Your heat pump works year-round. The same system that cools your home all summer will be keeping you warm in a few weeks, so when it struggles, it is worth taking seriously. In late September, a homeowner in Greenwood called us because their heat pump was not keeping the house cool.
What Our Technician Found
Our technician connected gauges at the outdoor unit and checked the system over, inside and out. The indoor unit at this home sits in the attic. The problem turned out to be the refrigerant charge: the system was running low.
Refrigerant is what carries heat. In the summer, it picks up heat inside your home and carries it outside. In the winter, a heat pump runs that process in reverse. When the charge is low, the system cannot move as much heat, so it runs longer and delivers less comfort in either season.
What We Completed
- Checked the heat pump system at both the outdoor unit and the indoor unit.
- Found the system low on refrigerant.
- Added R-410A refrigerant to bring the charge back up.
The Result
With the charge restored, the heat pump has what it needs to move heat the way it was designed to, for cooling now and for heating when the weather turns. Learn more about our AC repair service.
We checked the system at both ends because a heat pump is one connected system. The outdoor unit and the indoor coil in the attic work together, and a problem in one shows up in the other.
An Honest Note About Refrigerant
Refrigerant does not get used up like gas in a car. It circulates in a sealed loop. If a system is low, some has escaped somewhere. If this system runs low again, the right next step is a leak search to find where it is going, rather than refilling it over and over.
What Homeowners Can Learn From This Job
- A heat pump problem is a year-round problem. If it struggles to cool, it will likely struggle to heat too.
- Watch for longer run times. A system that runs and runs without reaching the set temperature is telling you something.
- Ask about leaks. If your system has needed refrigerant more than once, ask for a leak search.
- Fall is a good time for a check. Take care of issues now, before you need heat.
Need Heat Pump Service in Greenwood?
Our team serves homeowners across Greenwood and the River Valley. If your heat pump is not keeping up, call us or book online and we will take a look.
