Tips For Fixing The Heat Pump

Heat pumps, along with a thermostat, definitely make the interior temperature of your home comfortable in every season.

There are various types of heat pumps available in the market and different heat pumps may face different problems.

Fixing the heat pump will be easier if you understand what has gone wrong and if you are able to troubleshoot on your own instead of calling a professional each time. Here are a few tips to keep in mind, when you face a broken heat pump.

1. Types of heat pump repairs

It is important to understand what part of the heat pump is not functioning correctly and needs to be repaired or replaced.

When you have a faulty heat pump, it is generally the thermostat, the condenser or the ductwork that is facing a problem.

If only the thermostat or the condenser is an issue, it can be easily replaced and will not cost very high. Ductwork though is an expensive affair.

2. Budget for heat pump repair

Depending on the issue, you will have to check whether parts of your heat pump need repair or replacement.

As there are many types of heat pumps available in the market at varying costs, it is difficult to gauge the repair costs that one may face.

But on an average, you may have to spend between $100 and $400. If there is extensive damage to the heat pump, it may need to be replaced completely. Removing and installing a broken heat pump will cost you anywhere between $2,000 and $7,500.

3. Thermostat replacement

All too often, it is only the thermostat that needs repair or replacement and your heat pump will work fine. You can call upon a professional to check and replace your thermostat for about $200.

4. Basic steps to check your heat pump for problems

Invest in programmable thermostats. If you want heating, ensure that the thermostat is set higher than the room temperature or lower than the room temperature if you want cooling.

Check the position of the selector switch too (on heat or on cool) and regularly change the batteries of the thermostat.

You can check for power to the air handler by pushing the fan switch from “auto” to “on”. The air handler is working well if the blower runs.

If the air handler is running and still cannot work according to the thermostat setting, the condenser may not be running.

A lot of ice build-up or frost on the external machine signifies low refrigerant levels.

5. Leave it to the professionals

Although you may like to troubleshoot the problems on your own and repair the heat pump yourself in order to save money, most controls of heat pumps are mounted internally and high voltage wires are exposed.

So, it is best to call a service professional to check where the problem lies and to repair it. Do not open the air handler cabinet or the access panel of the condenser. If the motor is stuttering or dead, utilize the help of a serviceman to check the wiring and replace the heat pump if required.