3 Telltale Signs of a Bad Heat Pump Compressor

The compressor is one of the most important heat pump components, performing an essential role in every heating or cooling cycle. Because of this, you can often trace heat pump malfunctions back to a faulty compressor. Here are three signs that Fayetteville, GA homeowners can use to figure out whether their heat pumps’ compressors are malfunctioning.

1. Ineffective Heating or Cooling

To understand what compressors do, consider how a heat pump functions in heating mode. The reverse of the following process occurs when it’s in cooling mode.

First, the heat pump’s fans suck in air from outdoors, which, though cold, still contains some heat energy. The fans move that air over the outdoor evaporator coil, which is full of the liquid refrigerant, and the refrigerant absorbs the heat from the air. The refrigerant then travels to the compressor, which compresses and heats it even further.

After this, the refrigerant moves into the indoor evaporator unit. Then, it condenses and releases heat after coming into contact with the cooler air. If the compressor breaks down, your heat pump will neither be able to heat nor cool your home effectively.

2. Strange Noises

If your compressor begins making loud vibrating, banging, or clicking noises, you can be confident that something is likely wrong with it. Perhaps one of its parts is loose and rattling around, or maybe dirt and other debris have clogged it and are impeding its ability to function.

Refrigerant leaks also put stress on the compressor and cause it to make abnormal noises. These are all problems for a seasoned technician to resolve while performing maintenance or repairs.

3. Heat Pump Won’t Start

If your compressor problems are serious enough, your heat pump may fail to start. Many of the same issues that make the compressor emit noises can also have this effect.

You must be sure to take excellent care of your heat pump’s compressor this heating season. Contact Trinity Air Inc. for the best heat pump services in the area.

Image provided by iStock