Heat pumps are prized not only for their ability to efficiently heat your home, but also for their reliability and durability. Yet heat pumps, like all home appliances, are still susceptible to developing certain issues over time. If you would like to learn more about recognizing and dealing with common heat pump problems, read on. This article will discuss three things to be aware of.

Odd Noises

A heat pump produces a certain amount of sound as a natural by-product of its operation. This is the result of the motor inside of the heat pump doing its job. But if you begin to hear loud or unusual noises, it is generally the case that something has begun to go wrong. These odd noises may run the gamut from grinding to rattling to squealing.

Loud rattles are generally the easiest to fix. These sounds are commonly produced by a loose control panel. To eliminate the noise, try tightening up the screws that hold the panel in place. A squealing or a grinding sound, on the other hand, usually represents a more serious issue. These sounds are often tied to the bearings inside of the motor. To fix the problem, a repair professional will likely need to replace the bearings with fresh ones.

Heat Pump Won't Start

It's natural to be worried if your heat pump fails to start up at all. The good news is that, in many cases, this is caused by an easily remedied electrical issue. First, ensure that the heat pump's switch is in its on position. Next, reset the circuit breaker that to which the heat pump is tied. Even if the switch appears not to have been tripped, resetting it may fix the problem.

If neither of these things is sufficient to get the pump running again, the problem may be caused by a bad internal wire. Repairing this issue is best left to a trained service professional.

Frozen Pump

As you probably already know, the motor and other main components of your heat pump are located outside. That means a heat pump must be designed to keep running in even the most frigid temperatures. In order to do that, almost all heat pumps contain a built-in defrost feature. This feature kicks on when the pump detects the presence of snow or ice, melting off the unwanted frozen water.

Should your defrost cease to function the way it should, however, you may notice that your heat pump is buried beneath ice and snow. Do your best to clear off the pump, then contact a repair professional to take a closer look at the problem.