4 Signs Your Heat Pump Is Low on Refrigerant

Heat pumps rely on refrigerant to extract heat from your home and exchange it with the outdoor air. When the refrigerant leaks, the heat pump fails to operate, and your living space in Winnetka, IL, won’t be properly heated or cooled. It’s important to understand the signs that your system is low on refrigerant and the steps you should take to avoid an emergency.

Noisy Operation

When a heat pump fails to operate, you may notice rattling and clanging sounds near the outdoor compressor coil. If a residential heat pump used to run normally but suddenly stops working, check whether the system is low on refrigerant. A heat pump low on refrigerant could be making a lot of noise as it tries to extract refrigerant from the air.

High Energy Bills

Heat pumps that need more refrigerant operate less efficiently and may cost you more money on your utility bill. During the heating season, your heat pump could draw excess power because it’s low on refrigerant. High energy bills could also be a symptom of a leaky heat pump.

Frozen Coils and Ice Deposits

Heat pumps low on refrigerant won’t properly warm or cool your home because they can’t transfer heat and may become frozen. There may be ice covering the outdoor coils, which usually indicates a leak. Call an HVAC service technician to check the system if you notice ice forming on your outdoor coils.

System Is Overheating

Heat pumps low on refrigerant will take longer to heat or cool your home, which can result in the system overheating. If your system is overheating, service technicians may need to replace it because it may require significant repairs to operate properly. This is a more serious problem than a system that’s low on refrigerant.

Regular maintenance of a heat pump can improve its efficiency and extend its operating life. It’s important to check your system before and after each heating and cooling season, especially during high temperatures. If your heat pump is low on refrigerant in Winnetka, IL, contact us at Carefree Comfort Inc. and book an appointment today.

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