February 28, 2013

A Heat Pump Problem? What You Can Do Before You Call In The ProsIf you're having heat pump problems in your southeast Virginia home, you may be able to troubleshoot the problem before calling in an HVAC professional. If the problems are related to one of the following conditions, here's what you should do:

Heat pump will not start

  • Check that the thermostat is correctly set.
  • Ensure that power is going to the unit by checking the circuit breakers. If they have tripped, reset them by moving the switch to OFF then ON.

Heat pump is not generating heat

  • Heat pumps do not output air as hot as oil or gas forced-air furnaces, but if your heat pump is generating air that is cooler than normal, check the thermostat settings to make sure they're correct.
  • Raise the setting on the thermostat by 5 degrees and wait about 10 minutes to see if the unit kicks on.
  • Check to make sure all room registers are open and unblocked by objects.
  • Clean or replace the filter if needed.
  • Check that the outdoor unit is free of debris, ice and snow.

Heat pump freezes

  • Turn off the unit if it's frozen up.
  • Make sure all room registers are open and unblocked by objects.
  • Check the filter and clean or replace it if needed.

Heat pump cycles too frequently or infrequently

  • Check that the thermostat is set properly.
  • Check to see if the filter needs cleaning or replacement.

Heat pump blower is not working

  • Check the thermostat and confirm that the fan switch is set on OFF or AUTO.
  • Should the heat pump be on but not blowing air, the belt could be broken. If you are experienced with this, you can replace it yourself but otherwise call an HVAC professional.

Heat pump is making unusual noises

  • Check the cover panels to see if they need to be tightened if you hear rattling noises.
  • Turn off the heat pump and call an HVAC professional if you hear squealing and grinding noises.

Still experiencing heat pump problems? Call an experienced professional.

For additional expert advice about heat pump problems and other issues related to home comfort, please contact us at Russell's Heating and Cooling. We have been providing the Hampton Roads area with dependable service since 1977. Our goal is to help educate our customers in Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Hampton, Newport News, Yorktown, and Williamsburg, Virginia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about heat pumps and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide. Image courtesy of Shutterstock

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  • I can't complement your team enough on the wonderful job done with regard to the installation of the new system in our home. More specifically, we want to recognize the outstanding efforts of: Roberto-- the initial visit and diagnosis of the problem.

    Dan & Connie, Virginia Beach

  • I recently had your team install a new gas package unit including all new duct work at my house in Chesapeake. I had a split system that had undersized ducting which was removed by your installers.

    Mike & Sandi, Chesapeake, VA

  • We purchased a one time service for $79. They came out on time, checked out the geothermal system...they were very professional and kind.

    Nicholas H., Chesapeake, VA

  • We would like to thank your company for an excellent job. We are very pleased with the new (Mitsubishi ductless mini split) system that was installed last week. It works wonderfully at heating our home.

    Danny and Teresa S., Chesapeake, VA

  • Not one single idea for improvement. Keep doing what you do. OUTSTANDING!

    Charles J., Norfolk, VA

  • Great job!...World class employees!

    Colleen & Jim C., Suffolk, VA

  • Everything went great! This is the second big project we've had done through Russell's and we couldn't be more happy! We had the most dedicated, polite, and respectful crew! The team consisted of Elliot, Chase and Sean. Sean was here for the removal process on day one, and did awesome!

    J. Luhan, VA Beach

  • Hi Nate, please pass along our appreciation for you, Elliot and Steve. We are very happy with you being able to arrange our ( Lennox ) replacement system so quickly!

    T. Johnson, VA Beach

  • Thank you for running a top notch company and sending over to us two excellent folks Terry and Shawn. They did an awesome job putting in our new furnace system. Also thank you for Donald and Nate who did a superb job as well. Please reward these guys with some sort of commendations or rewards....

  • ...folks need to know how wonderful working with Russell's Heating & Air Conditioning is. They were very professional all the way thru the process of getting our unit installed down to the payment plan. I have been telling our neighbors and my co-workers about the experience.

    Pamela F., Chesapeake, VA

  • Every moment from the time an appointment was set up until the day the work was completed was a pleasure. Every employee was a delight to work with. The proof that the product was great came when the electric bills started coming in the airconditioning season.

    Douglas P., VA Beach

  • I am extremely satisfied with both the Lennox unit I purchased and the employees of Russell's. Even with poor window and door quality in this overly tired house, I am actually cooled off sufficiently enough to call it chilly.

    Robin W., Chesapeake, VA

  • Over the years I have gained the utmost trust in my service technician Corey Lesko's knowledge and work ethic while servicing my system.

  • I am writing this letter to commend your company on a great job! We were very pleased with how the company performed in every area...the installers did an impeccable job. They were very knowledgeable, efficient, and hard workers—staying focused to the task in the extreme heat.

    Pastor Larry E. O'Brien, Churchland Assembly of God

  • A year ago, I contracted with Russell's to tune up and clean the heating and cooling system. How impressively your specialist cleaned my system...he also found a defective automatic (programmable) thermostat. Quite quickly, he replaced my automatic thermostat. The results?

    R. Snider, Norfolk, VA

  • You recently installed a new Trane unit for us. We want you to know we are completely satisfied. The outside unit is now a hum versus the roar of the old one...we also want to recognize the installer...we cannot overstate what we think of his workmanship.

    K. Hawkins, Portsmouth, VA

  • Great and prompt service – as usual. Everything from ordering the a/c unit to installation went smoothly. Thanks for everything.

    B. Fenstermaker, VA Beach

  • Everyone was very nice. I felt well informed about my purchase. Your staff is great! I don't usually return opinion forms, but you need to know you have a staff you can be proud of!

    V. Horn, Chesapeake, VA

  • You have a new customer for life and I will definitely tell all my friends about your prompt, courteous service, your knowledgeable technicians, and your very reasonable prices. Thank you very much Russell's. You warmed much more than just my heart!

    G. Knoop, Chesapeake, VA

  • Your company was very responsive to my needs. The quality of your work was extremely high.

    Ms. Bright, Chesapeake, VA

  • Your workers actually made this total replacement project an enjoyable learning experience...they were always willing to stop and answer any questions. Their pleasant and cooperative attitudes cannot be praised enough!

    J. Wellons, Portsmouth, VA

  • Very pleased with both the price and service. The installation went off without a hitch and everything exceeded our expectations. When finished, the work areas, including the attic, were so clean you couldn't tell anything had been done.

    T. Marsh, VA Beach

  • Great expertise and timely service.

    H. Turbeville, Chesapeake, VA