In Jacksonville, Florida, heat pumps are among the most popular heating and cooling systems used by residents. With a heat pump, you can benefit from a single system that can keep your home cool during the summer and warm during the winter.
Although heat pumps are reliable, they can still develop issues that require repairs. This guide from One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating explains five common heat pump problems and how to fix them.
Quick Takeaways
- Jacksonville’s humid climate, coastal air, and long cooling season can stress heat pump systems.
- The most common issues include poor airflow, iced-over coils, short cycling, and faulty thermostats.
- Many heat pump problems stem from clogged filters, electrical issues, or lack of maintenance.
- Fast, professional service keeps your system efficient and extends its lifespan.
1. Reduced Airflow or Weak Heating/Cooling
If you’ve noticed that you don’t have enough air coming from your vents or that your heat pump is not cooling or heating to your desired temperature, a few things can be the culprit. The primary reasons why heat pumps experience reduced airflow and inadequate heating or cooling include:
- Clogged filters
- Blower motor problems
- Blocked vents
When your filters are clogged, dirt can enter the system and build up on critical parts. Dirt can coat your pump’s cooling coils and prevent them from absorbing heat. This can cause them to malfunction.
Dirt can also cause blower motor problems and prevent your heat pump system from blowing enough air. These issues can lead to uneven temperatures throughout your home and inefficiency.
To fix: Replace your filters every month, and check your system’s ducts and return grills regularly.
2. Ice Buildup on Outdoor Unit (Even in Summer)
If ice builds up on your heat pump’s outdoor unit, including in the summer months, you should address the problem promptly. Ice buildup can be caused by low refrigerant levels, poor airflow, or a malfunctioning defrost cycle. Ice buildup can cause damage to your compressor or lead to a complete system failure.
To fix: Clear debris from around the outdoor unit, and check the filter for clogs. Schedule a system inspection with One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating to check your heat pump’s refrigerant levels and clear away any airflow restrictions.
3. Short Cycling (Turning On and Off Frequently)
Short cycling occurs when your heat pump fails to complete a cooling or heating cycle because it remains in its start-up mode. When a heat pump short cycles, it can cycle on and off multiple times per hour.
Short cycling wastes power and strains your heat pump, and it also indicates an underlying problem that needs repairs. It can be caused by electrical problems, dirty coils, or thermostat issues.
To fix: Have a professional from One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating inspect the thermostat, capacitors, and coils to diagnose and repair problems.
4. Strange Noises or Vibrations
Heat pumps are quiet, so it’s easy to forget they’re running. However, if you notice your heat pump makes strange noises or vibrations, several things can be wrong.
Vibrations can indicate that something is striking your fan blades as they turn. Clangs, thumps, grinding noises, or rattles can come from a loose bearing or can indicate your motor is worn.
To fix: Schedule an immediate inspection with One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating to tighten parts or replace faulty components.
5. Heat Pump Not Switching Between Modes
If your heat pump fails to heat your home, this can be a real problem in Jacksonville because of the city’s short but chilly winters. This can occur when your heat pump fails to switch from cooling to heating mode. It can also be a problem when your heat pump fails to switch from heating to cooling mode and fails to cool your home during the summer.
A common reason why your heat pump might not switch between modes is a stuck reversing valve. This valve controls the direction in which the refrigerant flows once it leaves your system’s compressor.
If the valve sticks in one position, it won’t activate and switch between modes when signaled to do so. Other issues that can cause this problem include low refrigerant levels or a faulty thermostat.
To fix: Call our HVAC technicians for professional diagnostics. We can check the reversing valve, your system’s refrigerant level, and the thermostat, and replace or recalibrate components as necessary.
Why These Issues Are Common in Jacksonville, FL
There are several reasons why these common heat pump problems happen in Jacksonville. Since the city is located close to the coast, salt in the air can corrode outdoor units. The air’s high humidity levels can cause condensation and mold to build up in air handlers.
Since Jacksonville has a long cooling season, heat pumps must work harder to keep homes cool. This increases wear and tear.
Finally, many homes in the area have older systems, and some people fail to schedule regular maintenance. All of these factors can cause these common heat pump issues.
FAQs
How often should I service my heat pump in Florida?
You should service your heat pump at least twice per year, including once before the winter and again before the cooling season.
Is it normal for my heat pump to run constantly?
When the temperatures are excessively hot outside, your heat pump will likely run constantly. However, if it runs continuously during mild weather, something could be wrong.
What’s the average lifespan of a heat pump in Jacksonville?
Depending on whether you’ve completed regular maintenance and how well your system was installed, you can expect your heat pump to last around 10–15 years.
Can salty air near the coast damage my unit?
Yes. Corrosion from salt can ruin coils and electrical parts. Choose a weather-resistant unit and schedule regular maintenance to combat potential damage from salt.
Is short cycling dangerous for my system?
Short cycling can drastically shorten the system’s life and spike your energy bills. You should address it quickly.
Having Heat Pump Trouble in Jacksonville? Let’s Fix It Fast.
At One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning of Jacksonville, we know how Florida’s climate wears on heat pumps. No matter what issue you’re experiencing, we’ll diagnose the problem fast and fix it right the first time.
Our highly skilled HVAC technicians serve the residents of Jacksonville and surrounding areas. When you call us, we’re always on time, or you don’t pay a dime. Call us today for expert heat pump repair and maintenance in Jacksonville, FL!