Efficiency is at the heart of heat pump operation. If a heat pump becomes dysfunctional, it can’t cool or heat your home. Here are some factors that can make or break heat pump efficiency in St. Simons Island, GA.
1. Clogged Filter
A clogged filter restricts airflow inside the heat pump. As a result, the heat pump struggles to cool or heat your home. Moreover, poor airflow causes condensation along the evaporator coils, which affects the refrigerant’s functionality.
A clogged filter predisposes the heat pump to secondary problems, too. For example, it can overheat since the condenser uses more power to meet your home’s heating or cooling needs. Air filter replacement is part of the heat pump’s maintenance protocols that homeowners shouldn’t ignore if they wish to keep their heat pumps efficient.
2. Leaking Refrigerant
The refrigerant transports heat to or from your house. A leak reduces the volume and pressure of refrigerant in the system, significantly affecting the heat pump’s ability to cool or heat your home. The leak also forces the compressor to overwork, which could cause overheating or motor failure.
There are several ways to detect leaking refrigerant. For instance, you may notice a hissing or bubbling sound. Low refrigerant levels also cause a rise in indoor humidity levels and frozen evaporator coils.
3. Heat Pump Size
An incorrectly sized pump will not function efficiently. For instance, if the pump is too small, it will take a long time to heat or cool your home. If it’s too large, it will shut off and power on in fairly rapid succession, causing uneven heating or cooling.
Short cycling is one of the easiest ways to identify an incorrectly sized heat pump. When replacing your heat pump, ask an HVAC professional to assess the size of your home to determine the proper size system needed to heat or cool your home.
Are you worried about your inefficient heat pump? Contact The A/C Guys for heat pump consultation and repair services. Our skilled professionals will inspect the heat pump, perform repairs or recommend replacement services.
Image provided by iStock
