Heat pumps operate slightly differently from more traditional systems, which makes them a bit more complicated when it comes to potential problems popping up. Before you call your heating repair technician, however, it helps to see if you can find the problem beforehand. Below are some of the things you can do before your HVAC technician gets there.

Check the Thermostat

There are tons of heating problems that can be attributed to a malfunctioning thermostat. Your heat pump might be perfectly fine, but without a properly working thermostat it won’t matter. Check the display to make sure that the thermostat is in heating mode and the temperature is set properly. If it is, the heat pump is more likely to be the problem.

Check Your Outdoor Unit

Depending on how cold your environment is, ice can form on the outside of your outdoor unit. Normally, this isn’t a problem. All heat pumps are equipped with a defrost cycle to regularly melt the ice around the unit. If this defrost cycle isn’t working for whatever reason, the ice can build up and eventually encase the entire unit. This prevents the unit from absorbing thermal energy from the surrounding air, leading to a drop in temperature inside the house. If you see a large amount of ice on your heat pump, covering at least ¾ of the unit, your defrost cycle is probably not working.

Look for Leaks

Most systems rely on an internal “charge” of refrigerant to transport thermal energy where it is needed. A leak in the refrigerant line can drain this charge, severely depleting the heat pump’s ability to heat properly. If you see fluid leaking from either your indoor or outdoor unit, you may have a leak in the refrigerant line. You’ll want to get this fixed right away, as fluid leaking onto other parts of the heat pump can easily cause more problems if left alone.

If your heat pump seems to have lost its ability to heat properly, call AC Designs Inc. We provide quality heating repair services throughout the Jacksonville area.

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Tags: Heating Repair, Jacksonville
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Here in sunny Florida, heating problems are pretty low on our list of concerns. Our summers are long and hot, our winters short and mild, which means that air conditioners play a bigger role in our comfort on the whole than heaters. But problems with your heating system do happen, and that can be a big concern on a cold winter night. So what are the best ways to avoid heating repair in Jacksonville, FL? .

The best method is to schedule regular maintenance visits from a trained technician. These tune-ups are intended to reduce overall wear and tear. The technician cleans the dirt and grime off of the interior components, which reduces friction and helps them perform at their best. He also tightens any loose bolts or fittings (which also reduces wear and tear) and runs he heater to check for any specific problems. If he spots one, he can then schedule a repair before the issue gets out of hand. Ideally, you should schedule you tune-up before heating season begins, but it is never to late to have someone perform maintenance on your heating system.

Along those lines, you should pay close attention to any warning signs your heater gives, which usually indicates growing repair problems. This can be anything from unusual noises to reduce air flow to higher monthly energy bills despite not using the heater any more often than normal. Catching those problems early means getting a big jump on repairs, and preventing large bills in favor of smaller preventative ones.

If you need heating maintenance or repair in Jacksonville, FL, contact A/C Designs Inc. for help.  Pick up the phone and call us today to make an appointment.

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Tags: Heating Repair, Jacksonville
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on What Are the Best Ways to Avoid Heating Repairs?