Just like air conditioners, heat pumps run on refrigerants. The refrigerant is forced through a closed loop, subjected to pressure and temperature variations, switching back and forth between a liquid and a gaseous form, which alternately heats and cools the surrounding air. This frequently entails refilling low refrigerant levels, which can create severe difficulties if not addressed in time.
You can detect low refrigerant levels in your heat pump if you recognize the warning indicators. In this case, you should call a professional HVAC company. At Essential Air, we provide heat pump repair and installation services in Folsom, CA, and surrounding areas. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
Top Indicators That A Heat Pump Is Low On Refrigerant
- Ice on the evaporator coil: You may use your evaporator coil to determine whether or not you have a refrigerant problem. Your evaporator coil can freeze if it is unable to absorb heat effectively. This might occur due to a faulty solder joint, a broken valve, or unsecured fittings in your heat pump.
- Heat pump water leaks: You should also keep a watch out for water leaks from your heat pump. This is caused by the dethawing of ice on your evaporator coils. When this happens, it’s usually a dead giveaway that your heat pump has a refrigerant leak.
- Not Enough warmth indoors: Another major indicator of a problem with your heat pump is an inability to keep your indoor air warm. If your auxiliary heat turns on every time you switch on your system, it’s a clue that something is wrong. The same holds if the auxiliary heat is turned on for more than 30 minutes. Both problems might result from a refrigerant leak in your heat pump.
- Increased cooling times: When your heat pump leaks refrigerant, it needs to work more to maintain the same temperatures. That implies the heat pump will take longer to chill your home. The air from your vents should be as frigid as the temperature you set on your thermostat. If the air isn’t as cold as it should be, this might be another indication of a refrigerant leak.
- Increased humidity: It only takes around 10 minutes for a well-running heat pump to cleanse your home of excess humidity. If this isn’t happening, it might mean your heat pump isn’t operating correctly.
- Cycling for short distances: If your heat pump cycles more frequently than usual, this might be a warning indicator. Your HVAC system operates on a closed-loop refrigerant cycle that heats and cools the air. That loop does not work correctly when there is a refrigerant leak, and it does not have enough pressure to adequately cool or heat the air. When this occurs, the HVAC unit is forced to work harder with less refrigerant than usual. This might cause your heat pump to cycle too quickly.
If you notice any of the above signs, it’s recommended to immediately call one of our HVAC professionals to get your HVAC system repaired before it leads to severe damage. You can also schedule a heat pump or furnace tune-up in Folsom, CA, with us to experience better performance of your HVAC unit.
Essential Air For The Best HVAC Service
We are one of the best full-service HVAC companies in Folsom, CA, and the surrounding areas. We handle all types of HVAC systems, including heat pumps, air conditioning systems, furnaces, and more. If you want to eliminate the untimely failures of your unit, we recommend scheduling maintenance and tune-up for your furnace, heat pump, and any kind of HVAC system.
Call us now at (530) 919-0183 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our heating services in Folsom, CA.
