Heat Pumps | Comfort Experts

Signs Your Heat Pump Needs Repair

Learn What ‘s Normal With Your Heat Pump & What Indicates A Problem.

Heat pumps are terrific devices, capable of keeping your home warm and cool depending on the weather, all in one device. Plus, they’re extremely energy efficient compared to conventional HVAC systems, so you can do your part to aid the environment while putting some utility bill money back in your pocket. But like any device, there’s always the possibility that something can go wrong, and you’ll need expert heat pump repair. But what constitutes a problem, and what’s normal operation? Since heat pumps work a little differently from a regular air conditioner or furnace, the team here at Comfort Experts wanted to take you through signs you can ignore – and those you need to act on.

Normal Things You’ll Notice On Your Heat Pump

Because heat pumps don’t operate in the same way as a typical HVAC, they do have a few quirky behaviors that might convince you something is wrong – even when it isn’t.

Freezing Up

When temperatures get down into freezing levels, you might see your heat pump get up to a 1/4 inch thick covering of frost or ice. This is because there’s a lot of condensation on the exposed coils, and as the temps drop, that condensation freezes. It could be a problem long-term, but heat pumps have a way to combat it…

Blowing Off Steam

… and that’s called defrost mode. When your heat pump runs this mode, you’ll notice that your usually whisper-quiet unit will get a little mouthy. It will also start to have steam coming off of it as it heats up to get rid of the ice. Again, this is all perfectly normal and not anything to worry about.

Continuous Operation

You’re probably used to an AC or furnace that kicks on for a while, gets things to the right temperature, then shuts off. When temperatures get extreme at either end of the scale, though, heat pumps usually run continuously. Their method of heating and cooling requires this constant operation to maintain temperatures. But don’t threat – due to their energy efficiency, this steady operation is not going to cause any undue harm to your utility bill.

Signs Your Heat Pump Has A Real Issue

While the above things are benign, there are some things you may notice that will tip you off that your heat pump needs to be checked out, including:

It’s Running Constantly

We know, we know, we just told you that was nothing to worry about. But the timing matters. If it’s super hot – or cold – outside, then it’s normal. If temperatures are milder and more temperate and it’s still happening, then you’re going to want to have it checked. There could be an issue with the thermostat’s calibration, or something else.

It’s Not Providing Continuous Comfort

If you’re noticing spots in your home that are cooler or warmer than others, then you’re not getting the consistency of comfort you should be getting from your heat pump. It could be there’s something wrong causing it to work harder and less efficiently.

It’s Making Strange Noises

The hum of increased operation during defrost mode is fine. But if your heat pump is starting to sound like a drum set, there’s something else going on. Getting it checked out will be the prudent course of action.

It’s Stinky

If you walk past your heat pump and notice a pungent or burning sort of odor, there’s definitely something wrong. This could be a sign of a major failure and you’ll want to have it checked out as soon as possible before you lose access its heating and cooling functionality.

An Ounce Of Prevention…

Of course, if you want to avoid problems with your heat pump, the absolute best thing you can do is have it regularly serviced. That’s where Comfort Experts can help! For a limited time, we’re offering a $49 Heat Pump Tune-Up where we’ll check your system top to bottom, fixing minor issues and making sure it’s ready to perform optimally. Of course, if yours is already malfunctioning, our highly-trained technicians can also get them back up and going. Give us a call at 817-341-5149
today and we’re on our way!

Heat Pump vs. Furnace: What’s the Difference?

Heat Pump vs. Furnace

There are several ways to heat your home, but there are two systems that use air movement to get the job done. We’re talking about furnaces and heat pumps.

Each of these systems is a viable choice for your home heating so let’s discuss the pros and cons of each. Furnaces are used in the vast majority of US homes, but heat pumps are becoming a more popular option among modern homes.

We’re breaking down how these systems heat your home so you can decide which may be right for you.

Energy Efficiency

Heat pumps are known for their energy efficiency and can save you money on your monthly energy costs if you’re in the right climate. While modern furnaces can be around 95 percent efficient, heat pumps can be 100 percent efficient. This means less wasted energy and more savings on energy costs.

Heat pumps are also environmentally friendly since they don’t use fossil fuels to operate – just electricity. Couple a heat pump with a solar energy system and you have quite the “green” home on your hands!

Operation

Furnaces and heat pumps both use air to heat your home. Here’s how:

A furnace uses combustion or electricity to create heat. That heat warms the air pulled in by the system, then the furnace blows that air through a system of ducts throughout your home.
A heat pump doesn’t heat the air but rather moves warm air from one place to another. In the winter, it takes warm air from the outside and moves it to the inside, thus warming your home.

Now, you may be asking: can the heat pump move air in the opposite direction? Yes, it can! You can also use a heat pump to cool your home during the summer. The unit can move the warm air from the inside to the outside, leaving your home cool.

Heat pumps are set up differently than furnaces in that they are not connected to a central duct system. You may need multiple units depending on the size of your home. You’ll also need the space on your walls to mount the system. This can be a positive if you want separate control for different areas of your home, or a negative if you don’t want the units in plain sight.

Furnaces operate out of one unit, usually hidden in a basement, garage, or other low-traffic space, and the air is moved through a series of ducts connected to vents. Furnaces can also be connected to a zoning system and are always connected to a central thermostat.

Cost

While cost depends on the individual home, heat pumps may cost you more upfront if you don’t have the existing infrastructure to handle the system. This may include adequate power capability on your electrical panel, space to fit the system on your walls, and more.

