Why Is My Heat Pump Not Working?

HVAC

In Maryland, March used to be a pretty predictable month. We typically could anticipate one last snowstorm, especially if Spring wasn’t coming early.  Toward the end of the month, the weather would warm up as Spring came. I think we can all agree that that’s no longer the case in Maryland. This month alone, we’ve experienced thunderstorms, hail, beautiful spring days and frosty nights. Who knows what the rest of the month will bring – whether it be frigid temps or the beautiful Spring days that many of us love so much. If we get more cold temperatures, you may realize that your heat pump is not working and wonder why and how to fix it.

Signs Your Heat Pump Is Not Working

  1. Your heat is warmer than normal. If the temperature of the heat coming out of your vents is warmer than normal, chances are that you are using electric heat because your heat pump stopped working.
  2. Your electric bill is higher than normal. If you are using backup electric heat, your electric bill is going to be higher. Since we didn’t have an extremely cold winter, it would not be extremely high but it will increase enough that you notice it. Or a higher gas bill if your backup heat is gas.
  3. You can’t hear the unit running outside. If you go outside and stand next to your unit and never hear it kick on, your heat pump is no longer working and you are running off of electric heat.

Reasons Your Heat Pump May Have Stopped Working

Some of the most popular reasons for a heat pump to not work anymore is:

  1. You didn’t keep snow away from it. Now, this may not be the case this year because we really didn’t get snow in Maryland.
  2. You don’t have your unit off the ground. When your unit isn’t up on feet, the ice that builds up on the bottom of the unit freezes and can puncture the coil causing the refrigerant to leak out of it.
  3. You didn’t get your heat pump maintained two times a year. System maintenance is one of the most important things you can do to get longevity from your system. We understand a cooling and heating system is a big investment and you should get the most out of yours by keeping it well maintained. At Dave’s Cooling and Heating, heating maintenance is one of the many services we offer.  Contact us – 301-401-2780.

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