Living in a winter wonderland feels a little less wonderful when you’re dealing with a broken heat pump. In fact, it can be downright depressing.

Read more: What is a heat pump?

There are two main types of heat pumps: air-to-air and geothermal. The most common type of heat pump is the air-to-air model, which works by collecting heat from the air (even cold winter air!) through an even colder surface, like refrigerant-filled coils. Some manufacturers also produce ductless versions called mini-split heat pumps for homes without ducts, and reverse cycle chiller options that can be used with radiant floor heating systems.

Another common type of heat pump is the geothermal model. Geothermal heat pumps collect heat that’s stored beneath the surface of nearby ground or water. These units may cost more to install but often have lower operating costs since they take advantage of relatively constant ground or water temperatures.

Regardless of which type of heat pump you have installed, there are potential problems that can arise over time, particularly with lack of routine maintenance.

When you need a heat pump repair, the only solution that’s going to work is calling in a reliable HVAC professional. An experienced pro is going to be able to diagnose the problem quickly and get your heater up and running without delays, hassles or a bunch of stories and excuses.

Common Heat Pump Problems

1. Dirty filter

When a filter is clogged, it blocks airflow to the evaporator coil, which is the part of the heat pump that actually heats the air. If very little air is exiting your vents, check the filter. If it’s dirty, replace the filter and set a reminder to check it again in a month or two.

2. Dirty coils

Dirty coils also can restrict airflow and cause your heat pump to stop working. However, it’s not as easy of a fix as the dirty filter is — for dirty coils, contact a professional HVAC technician for chemical cleaning.

3. Electrical problems

If your heat pump fails to turn on at all, this is likely due to an electrical issue involving the contactor or sequencer. First, make sure the power switch is on. You can also try resetting circuit breakers, but aside from that, any heater repair dealing with electrical issues should be left to a skilled HVAC professional.

How long does a heat pump last?

Depending on the type of heat pump, the location in which it was installed, and how often it receives maintenance, the lifespan of a heat pump is about 15 years on average. However, extending the life of your heat pump is most dependent on how well you maintain it. Neglecting to inspect and service your heat pump can shorten its life to less than a decade.

Make a heat pump inspection part of your annual fall HVAC maintenance, especially if your unit is nearing 8-10 years old and/or has previously had issues with any major components such as the compressor, reversing valve, accumulator or outdoor coil.

Read more: 5 Ways to Save Money on Heating This Winter

Call CroppMetcalfe for Heater Repair Services

When you call an HVAC professional from CroppMetcalfe, we arrive on time and troubleshoot your heating system. We then make a diagnosis and talk you through the plan before beginning the heat pump replacement.

To make sure you aren’t left out in the cold, call our HVAC experts at 703-698-8855 or schedule a heat pump inspection or repair online today — you will be glad you trusted CroppMetcalfe’s 5-Star Technicians!