With night-time temperatures averaging 40.7° in January, a reliable heat pump is essential for indoor comfort when you live in Southwest Louisiana. A heat pump that blows cold air is the last thing you need on those cold, frigid evenings. Read on to learn more about what causes this bone-chilling malfunction and what you can do to fix it.
Clogged Air Filter
First things first! Check the air filter. This seemingly insignificant part of your HVAC system plays a major role in keeping you comfortable. Changing the filter whenever it looks dirty helps keep debris from blocking airflow to the compressor, which is the outdoor component that helps keep you warm during the winter.
It’s also important to ensure nothing is blocking the airflow around the outdoor unit. Clear away vegetation, leaves and other debris to maintain at least 2 to 3 feet of space.
Faulty Thermostat Settings
Leaving your HVAC system’s fan running isn’t a bad idea during those sweltering-hot days of summer. By evaporating moisture from your skin, the constant flow of air helps keep you comfortable. It’s a different story during the winter. Verify that your thermostat is set to “auto,” not “on.”
All-season comfort is one of the things people love best about today’s heat pumps. While they provide both cooling and heating, they don’t make the switch automatically. Check to ensure the setting is on “heat” rather than “cool.”
Broken Reversing Valve
Heat pumps keep you comfortable year-round by pulling heat from your home in the summer and supplying welcoming warm air during the winter. The system’s reversing valve is responsible for making it happen. It reverses the flow of refrigerant, allowing the system to act as both a heater and an air conditioner. If the reversing valve gets stuck in one position, you’ll need help from a qualified HVAC professional to repair it.
For further assistance in troubleshooting your HVAC system, call in the pros at Burnworth’s A/C. We’re pleased to provide the timely repair services you need to stay comfortable indoors all year long.
