air. Maybe it’s started making a strange noise. Or perhaps it’s decided that now is the perfect time to display a mysterious error code that means absolutely nothing to you.
The good news is that not every issue means your heat pump has reached the end of its life. Some common heat pump problems can be caused by something as simple as a dirty filter or an obstructed outdoor unit. Others may mean heat pump servicing and repairs are imminent.
So before you start wondering whether it’s time for a whole new system, let’s look at eight common heat pump problems, what might be causing them and what you can safely do about them – before calling in the experts.
You’ve turned the heat pump on, selected heating mode and waited patiently. Yet the air coming out still feels cold. Not exactly what you had in mind.
First, check the basics. Make sure the remote is actually set to heat mode and that your chosen temperature is higher than the current room temperature.
It’s also worth checking the filters. When dust and debris build up, airflow can become restricted, which can affect how effectively your system heats the room. Cleaning the filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions is a simple place to start.
If your heat pump keeps blowing cold air after these checks, you may have a refrigerant or other component issue. These aren’t problems to tackle yourself, so it’s time to arrange an assessment.
Heat pumps aren’t completely silent. You may hear the system starting up, air moving through the indoor unit or the outdoor unit operating. What you shouldn’t hear is a sudden grinding, rattling, buzzing or squealing noise that wasn’t there before.
Sometimes the cause is relatively simple. Leaves, sticks or other debris can get caught around the outdoor unit, while loose or worn components can create unusual sounds inside the system. Check around the outdoor unit and remove any visible debris. Just avoid opening the casing or adjusting internal components yourself.
If that strange noise keeps coming back, it’s worth getting it checked before a small issue becomes a bigger one.
Winter and ice go together pretty well in much of New Zealand, so seeing a little frost on your outdoor heat pump unit isn’t necessarily a reason to panic.
Heat pumps naturally collect some frost while operating in heating mode and are designed to handle this by periodically entering a defrost cycle, which melts the ice before normal operation resumes.
The problem is when the ice becomes excessive or doesn’t clear during the defrost cycle. Heavy ice can restrict airflow and reduce system performance. Possible causes include airflow issues, refrigerant problems or a fault with another component.
Whatever you do, don’t attack the ice with a scraper or pour boiling water over the unit. If ice keeps building up, get a technician to find out why.
Few things are more frustrating than pressing the button on your remote and getting absolutely nothing in return.
Before assuming something major has gone wrong, check the simple things first. Try replacing the remote batteries and make sure the heat pump is receiving power. If your system has a wall switch or a dedicated circuit, check that it hasn’t been accidentally switched off.
Your heat pump may also display a fault code if it has detected a problem.
If it still won’t start after these basic checks, avoid repeatedly switching it on and off or resetting the system. Electrical faults and internal component issues need to be assessed safely by a qualified technician.
A heat pump shouldn’t make your home smell like a damp cupboard every time you turn it on. Musty or unpleasant smells often come from dust, mould, or other build-up in the filters and indoor unit. This can be especially noticeable when the system has been sitting unused for a while or is used regularly during winter.
Cleaning the filters is a good first step. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure washable filters are completely dry before putting them back.
If the smell remains, the problem may be deeper inside the indoor unit. Dust and build-up can collect in places that aren’t easy or safe to clean yourself, so you may need a professional clean.
Today’s heat pumps are quite good at telling us when something isn’t right. Unfortunately, they aren’t always quite as good at explaining what that something is. If an error code appears on your display, note it and check your manufacturer’s manual. The code may point towards an issue with a sensor, airflow, communication between components or another part of the system.
A simple solution may be to clean a blocked filter. However, don’t guess what an unfamiliar code means or start dismantling the unit based on something you found online.
If the error code keeps recurring or the manufacturer’s instructions recommend servicing, it’s best to have your system properly checked by an experienced heat pump servicing and repairs technician.
Your heat pump should cycle on and off as it maintains your room’s temperature. It’s not normal for it to repeatedly start and stop over short periods. This is sometimes known as short cycling and can be caused by factors like restricted airflow, dirty filters, an incorrect temperature setting, or a component fault.
Start by checking that the filters are clean and that furniture, curtains or other objects aren’t blocking the indoor unit. Also make sure the outdoor unit is clear of obvious obstructions.
If your heat pump continues to switch on and off frequently, additional heat pump troubleshooting may be needed to identify the cause. Leaving the issue unchecked can put additional strain on the system.
You know your heat pump is running, but the air coming out feels more like a gentle suggestion than a proper flow. Weak airflow is often one of the easier heat pump problems to investigate.
Start with the filters, as dust and debris can restrict airflow through the indoor unit. Clean the filters and check that nothing is sitting directly in front of the unit. Curtains, furniture and other objects can all interfere with airflow.
It’s also worth checking around the outdoor unit. It needs enough clear space around it to operate effectively. If the airflow is still weak after these checks, the issue could involve the fan, coils or another internal component. That’s when professional heat pump troubleshooting can help pinpoint what’s going wrong.
You can safely check a few things yourself, such as cleaning filters, checking settings, and removing visible debris around the outdoor unit. However, some jobs are best left to someone who knows what they’re doing.
Electrical faults, refrigerant issues, persistent error codes, unusual noises and recurring performance problems all warrant professional attention. Trying to fix these yourself could cause further damage or create a safety risk.
Regular servicing can also help prevent some heat pump problems from developing in the first place. A service gives a technician the opportunity to identify dirt, wear, and developing faults before they lead to an unexpected breakdown.
Your heat pump works hard year-round, especially when you’re relying on it to keep your home warm during a chilly Bay of Plenty winter. A little maintenance and attention to early warning signs can go a long way towards keeping it running properly. And while some heat pump problems have simple solutions, you don’t have to work out every fault yourself.
If your heat pump isn’t performing as it should, Snowden Electrical can help with heat pump servicing and repairs. Whether you’re dealing with a strange noise, poor heating, an error code or an issue that keeps coming back, our team can assess the system and help determine the right solution.
Don’t wait until a small problem turns into a complete breakdown. Snowden Electrical has looked after homes across Tauranga and the wider Bay of Plenty for more than 30 years, with experience in heat pump servicing, repairs, and electrical work.
If your heat pump isn’t working as it should, get in touch today to arrange a service or repair.
