When you need heat pump repair in Des Moines, Iowa, trust the experts at Heartland Heating & Cooling.

Your heat pump works hard to keep your space at the right temperature.

Unlike air conditioners, the outdoor unit on heat pumps doesn’t get time off when the temperatures cool down.

Instead, your heat pump functions all year to keep your home comfortable in the winter and cool in the summer. That continual effort can culminate in the need for repairs.

If that time does arrive, Heartland Heating & Cooling is happy to help. We can fix most any heat pump. We work hard to make your house the right temperature again as soon as possible.

Customer satisfaction, efficiency and safety are our top concerns. We’re happy to demonstrate when you trust us with your home comfort. Call us at 515-344-3579 now to schedule an appointment.

Five Signals Your Heat Pump Needs to Be Serviced

Now that you have heard some of the basic causes of heat pump damage, it might be useful to hear how those problems make themselves known. Here are some general signs something is faulty with your heat pump.

1. Heat Pump Covered in Ice

During the frigid days of winter, it’s possible that your outdoor unit will have a bit of ice buildup. When this develops, your unit should switch into a defrost cycle and reverse the refrigerant to melt the ice. If your entire unit is covered in ice and won’t defrost, you have a concern that needs professional attention.

2. Heat Pump is Short Cycling

By short cycling, we mean that your heat pump kicks on and stops before it’s had the opportunity to bring your home to your preferred temperature. This is a signal that your heat pump is the wrong size for your home. And if it isn’t taken care of, it could wear your heat pump down.

3. Energy Bills are Increasing

Your heat pump is one of the most efficient HVAC solutions available—especially if you take care of it. If you’re doing everything you can to take care of it and are still seeing your energy costs climb, it’s time to bring in a professional.

4. Heat Pump Is Noisy

Your heat pump isn’t going to be absolutely silent, but it also shouldn’t be unusually noisy. If you’re hearing new sounds from your heat pump—especially any that sound out of place—you may want to have a professional inspect it.

5. Heating or Cooling Seems Weaker

Reduced home comfort is perhaps the most obvious—and annoying—sign you may need a repair. If you’ve tried adjusting your setting and nothing seems to work, Heartland Heating & Cooling can help.

Common Reasons for Heat Pump Problems

There are quite a few things that can cause problems for your heat pump. Here are some of the most common issues.

  • Lack of maintenance. Like you, your heat pump needs to be taken care of to remain in good shape. You have a yearly checkup. Your heat pump has yearly maintenance. You should schedule an appointment with an HVAC expert twice a year to help your system stay strong. Without maintenance, you’re putting your system at risk for a real problem later on.
  • Clogged filter. One of the easiest ways to keep your heat pump on track is to periodically check and switch out your air filter. If you ignore it, your system has to work harder to keep your home comfortable. Operating overtime like that can bring about damage, and later, a repair.
  • Component failure. Your heat pump is made of a number of parts—both moving and stationary. They’re all critical to heating and cooling your home efficiently. When one fails, it can make it challenging—or impossible—for your system to carry on without a repair.
  • Thermostat problems. Your thermostat is a sensitive instrument. Any trouble with it could make your family less comfortable.

Should I Repair or Replace My Heat Pump?

When your heat pump fails, it seems only natural to call for a repair. But sometimes, a repair isn’t worth the investment. In those times, a replacement is a better choice. Here are some factors that can help you choose if a repair is a better option:

  • Your heat pump is less than 10 years old. If your heat pump is still somewhat young, a repair likely makes sense. It still has a lot of life left in it. However, if your heat pump is up there in years, a replacement might make more financial sense.
  • You haven’t repaired your heat pump multiple times. If a repair on your system is a relatively rare occurrence, you may want to follow through with the repair. If you feel like you’ve been repairing your unit a lot, it might be time to consider a replacement.
  • The repair you need is inexpensive. If a technician can take care of your issue fast and the price is relatively low, a repair is most likely your best choice. But if your repair will take you for quite a bit—like replacing your heat pump’s compressor—it’s likely better to place that money into a new heat pump that will serve you for a lot longer.

What’s the Next Step Toward a New Heat Pump?

A Heartland Heating & Cooling technician can walk you through all your options and help you decide if repair or replacement makes more sense for your system. No matter what you need, we’re here to help. Give us a call at 515-344-3579 or request an appointment with us online.

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