When winter settles in around Keswick, your heat pump keeps your home warm and cozy. Just like any HVAC system, your heat pump requires periodic maintenance to operate at peak efficiency. Overlooking minor warning signs at this point could equal dealing with bigger (and more expensive) issues right in the middle of a cold snap.
Here at Aire One Keswick, we suggest you book your yearly heat pump inspection before it gets cooler. Here are seven of the biggest red flags that your body may already be begging you to give it a little TLC.
1. Reduced Heating Performance
If your home isn’t getting as warm as it used to, or if your heat pump takes longer to reach its temperature, those are obvious red flags. The heating effectiveness can be diminished by:
- Dirty filters or coils
- Low refrigerant levels
- Worn-out components
A tune-up will keep your system clean and charged, so its heating performance is not compromised.
2. Strange Noises or Vibrations
When working right, a heat pump should operate quietly enough. So if there’s rattling, grinding or squealing, then it’s time to have it checked. These sounds may mean the parts are loose, the motor is failing, or there’s debris in the fan blades.
Fail to do them, and you could end up with expensive mechanical damage.
3. Unusual Cycling or Constant Running
If your heat pump is running in balanced cycles — cycling on and off as necessary to achieve indoor comfort — you don’t have a problem. Another common symptom is that it runs excessively — the heater must run longer to warm the rooms.
Possible causes include:
- Faulty thermostat settings
- Clogged air filters
- Refrigerant leaks
- Electrical issues
An expert tune-up from Aire One Keswick can easily spot and correct the issue before it strains your system.
4. Higher Energy Bills Without Reason
If your energy waste has increased even though you still maintain the same heating habits, this may be a sign that your heat pump is working harder than it should. Dirty coils, clogged filters or other mechanical wear and tear can cause inefficiencies that make electricity bills skyrocket.
Regular maintenance restores systems to peak capacity and efficiency, saving money all season long.
5. Ice Build-Up on the Outdoor Unit
A little frost buildup on the outdoor coil in winter is normal; excessive ice isn’t. Shadows can prevent your heat pump from absorbing heat, causing operational stress or a system shutdown.
This problem is sometimes linked to a faulty defrost cycle or restricted airflow. If you see significant icing, shut your system off and call a technician right away — running it can do some severe damage.
6. Unpleasant Odors
A musty, burning, or chemical-like smell could signal trouble with your heat pump.
- If you smell a musty odour, mould could be growing on your ducts or coils.
- A burning scent might indicate electrical problems or overheated parts.
- A smelly chemical (or refrigerant) smell is nothing to mess with – schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Regular inspections can catch and correct these problems before they affect your air quality or safety.
Why Pre-Winter Maintenance Matters
By scheduling a heat pump tune-up before winter, you can help ensure that your heat pump:
- Runs efficiently and reliably
- Maintains consistent indoor comfort
- Reduces energy costs
- Avoids mid-season breakdowns
- Extends equipment lifespan
At Aire One Keswick, a preseason checkup may include cleaning, inspection, and testing to ensure your system can withstand the coldest months.
Conclusion
Your heat pump does everything it can to keep your house warm during the winter in Keswick. However, if you watch for early signs of trouble and plan your maintenance, you can continue enjoying maximum comfort, safety and efficiency throughout the entire season.
Don’t risk being left in the lurch – schedule your preventative maintenance service today with Aire One Keswick, and be comfortable all winter long.
