How Do You Know If Your Heat Pump Is Low On Refrigerant?
Refrigerant is needed to make a heat pump work correctly. It’s a chemical that is used to heat and cool the air in the home, and if there isn’t enough, the heat pump can’t absorb heat properly, and your home won’t be comfortable.
The amount of refrigerant for your heat pump depends on the model and size. Most heat pumps hold between three and five pounds of refrigerant. Most of the equipment will already have the amount you will need. If you need more refrigerant, a professional can give you an accurate estimate of how much refrigerant you will need and will refill it for you.
The best way to find help is to search for a heat pump service near me, where you’ll find Equi-Tech Mechanical, the best HVAC service company in Apache Junction, AZ.
Common Signs
There are a few ways to tell if your heat pump is low on refrigerant. Here are the most common signs:
- Output: Heat pumps cool and heats the homes, which happens because the refrigerant will reverse the system’s flow. If you notice that your heating and cooling output isn’t sufficient, it is a clear sign of low refrigerant.
- Icing: When the heat pump starts to leak, ice may develop over the heat pump’s evaporator coil. A lack of refrigerant will make it hard for the evaporator coils to absorb the heat. You can’t fix the issue by removing the ice. The only way to stop the ice from forming is to fix the leak.
- Noise: If you hear weird noises, it can indicate that you have a refrigerant leak. When there is a leak, more air gets into the line and causes the compressor to work harder. This can cause a rattling noise, which comes from the compressor.
- High Energy Bills: If you have a sudden spike in your energy bills, it may be caused by a refrigerant leak. The leak forces the heat pump to work harder, using more electricity and driving up your bill.
- Condenser Coils: Examining the condenser coils is another way to tell that your heat pump is low on refrigerant. Condenser coils work by releasing the heat absorbed by the evaporator coils. If the condenser coils are covered in ice or frost, it is a sign that the refrigerant levels are low.
If you’ve encountered any of these signs, reach out to our team at Equi-Tech Mechanical!
Heat Pump Inspections
Along with calling a professional, you can combat low refrigerant by doing a few things on your own. These things will help you avoid low refrigerant and the issues it can cause:
- Check for leaks: The first thing you should do is check for leaks. If there is a leak, the refrigerant will escape. You need to call one of our professionals to address the source of the issue and then refill the refrigerant to the proper levels. Checking for leaks is something that should be done yearly.
- Clean the coils: Another way to keep your heat pump working properly is to clean the coils. This will help the heat pump to absorb the heat better. Cleaning the coils is something that should be done every few months.
- Change the filter: Changing the filter should be done every one to three months. A dirty filter can cause a lot of problems for a heat pump or any HVAC system.
To find a professional to install your heat pump, search for heat pump installers near me to get the best service. Our experts are well-versed in all heat pump services. At Equi-Tech Mechanical, we serve Apache Junction, AZ, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today!
