What Are The Most Common Heat Pump/AC Problems?
During the hottest months of the summer, we get a lot of calls about an AC or heat pump not working properly. Maybe it’s operating, but the air that’s coming out of the vents isn’t cool. In other cases the system may not be turning on at all. No matter what the case is, we have seen it all, and have the knowledge that will help get your home cooled off again!
We’ve been working with heating and cooling systems since 2011, specializing in service, repairs, and installations. Our team has seen hundreds of systems that aren’t working over the years, and know what it takes to either fix the problem, or know when it’s time for a replacement.
In this article, we are going to explain some of the signs that your system isn’t working properly, what it might mean, and how you can fix it! If you want to speak to an expert or schedule a service, give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online. Our team of technicians would love to help you out!
No Air Coming Out Of The Vents
One of the most common problems we hear about is air not coming through the vents. If your heat pump or AC is running, but you don’t feel any air coming out of the vents, that’s the sign of a problem. It could be a few things:
- A clogged air filter
- Improperly designed ductwork
- Leaky or faulty ductwork
- Broken blower fan
The first recommendation is to check your air filter. Over time, your air filter can become clogged with dirt and airborne particles, restricting airflow, and making the air in your home much less healthy to breathe. You can replace your air filter on your own, and should do so once every 1-3 months.
If your air filter seems to be fine, but the air still isn’t coming through your vents properly, there’s likely a different problem. In this case, we recommend calling a professional to assess the situation. They can look inside of your system and let you know what the issue is.
Frozen Coils
This seems like an odd problem to run into in the middle of the summer heat, but frozen coils are a common problem we see. When your coils freeze, it could mean:
- There’s a leak in your coolant
- Blocked vents
- Clogged air filter
- Dirty coils
Just like the last problem (Air not coming out of the vents), we recommend inspecting the air filter first. In some cases, not enough air is getting into the system, which prevents air from passing over the coils. If there’s no air passing over your coils, they get too cold and freeze up.
The next thing to inspect are your vents around the home. If you have blocked vents, it could be backing up the air, and causing the coils to freeze.
Finally, if neither of these is the issue, then it’s time to call in a professional. If you have a refrigerant leak or dirty coils, that’s something your technician should be able to assess, and let you know the best solution. If it’s a dirty coil, they’ll defrost your system and clean the coil, and you should be all set.
But, if there’s a problem with your refrigerant, it may be time to consider a new system depending on its age and what refrigerant you are using. Older systems that use outdated refrigerant, like R-22, may be better off being replaced rather than repaired. Replacing that coolant could be very expensive, and may only be a temporary fix.
Water Leaking From System
During the cooling process, water is produced and drained from your system. If you notice this water is pooling or leaking, there could be an issue with your condensate drain line. This can become clogged with dirt, debris, and sometimes even algae. The clog causes drainage issues, and your system could shut off automatically.
Luckily, this is usually an easier fix, and not something that indicates that there is a problem with your system.
Thermostat Not Working
Your thermostat could be the problem if your cooling system isn’t working properly. There could be an issue with how it’s reading the temperature in the space, or with the signals it’s sending to your cooling unit.
First, check the batteries on your wall unit and make sure that it’s turning on and working. Secondly, check the mode. Make sure no one messed with the thermostat and accidentally changed a setting. If the settings look good, and the power is on, it’s time to call a professional to diagnose the problem.
How To Avoid Breakdowns With Your Cooling System
The best way to avoid issues with your cooling system is to schedule regular maintenance. We recommend that you have your cooling system serviced at least once a year. Professional service for your air conditioner or heat pump will:
- Help prolong the lifespan of your cooling system
- Improves energy efficiency
- Reduces the chance of a breakdown or repair being needed
- Improves your cooling
- Maintains your warranty
- Improves indoor air quality
If you use a heat pump, we recommend having it serviced once before the summer, and once before the fall for heating season. If you have an air conditioner, you only need one service for the summer.
You can check out our maintenance plans here!
There are also some simple things you can do on your own to help maintain your cooling system! Some of these tasks include:
- Cleaning the debris out of your outdoor condenser (sticks, leaves, etc.)
- Changing your air filter regularly
- Making sure vents and ducts aren’t blocked by furniture
If you are looking for help with your air conditioner or heat pump system, give Complete Comfort a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online. Our experts are available to service or repair your system.
Having your heat pump stop working in the cold of winter is no fun at all. You are scrambling to get it fixed, and in the meantime your home is probably pretty cold! Luckily for you, if you are reading this and live around the Chilhowie, VA area, you’ve come to the right place. Complete Comfort specializes in heat pump repairs, and have seen quite a few broken down systems in our time. 
If your heat pump is running continuously, it might be struggling to reach the set temperature. This is something we see in older models, and ones that haven’t been serviced in a while. 
As we’ve mentioned, check the basics first. Take a look at your air filter and make sure it’s not clogged. Then make sure no vents are being blocked and air flow isn’t restricted. Next, check the thermostat settings and circuit breakers. If everything is looking good to you, it’s best to contact a professional. If you are located around the Chilhowie, VA area, Complete Comfort can help. We will diagnose and fix the issue safely and efficiently!