6 Signs Your Heat Pump Condenser Needs A Patch-up

As the days keep getting colder, it means you perhaps have to rely more and more on the heat pump condenser in your home to stay comfortable. With increasing demand comes an increased propensity of damage to the system. Sooner you find your equipment developing acute problems sometimes to the extent of becoming fully inoperative. The earlier you detect these problems, the better you’re in a position to preempt further damage to the equipment.

Keep a watchful eye on the following signs to gauge if your heat pump condenser has picked up a problem and is on the verge of a breakdown.

1. Prohibitive utility bills

All of us are pretty much aware of the fact that heat pumps and air conditioners consume lots of electricity. But, on the off chance, your energy bill skyrockets all of a sudden even if the usage of the device remains more or less the same, you might be in want of taking a closer look at the operation of your heat pump condenser.

If the underlying cause of the astronomical energy bill is as trivial as an unclean, soiled air filter, managing the issue yourself can be as simple as replacing the air filter of the heat pump condenser for improving airflow and bringing in more energy efficiency.

However, on the other hand, because of a few other probable reasons such as overcharging or undercharging of your refrigerant or a faulty installation you might be in want of hiring the services of an HVAC professional. These problems can definitely take a toll on the efficiency of your heat pump.

2. Inferior airflow

Sometimes, it’s the ducts that have something to do with poor airflow. But, on the off chance, the ducts are clear, clean, and devoid of any leakage, then the heat pump condenser itself or its any other part may have a latent problem.

There may be several factors responsible for poor airflow. These factors include:

Dirty air filters and coils

Clogging of the outdoor unit by debris

A sluggish motor blower

Even though you can fix dirty air filters, dirty coils, and a blockage in the outdoor unit, a faulty blower of the motor or any other intricate technical issue should be best left in the deft hands of a professional HVAC technician.

3. A suspected fall in output

It isn’t a good sign if you experience the heat pump condenser showing a drop in its heating output. There might be sundry reasons as to why this is happening with the heat pump assembly. It can occur as a result of potential leakage in the refrigerant line which, in turn, causes the fluid needed to keep your system operational to drain away.

Also, the likely buildup of ice on the outer side of the heat pump condenser can’t be ruled out. If such an incident happens, the device will be unable to properly siphon the thermal energy in.

Then again, if the heat pump condenser in your home is too adamant to heat even slightly, you may also expect to find its reversing valve broken. And it does more harm by locking the heat pump in the air conditioning mode. Come what may, it’s imperative that you seek the services of a professional to carefully examine the heating assembly given that it isn’t doing its job well.

4. Strange noises

If truth be told heat pump equipment can easily be considered one of the most loud-sounding machines you may have in your home. A heat pump condenser usually gives out a humming sound. However, when weird noises of screeching, rattling, flapping, or bubbling step into the shoes of the usual humming sound you might find the need to contact a trusted HVAC technician.

As far as strange noises are concerned, especially when the equipment rattles or flaps, it may well be a loosely-fitted fan belt that’s producing the entire nuisance. Again, it’s most likely an ill-lubricated centrally operating air fan motor that’s behind the screeching sound. Lastly, when there’s a potential leakage of the refrigerant you can expect to pick up bubbling sounds.

5. Peculiar smells

Note that if you chance upon foul-smelling air getting released from the heat pump condenser be certain that the equipment is in need of immediate attention. Musty or putrid smells are typical concern areas. While the former is indicative of potential mold or mildew formation the latter hints at an animal that might have gotten stuck, died and decomposed inside the unit.

Nonetheless, one more unpleasant smell that you immediately need to take action against is of something burning. It amply indicates that the electrical unit of the heat pump condenser having supposedly developed some fault which might spell enough risk. Definitely, letting your heat pump turn into a fire hazard is the last thing you’d want. It’s crucial that the heat pump is turned off at once. Don’t turn it on again till the time an HVAC professional comes to your rescue, checks, and fixes the problem.

6. No heating at all

Assuming that the heat pump in your home is working in full swing, sending out a steady workflow, yet still, you’re feeling cold, odds are the equipment is causing trouble and requires a thorough checkup. It could be the fan or its motor that’s causing the trouble. Furthermore, there might be thermostat issues as well that need to be addressed.

Also, it’s feasible that the PCB assembly or the electronic control board of the heat pump condenser is acting up. Likewise, the thermistor that controls the compressor to turn on or off automatically by directing signals to the MCB may be faulty.

Pay heed to these warning signs

If you want to keep your heat pump condenser in excellent condition periodic tune-ups are compulsory. Also, given that any of the warnings listed above raise their ugly heads ever, not once should you ignore them. So, it’s always a better idea to take care of the problem in advance before it gets out of control.

On the off chance, you don’t take note of these signs, be ready to be taken by surprise if you find the assembly of the heat pump condenser breaking down in the middle of the winter months all of a sudden. Obviously, you wouldn’t want to trap yourself in such a difficult situation when finding a qualified HVAC professional to look into your unit in the severe, wintry temperatures are simply out of the question.