Austin Heat Pump Repair

Heat pumps, while known for being more eco-friendly than systems with gas furnaces, are also more complex and can need repair more often than standard air conditioners. They use the refrigerant cycle more often, as they pull heat from the air outside and transfer it to the indoor coil in the winter. A standard air conditioner only operates the refrigerant cycle while cooling. Heat pumps have to reverse the cycle to heat. Keeping these units in top running order with routine maintenance is important in winter as well as in summer.

Signs You Need a Heat Pump Repair

Compared to electric strip or gas heaters, heat pumps typically take longer to heat a space. This in itself is not a sign you need a repair. However, if you notice any of the following issues with your heat pump, we recommend a system checkup:

• Ice accumulating on the indoor or outdoor unit during winter may be a sign the defrost control is not operating properly and needs to be serviced. Some units, particularly the VRF machines (Mitsubishi, Daikin and similar) will show frost outside and still be operating properly.
• The air never gets warm, or the unit does not switch automatically to emergency heat/auxiliary heat during days/nights when temperatures fall below freezingOur technicians can diagnose and repair the following heat pump issues:
• Refrigerant leaks leading to poor performance in both heating and cooling cycles
• Defrost control issues leading to icing of the outdoor unit in low temperatures
• Backup/emergency heating issues when temperatures drop below the threshold for heat pump operation. This varies by manufacturer but is generally between 18°F and 27°F.

Our Heat Pump Repair Service Process

During a heat pump repair call, we will check the following:

• Temperature rise at the air handling unit. The temperature rise is the difference between the temperature of the air before and after it goes across the coil.
• Defrost operation at the condensing unit
• Compressor operation
• Auxiliary heat functionIf we do not identify any issues in these areas, we will check the following:
• Electric (backup) heat strip
• Circuit ampacity to verify the heat strips can handle the electric load of the emergency backup heater
• Ductwork and any other areas of possible air infiltration

Once we have determined the cause of your issue, we will provide our repair recommendation. Our technicians drive fully stocked trucks, so with your approval, they can typically perform the necessary repair right away. Then, Efficient will stand behind it with a one-year warranty on parts and labor. If it is worth considering a heat pump replacement based on the age of your system and the level of repair required, we can help you weigh your options.

Schedule a Heat Pump Repair

Efficient provides AC, heating, electrical and plumbing services to Austin and the surrounding areas. Call us today at 512-501-2275, or fill out our contact form to schedule. We are available 24/7 for emergency repairs.