Heat pumps are an alternative type of climate control appliance that take the place of central furnaces and air conditioners. They work by using a heat exchanger to move heat into or out of your home, depending on the season, and are much more energy efficient than their traditional forced air counterparts within temperate climates. However, just like all other major appliances, heat pumps can begin to break down over time, becoming less effective and efficient. Understanding some of the warning signs associated with a failing heat pump can help you identify the problem early and have your unit replaced before it leaves you without climate control within your home.

Strange Noises

A properly functioning heat pump should only make the noise of the fan while it is in operation, and the level of noise should stay in the background throughout the entire operation cycle. If your heat pump makes a massive amount of noise while it's turned on, especially if the noises are irregular – like grinding, vibrating, or shaking – there may be a mechanical problem within your unit. Have a HVAC professional inspect your unit to determine if you need to replace the entire unit, or if a single part can be repaired to get everything working as intended again.

Constant Operation

Another clear sign that your heat pump is suffering from mechanical issues that are drastically reducing its effectiveness is if you notice that your unit is constantly on. This is usually because the heat exchanger within the unit is no longer able to function as well as it did when the unit was new, requiring the unit to be replaced. Keep in mind that even if you don't notice that your heat pump is constantly running, you will notice the increase in your energy bills. The increased cost of operating a less efficient unit makes heat pump replacement the financially smart decision.

Drafts and Inconsistent Cooling

Finally, the last sign that you need to contact a professional about replacing your heat pump is if you notice that the temperature within your home is no longer consistent, no matter what season it is. The sudden appearance of drafts or hot spots in areas of your home that have previously been comfortably heated and cooled points to the inability of your unit to continue to provide adequate climate control: as it struggles to continue to operate, you'll notice that it will operate longer, driving up your energy bills, and will experience increased mechanical wear, resulting in the two above mentioned points as well.

For more information about heat pump repair and other HVAC services, contact companies like Lee Air Conditioners Inc.

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