If you want to endure the cold Utica, KY, temperatures from October to March, you need to get your heat pump ready. As the provider of premium heat pump service in Utica, KY, you can trust Air Support Heating and Cooling to install, repair, and maintain your heat pump. We’re passionate about keeping our friends and neighbors safe, so you can count on us for excellent work and competitive prices.

Signs Your Heat Pump Need Repairs

If your heat pump doesn’t function at peak performance, it won’t keep your home comfortable. Look for the following signs to determine whether your heat pump needs repairs.

Poor Performance

What does poor performance include? If you notice any of the following issues, your heat pump needs service:

You only feel lukewarm air blowing from your vents.
Your home takes longer to heat up than usual.
You experience an increase in allergies or respiratory issues.
The humidity in your home climbs over 60%.
You don’t have zoning capability, but different rooms in your home reach different temperatures.

Rising Energy Bills

Rising energy bills provide a clue that you have a problem with your HVAC system. When your heat pump needs minor repairs, it can still function but uses more electricity to reach the temperature on your thermostat.

You should not consider your Utica heat pump ready for winter if you can’t explain your high energy bills. Scheduling repairs can help you endure winter without racking up significant utility expenses.

Author BIO:
Zach Jones
Owner of Air Support Heating and Cooling, an HVAC provider in Louisville, Kentucky. Jones has a background as a sales consultant in the financial services industry.

Concerning Noises and Smells

If you notice concerning noises and smells coming from your heat pump, avoid using it until you can repair it. If you smell fire, consider it an emergency. Other smells, like mold or decomposition, don’t pose serious threats, but you should still address them as quickly as possible.

Any of the following sounds mean you need repairs:

Grinding
Bubbling
Gurgling
Rattling
Clanking
Popping
Shrieking
Hissing
Squealing
Humming or buzzing

Unusual Running Cycle

If your Utica heat pump doesn’t turn on, you have a clear problem. However, other issues can manifest more subtly.

Your heat pump should only run long enough to reach the temperature on your thermostat. If it runs constantly, something is amiss. You should also schedule service if it turns on and off quickly, a condition known as short cycling.

Caring for Your Heat Pump in Utica

Whether you have an absorption heat pump or a different variation, you can take several steps to care for it. The following practices increase the likelihood that your heat pump will last through the winter without requiring repairs.

Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance remains the best thing you can do for your Utica heat pump. Ideally, you should schedule one spring check-up to prepare your heat pump for summer and another in the fall to ensure it lasts through winter. During maintenance, the HVAC specialist will perform the following tasks and more:

Cleaning coils, air filters, and ductwork
Checking and repairing refrigerant levels
Confirming the thermostat works correctly
Inspecting belts, motors, and mechanical components
Searching for and tightening loose connections

Moderate Usage

The more you use your heat pump, the faster it experiences wear and tear and the more likely it will break down before the end of the season. The Department of Energy suggests you set your thermostat to 68 degrees for the most efficient operation. This reduces the stress on your heat pump, keeps energy bills low, and maintains a safe indoor temperature.

Does 68 degrees seem too cold for your comfort? Thankfully, staying warm in the winter is much easier than staying cool in the summer. Consider implementing the following practices to stay cozy when you keep your home at 68 degrees:

Wear layers and snuggle under the blankets.
Increase how often you cook and bake.
Turn off fans to reduce airflow.
Use candles, fireplaces, or a space heater to provide supplemental heating.

Clean Your System

A dirty air filter can quickly destroy your heat pump. Clean the filter at least once a month or more if you smoke or have pets. You should also schedule ductwork cleaning at least every three years.

Schedule Utica, KY, Heat Pump Services Today

At Air Support Heating and Cooling, we make your heat pump ready for all seasons. From Wink Road to the Utica Fire Department, we’re passionate about keeping homes and businesses safe and comfortable all year. Whether you need a retrofit or electrification, look no further than our team of friendly HVAC professionals.