A heat pump is a complex machine that can be thought of as a sort of reverse air conditioner. But some homeowners find that their heat pump just doesn’t cool down their house enough when it gets very hot outside. Why does this happen?
The Heat Pump Is Working Too Hard
Your heat pump cools your house down by venting the warm air inside it to the outside. Inevitably, rising temperatures make the heat pump work harder to cool down your home. As it struggles to do this, the less effective it is. Not only this, but as the heat pump strains to cool down your house, your energy bill goes up. Contact your HVAC professional for advice.
There’s a Refrigerant Imbalance
Your heat pump uses refrigerant to help it transfer heat from your house to the outside. But when it gets really hot, the refrigerant’s pressure can rise so high that it doesn’t work as well. Sometimes, the refrigerant stops working altogether. Maintaining the refrigerant is a job for an HVAC specialist, so call if you think there’s a problem with it.
The Heat Pump Keeps Turning On and Off
High temperatures can also cause your heat pump to frequently switch on and off. This is called short cycling, and it strains the heat pump and can shorten its working life. It also doesn’t keep your house as comfortably cool as you’d like.
The Compressor Is Under Too Much Stress
The compressor is the part of the heat pump that keeps the refrigerant circulating. High temperatures also stress it, sometimes to the point where it fails. In that case, you may have to buy a new heat pump.
The Reversing Valve Is Broken
If your heat pump is actually blowing warm air into your home, there may be a problem with the reversing valve. This is the valve that allows the heat pump to act as that “reverse air conditioner.” If it’s stuck in the mode it was in during the cool season, it’s going to blow warm air. Again, contact an HVAC specialist to have this problem taken care of.
A Dirty Filter May Be the Problem
Filters that are so dirty that they cause an HVAC system to overwork aren’t limited to your heat pump. However, neglecting the filter is a main reason why a heat pump just isn’t delivering cool air during very hot weather. Make sure that you clean or change your heat pump’s filters regularly.
Contact Us to Learn More About Your Heat Pump
Your heat pump should be able to keep you comfortable both in the chill of winter and the heat of summer. Sometimes, though, very high temperatures can make it not as efficient as it could be. If you think your heat pump needs servicing, don’t hesitate to call our HVAC professionals at Alabama Home Pros in Montgomery, AL.