Whether you’re waking up or coming home from work, switching on your heat pump and relaxing on the couch just isn’t the same if your unit is struggling to keep you comfortable. With temperatures becoming more extreme, it’s more important than ever that your heat pump is running smoothly. Having a heat pump that isn’t running efficiently can lead to poor performance and higher running costs. It also has the potential to cause massive headaches if the unit fails during extreme weather. At Bay of Plenty Heat Pumps, we believe “prevention is better than a cure,” so here are five telltale signs that your heat pump might need replacing.
If you’re noticing a difference in consistency, specifically around the temperature of the air the system is producing, it’s likely time to investigate further. If your unit is producing cool air when in heating mode or vice versa, yet the unit isn’t providing any indication of a fault (via flashing lights on the indoor unit), there could be a more serious issue. It might be due to low refrigerant or worse, a damaged compressor. In either case, if your unit is older and outside of warranty, it’s best to replace rather than fix.
Diminished airflow or varying airflow intensities during use can indicate several issues, such as a faulty compressor or fan, dirty filters, or blocked air ducts. You can check our handy guide on how to clean your heat pump’s filters. However, if you’ve cleaned the filters and had the air ducts checked yet the issue remains, it’s highly possible that your unit is on the way out. The best course of action is to have a professional assess and replace it if required.
A small amount of condensation dripping from the outdoor unit is normal. However, if you notice excessive leaks or leaks occurring when the unit is off, something could be wrong. A leaking outdoor unit can be a serious issue if refrigerant is seeping out or if there is a blocked drainage tube. Electrical components and water are not a good combination, so be mindful of children and pets and ensure that the unit is turned off until you get a technician to look at it.
An efficient, modern heat pump is designed to operate as silently as possible. If you begin to hear odd, abrupt noises that were not present before, this could indicate something more serious. It’s time to get a professional to have a look to determine if it needs to be replaced. Another sign of a faulty heat pump is odour. If the air coming from your unit smells musty or burnt, this could suggest an internal malfunction. It could be a burned wire, dusty air filters, or potentially mould growth within the unit or the ducts. Cleaning the filters might help, but if the issue remains, we strongly suggest getting it checked out by a professional who can determine if it’s repairable or if it’s best to replace it.
When fully functional, heat pumps, specifically split systems, offer an energy-efficient solution to heating and cooling your home, greatly reducing your energy bills in the long run. If you’ve noticed an increase in your electricity bills but don’t believe you’ve increased usage, it could be a sign that your heat pump is running with reduced efficiency. We suggest getting our Tauranga heat pump specialists to come and assess it. Modern split systems, including our Avanti PLUS® series, boast industry-leading energy ratings, delivering much higher energy efficiencies and reduced running costs. Replacing an older unit with a new one will likely save you on running costs in the long run.
If you notice any of the above issues with your current heat pump, we highly suggest acting now. No one wants to deal with their heat pump failing in the middle of winter, so it’s best to get a professional to come and assess and, if required, replace it prior to winter. At Bay of Plenty Heat Pumps, we’re here to ensure your comfort all year round.
We are your local heat pump and air conditioning agents. We provide installation and maintenance services for a wide range of Mitsubishi heat pumps in Tauranga, Papamoa, Mt Maunganui and Bay of Plenty-wide.
327 Matakokiri Drive
Tauriko, Tauranga, 3110
Unit 12
