The purpose of a heat pump is to keep your home cool during the summer and warm during the winter. However, if homeowners in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, neglect to resolve issues as they arise and have regular inspections performed, a heat pump may not work as well and efficiently as it should. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to troubleshoot a malfunctioning heat pump.
If your heat pump is humming but won’t turn on, you should check the fan and the outdoor unit.
Check the Fan
Start troubleshooting your humming heat pump by checking the fan. If the fan is running, but you still feel cold air rather than warm air, you should set the thermostat to emergency heat. Also, be sure the thermostat is set to five degrees above room temperature or higher.
If you feel warm air coming out of the vents, the outdoor unit might be the issue. The air handler or thermostat could be defective if you don’t feel any warm air at all.
Check the Outdoor Unit
After checking the fan, you should check the outdoor unit of the heat pump. Return the thermostat to its normal settings and wait an hour before going outside to inspect the unit. Check the unit for frost or ice accumulating on the coil. Ice or frost could mean low refrigerant levels or a defective control module. Be sure the airflow of the outside unit is not blocked by leaves, grass clippings, weeds, sticks, and other debris. This debris can prevent air from going out and in the unit.
If you still don’t notice any issues, the problem with your heat pump may relate to the wiring or the compressor run capacitor.
Due to a lack of knowledge and experience, most homeowners find it difficult to troubleshoot their heat pump. If you want to have your heat pump inspected by a professional, schedule an appointment with one of our skilled HVAC technicians by calling 610-298-0271.
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