You should always consult with your local HVAC technician to see if your home would be a good candidate for a heat pump. Luckily, the Comfort Experts Inc. team can consult with you on all aspects of heat pump operation, repair, and maintenance, so give us a call for the information you need.

In terms of monthly cost, you can likely see some savings by switching to a heat pump due to its energy efficiency.

Your Local Heating Experts

Comfort Experts Inc. is the premier heat pump and furnace repair service in the Fort Worth area, and we’re available to keep you comfortable all year round. Contact us today at (817) 341-5149 to speak with one of our knowledgeable team members.

Heat Pumps and Extreme Cold near Fort Worth

In North Texas, we are blessed with relatively mild winters until all of a sudden—we aren’t. The extreme cold weather we’ve all experienced recently is a good example of the exception to the rule. When extreme cold weather like this occurs, questions always arise about the way heat pump systems operate, so let’s take a few moments to discuss how heat pumps do their job.

If you are having issues with your heat pump warming your home when it gets exremely cold near Fort Worth, call Comfort Experts at (817) 341-5149 or contact us online for same day help. We’re available 24/7 for heating repair emergency.

Winter Weather in Fort Worth and Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are really reversible air conditioning systems. In the summer, a heat pump removes the heat from inside your house and sends it outside. In the winter, it reverses that process and gathers heat from outside your home, and sends it inside. A heat pump is a tremendously cost-effective way to heat and cool your home. However, in the winter temperatures need to be above 25 to 30 degrees for it to do its job. In Texas, that’s almost always the case.

What Happens When It’s Below 25 Degrees?

That “almost” means there are times when the temperatures are lower than normal, and your heat pump cannot operate normally either. Since that may happen occasionally, it’s always good to have another plan.

All Heat Pumps Have a Backup Heat Source

Either they have electric elements in an air handler or a gas furnace to produce heat. Therefore, when the temperature falls below 25 degrees, the backup heat source takes over. The lower the temperature, the more backup heat is active and warming your home.

If your backup uses electricity, it will come on gradually to supply the heat you need.
If you’re using a gas furnace, the heat pump completely turns off, and the gas furnace takes over.

In these extreme temperatures, an all-electric heating system will cost more to operate. If you’re using natural gas or propane to heat your home, you’ll use more of those products as well. Basically, that means your bills are going to be higher than normal. That’s why having a heat pump is still a far better and more efficient system than a straight electric furnace or gas furnace since it will save you money when our normally mild winter temperatures are going on.

Defrost Cycle for Heat Pumps

Heat pumps also have a defrost cycle. Since refrigerant is much colder than the outside air, heat pump coils form ice on the outside coil. This ice should never be more than a quarter-inch to 3/8 inches deep.

Your heat pump has a sensor or a timer that activates the defrost cycle. When that happens, the heat pump goes into air conditioning mode and pumps hot refrigerant into the outside unit. Your backup heat comes on to keep you comfortable while the heat from the refrigerant melts the ice. When that happens, it’s perfectly normal for steam to issue from the outside unit. The fan may also not run while the defrost cycle is going on.

The bottom line is that heat pumps are a tremendously efficient way to heat and cool your home. They are well worth the quirks in their operation.

If you have any questions about your heat pump and how it’s performing in colder weather near Fort Worth, please reach out to us. We’re always happy to help!

Call (817) 341-5149 or contact us online.

Why Does My Heat Pump Have Ice on It?

During winter, it is common for a thin layer of frost to gather on heat pump systems. If you’ve discovered that your heat pump is covered in a bit of ice, there is no need to worry. However, too much ice often indicates that there is a problem with your system. Continue reading to learn what causes ice to form on a heat pump and when you should be concerned about the ice on yours.

What Causes Frost to Form on a Heat Pump?

When it is cold outside and your heat pump is set to heat your home, it is likely that your system will develop a little bit of frost. As the heat pump pulls air from outside into the home, the moisture in the air around the system will accumulate and become frost that clings to the system.

Frost also tends to form on the coils of heat pumps. When the heat pump generates heat, the refrigerant turns to gas and condenses when it reaches the coils. This condensation can create frost on the coils, which is totally normal. In fact, heat pumps are designed to activate a defrost cycle to take care of this frost.

However, there are some circumstances in which you should be concerned about ice buildup on your heat pump.

When Should I Be Concerned about the Ice on My Heat Pump?

If you discover that your heat pump coils are completely frozen, your system is encased in ice, the top of your unit is covered in ice, or the defrost cycle isn’t activating, you will need to bring in an HVAC professional. The defrosting function on your system is only designed to take care of a small layer of frost, so if you are dealing with a significant amount of ice on your system, you’ve got a problem on your hands.

Some of the most common causes of excessive ice buildup on a heat pump include:

Leaves or other debris are blocking the heat pump and restricting airflow
The slab of concrete the heat pump is resting on has settled into the ground
A lack of routine maintenance has resulted in a system malfunction such as low refrigerant levels, a damaged fan motor, or a stuck reversing valve
An excess amount of freezing rain has fallen on your system

Comfort Experts Is Here to Help

If your heat pump is coated in ice, turn to Comfort Experts. Since 1962, our team has delivered the highest quality heating and air conditioning services to residents throughout Ft. Worth. As the leading HVAC company in the area, we have the state-of-the-art tools and technology necessary to repair your heat pump and get it back up and running properly in no time.

No one does comfort better than Comfort Experts. Give us a call at (817) 341-5149 or contact us online for a reliable heat pump repair.