What Causes a Heat Pump To Stop Working?

Homeowners come to rely on their trusty heat pump, especially during the cold winter season. When snow and temperatures alike start to fall, you must have a reliable source of heat to keep you and your family warm. But your heat pump can malfunction at any time.

In this post, we explain what causes a heat pump to stop working. You'll learn about several of the most common reasons why heat pumps fail and how expert heat pump repair services can save the day.

Comfort Specialists offers trusted heat pump repair in Roxbury Township, NJ. As licensed, bonded, and insured professionals, we have a proven track record. We guarantee that we can fix your heat pump and give you the warm air you deserve.

Faulty Thermostat

Thermostats malfunction for many reasons. Dirt buildup, broken components, and accidental knocks comprise a few of the all-too-common causes of thermostat miscalibration. Thermostats off by just one or two degrees can cause overheating or other heat pump problems.

Usually, an HVAC professional can inspect your thermostat and recalibrate it quite easily. But, in the event that your unit's broken for good, you'll need a replacement.

Clogged Air Filter

Dirty air filters cause problems for heat pumps. They restrict airflow, trapping hot air inside your pump. With nowhere to go, this air causes overheating and short cycling.

Anybody who wants to know what causes a heat pump to stop working should check their air filters. Chances are that you will find the cause of your trouble there. But don't panic: simply clean your air filter or replace it, and you'll restore your unit's functioning in no time.

Electrical Issues

Does your heat pump use electric power? If so, you might discover that power loss has caused your heat pump to stop working. Electrical heat pumps rely on many fuses and wires; just one blown fuse can make all the difference, powering down your heat pump.

Check your unit's wiring for any obvious signs of damage, like blown or old fuses. It also doesn't hurt to check your circuit breaker. Power surges can trip a breaker, depriving your unit of electricity.

Be careful: working with electricity is always tricky. When in doubt, call your local HVAC professionals, and they can diagnose your unit's specific electrical problem.

Low Refrigerant

Heat pump systems rely on a steady supply of refrigerant. But many homeowners wrongfully assume that only air conditioners use refrigerant. Sometimes, these refrigerant issues can cause freezing on your outside unit, although it isn't the only problem that causes this issue.

Check your outdoor unit. Does your unit's coil seem frozen, or do you notice ice on its copper tubing? While it's not strange to see a few spots of ice here and there, unit freezing can eventually break your system.

This problem requires professional help, so don't hesitate to contact your local HVAC experts as soon as possible.

Broken Fan

Among homeowners who ask, "What causes a heat pump to stop working," many overlook their unit's fan. But you shouldn't, as a bad fan can wreak havoc on your heat pump. Your unit uses this fan to disperse hot air throughout your home's air ducts.

Fans break for many different reasons, but usually, electrical components malfunction and deprive your fan of power. Also, fans can easily clog and suffer mobility issues. In any event, professional technicians can repair your fan.

Blocked Vents

Did you know that blocked vents can cause your heat pump to fail? Even if you want to save money and improve your home's energy efficiency, closing or restricting vents isn't the best way to do so. Without proper airflow, hot air will move back through your ductwork and into your heat pump, causing overheating.

Check to see if there you have any blocked vents in your home. Do you close too many vents at once, or do furniture pieces block them? When it comes to what causes a heat pump to stop working, thankfully, this is one issue you can fix on your own.

Expert Heat Pump Repair in Roxbury Township, NJ

Are you interested in professional heat pump services for your Roxbury Township home? If so, you have experts you can trust at Comfort Specialists. We're licensed, bonded, and insured technicians with a proven track record of success.

So, if you're still asking, "What causes a heat pump to stop working," or if you'd like to understand the benefits of a heat pump vs. gas furnace, get in touch! Call us at (973) 381-2726 to learn more about what we can do for you.