Heat Pump Repair in Orlando, FL
If you have a heat pump, you can save a bit of money on your energy bills. When your heat pump breaks, it can make your home uncomfortable, especially if you live in Central Florida. Getting a heat pump repaired in a hurry can be essential to your health and safety. Downtown Air and Heat offers repair services on heat pumps in Orlando and the surrounding areas.
How Does a Heat Pump Work?
You or the previous owner of your home probably chose to use a heat pump instead of an air conditioner because it uses one simple unit to heat and cool your home. Your bills are lower than they would be if you had a traditional air conditioner.
Heat pumps transfer heat from one area to another. When you use an air pump to heat a structure, the pump extracts heat from the ground and warms a home with it. They cool a building by doing the reverse. An air conditioner and a heat pump work in a similar fashion.
The air conditioner uses more refrigerant than a heat pump. An HVAC system requires a furnace to provide heat in the winter. More refrigerant and fuel use means more chemicals are released into the air.
Heat pumps do not need as much refrigerant to work. Although a heat pump unit will require certain chemicals, they are not nearly as damaging to the environment as those found in an HVAC system. A heat pump unit operates according to the laws of thermodynamics, which state that heat moves from high–pressure to low–pressure places.
The pump simply switches the process around. It takes heat from low–pressure areas and pushes it into high–pressure areas. It works with the use of a compressor, fans, and coils that are filled with refrigerant.
If you are like most people in Florida, you probably have an air source heat pump. Heat is pumped into a house via coils. The air pump can also cool your home because of a reversing valve. Hot air is taken out of the home and released into the air.
The refrigerant absorbs heat in the home and releases it outside. When the refrigerant cools off, it goes back inside to absorb more heat, repeating the process. Two fans blow the cold air over the coils and into a home.
Thermal heat pumps are run underground. They get heat from the ground itself or groundwater. In most cases, it takes heat from the ground and transports it inside the home via refrigerant or water.
Heat pumps are not recommended for people in cold climates because they end up using too much energy to pump hot air inside the home.
Heat pumps occasionally have features that make them work more efficiently, such as dual module compressors that adjust temperatures depending on what is needed to keep a home comfortable. Desuperheater Coils recycle waste heat and use it to heat the water. This is much better for the environment.
What Can Go Wrong With a Heat Pump?
A heat pump is less complicated than an air conditioner because it does not need a furnace to operate. However, there are still plenty of things that can go wrong. There are several reasons that you might call for a heat pump repair service, including the following.
It Is Not Cooling Your Home
If a heat pump is not cooling your home, the reason is usually that the thermostat or the power receiving unit is not working properly.
You control the temperature via a thermostat, so if you are suddenly not comfortable in your home, it may be because your thermostat is not set correctly or you have a tripped wire. People often buy a new thermostat only to find that it does not work with their system.
If you are using the same thermostat you always have, it is appropriately set, and the power is not out, you should call Downtown Air and Heat. We can repair or replace a thermostat. A thermostat is expected to last about 10 years, and a heat pump is expected to last about 15 years. You will need to replace a thermostat at least once during the life of the heat pump.
It Is Blowing Cold Air
If your heat pump is blowing cold air when you set it to hot, it may be because it is defrosting. Heat pumps defrost occasionally. It may let out cold air for a short period to prevent the coils from freezing over. A dirty filter can also prevent cold air from getting through. You should change your filters as often as the manufacturer recommends. The better filter you buy, the less often you will have to change it.
If the problem persists and you have changed the filter, give us a call for a repair.
It Is Making Unusual Noises
If a heat pump is making a screeching, rattling, or rumbling noise, you should contact Downtown Air and Heat right away. If you hear a pinging noise, it is likely due to thermal expansion. This means a component of your heat pump or the structure around it is changing shapes due to a temperature change. We have to examine your home’s ducts to get to the root of the problem.
If you hear a rattling noise, you may want to check to make sure that the duct cover is screwed on properly. If this is not the problem, the noise may be coming from loose ductwork. Our repair technicians have the equipment to discover the source of the problem and fix it.
Most heating pumps have a light metallic sound sometimes. If this noise bothers you, we can put insulation between the ductwork and the heat pump.
The Heat Pump Keeps Turning On and Off
This is a common problem when it comes to heating pumps. It may simply be that your filters are dirty. It is always a good idea to change your filters before calling for any type of repair. If you do change the filter and the problem persists, there is likely to be something wrong with the heat anticipator.
The anticipator determines the temperature the heat burners will turn off at. The burners should be turned off slightly before the room reaches the temperature that you want. The problem is normally caused by faulty wiring inside of a thermostat. You will need to have your thermostat replaced or repaired to fix the situation. Some other problems can cause a machine to switch on and off.
Our trained technicians can diagnose the problem and tell you whether or not you need to have your thermostat repaired or if you should replace it. They can also give you an estimate of the costs while they are there.
Why You Should Use Us
Just about everyone in Orlando, Florida, has an air conditioner. You will find many companies that offer air conditioning services and heat pump maintenance and repair in Orlando.
We are a small family–owned business that serves the greater Orlando area, including Winter Park. We offer reliable service and provide our clients with a one–year guarantee. We work hard to keep your energy costs and repair bills low.
We employ NATE–certified technicians, which means they have been through a rigorous program of testing. They know how heat pumps operate and can give you expert advice on whether or not you need repair or a new system.
Most people in Florida could live without heating services, but cooling systems are essential here. When we come out to fix your heat pump, we will give you professional advice on the proper operation of your pump.
If you are having heat pump problems, you may just need a heat pump tune–up or simple repairs. Give us a call today to schedule service.