When you need heat pump repair in Northridge, California, trust the experts at Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating.

Your heat pump works hard to keep your space comfy.

Unlike air conditioners, the outdoor unit on heat pumps doesn’t get to rest when the temperatures drop.

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

If that time does arrive, Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating is happy to help. We can fix most any heat pump. We work hard to make your home comfy again as soon as possible.

Customer satisfaction, efficiency and safety are our top interests. We’re happy to prove it when you trust us with your home comfort. Call us at (818) 727-9993 now to schedule an appointment.

Five Signs Your Heat Pump Needs to Be Serviced

Now that you understand some of the basic causes of heat pump damage, it might be good to hear how those issues make themselves known. Here are some common signs something is wrong with your heat pump.

1. Heat Pump Covered in Ice

During the colder months, it’s possible that your outdoor unit will have some ice buildup. When this develops, your unit should shift into a defrost cycle and reverse the refrigerant to melt the ice. If your whole 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 turns on and stops before it’s had a chance to bring your home to your chosen temperature. This is a sign 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 maintain it well. If you’re doing everything you can to take care of it and are still watching your energy costs go up, it’s time to bring in a professional.

4. Heat Pump Is Noisy

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

5. Heating or Cooling Seems Weaker

Lower home comfort is likely the most obvious—and annoying—sign you may need a repair. If you’ve tried changing your setting and nothing seems to work, Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating can help.

Common Causes of Heat Pump Problems

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

  • Lack of maintenance. Like you, your heat pump needs to be taken care of to remain in good shape. You have a regular checkup. Your heat pump has seasonal maintenance. You should call in an HVAC expert twice a year to help your system stay healthy. 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 working correctly is to periodically check and change your air filter. If you avoid it, your system has to work harder to keep your family comfortable. Operating overtime like that can lead to damage, and later, a repair.
  • Component failure. Your heat pump is made of a number of parts—both moving and stationary. They’re all crucial to heating and cooling your home efficiently. When one breaks down, it can make it hard—or impossible—for your system to carry on without a repair.
  • Thermostat problems. Your thermostat is a precise instrument. Any problem with it could make your house 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 option. Here are some factors that can help you see if a repair is a better option:

  • Your heat pump is less than 10 years old. If your heat pump is still relatively 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 a bunch of times. If a repair on your system is a relatively rare occurrence, you may want to go ahead 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 probably your best choice. But if your repair will set you back 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 Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating 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 (818) 727-9993 or request an appointment with us online.

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