The winter weather in Washington is not nearly as intense as in, say, Minnesota. Our weather is actually ideal for the use of a heat pump, which transfers existing heat from the air outdoors into the interior, rather than generating new heat, in order to warm one’s home. Heat pumps are thus very efficient, and have really surged in popularity throughout the area. Like any other heating system, though, heat pumps are far from perfect. If you notice any signs of trouble with your heat pump in Everett, WA, contact a member of our staff right away. The sooner that any potential problems are resolved, the better. G & S Heating Cooling & Electric is the company to call for exceptional heat pump services.
Ice on the System
You may know that ice on air conditioning system is a serious concern, as it can indicate that there is a refrigerant leak in the system. This is not something that you generally have to worry about with heating systems. However, because your heat pump uses refrigerant in the heating process as well as when cooling, ice on the system is of a concern even in the winter. It’s not uncommon for some icing to occur, which is why heat pumps have a defrosting mode. However, if your unit is heavily encased in ice, you likely have a problem in need of professional attention.
Blowing Cold Air
In cases of extreme cold, it is possible for a heat pump to be overwhelmed. We don’t really have the type of cold weather that could outdo a heat pump’s heating cycle, though, so if yours is blowing cool air this winter you should take it as a sign that something is wrong. You may have a stuck reversing valve, so the system is still trying to cool, or, again, a refrigerant leak.
Loud, Unusual Sounds
Some issues are tough to spot, such as cases of minor icing or a steady uptick in heating costs. Others, though, such as loud, alarming sounds, are quite obvious. No heat pump is going to function completely silently. That being said, yours should also not be making very loud, very unusual sounds. Don’t try to tune it out. Let a trained professional check to see what’s wrong. It could just be a slipped belt or a loose component, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
