Heat pump repair in Smyrna
Heat pumps both heat and cool, so one problem can leave you uncomfortable all year. Here's what's normal, what isn't, and how to get a technician out.
Normal heat pump behavior
- Air from the vents feels warm, not hot. Heat pumps run longer and cooler than a gas furnace.
- On cold, damp mornings the outdoor unit stops, hisses and may steam for a few minutes. That's the defrost cycle.
- When it's very cold, "aux" or "emergency heat" may show on the thermostat as backup heat kicks in.
Signs something is wrong
- Cool air from the vents for long stretches in heating mode.
- A thick layer of ice on the outdoor unit that doesn't clear after defrost.
- The thermostat stuck on emergency heat, or power bills that suddenly jump.
- The outdoor fan not spinning, or loud grinding or buzzing.
Common causes include low refrigerant from a leak, a failed defrost board or sensor, a bad reversing valve, and worn capacitors or fan motors. A technician can narrow it down quickly with gauges.
Weighing repair against replacement? See heat pump or gas furnace.