Understanding Your Heat Pump’s Cold Weather Performance
A heat pump works by moving heat, not by creating it. As the outdoor temperature drops, there is less available heat in the air for the system to absorb and transfer into your home, causing its efficiency to decrease.
Your heat pump is a two-way air conditioner. In the summer, it pulls heat from inside your home and moves it outside. In the winter, it reverses the process, extracting heat from the outdoor air and transferring it indoors to warm your living space. This process is very efficient in mild conditions.
When you reach out to a professional for service, you need someone who understands the specific mechanics of these systems. At Precision Heating & Cooling, we have been working on heat pumps in West Michigan homes since 1994. If you are experiencing issues, our Heat Pump Repair service can diagnose the problem and explain your options.
How Heat Pumps Work
The outdoor unit of your heat pump contains a coil and a fan. The coil is filled with refrigerant, a substance that absorbs and releases heat as it changes between liquid and gas. Even when it feels cold outside, the air contains some heat energy, which the refrigerant absorbs.
The refrigerant then travels to the indoor unit, where it releases that heat into your home’s air handler. A fan blows air across the indoor coil, distributing the warmth through your ductwork. The now-cool refrigerant cycles back outside to repeat the process.
This cycle of heat transfer is what makes a heat pump different from a furnace, which generates heat by burning fuel. The efficiency of a heat pump is measured by how much heat it can move for every unit of electricity it consumes.
The Importance of the Reversing Valve
A key component in your heat pump is the reversing valve. This part controls the direction of the refrigerant flow. By changing the flow, it switches the system’s function from heating to cooling, allowing you to use the same equipment for year-round comfort.
A stuck or failing reversing valve is a common repair issue. You might notice this if your system is stuck in one mode, blowing cold air in the winter or warm air in the summer. A technician can test the valve and its solenoid to determine if it needs to be replaced.
The Role of Auxiliary and Emergency Heat
Because a heat pump’s performance declines in very cold temperatures, nearly all systems include a secondary heat source. This backup system ensures your home stays warm when the heat pump alone cannot keep up with the heating demand. Understanding how it works can help you manage your energy costs.
Proper function is key to balancing comfort and efficiency.
What Auxiliary Heat Does
Your system’s auxiliary heat, often called "aux heat," is typically a set of electric resistance heating coils inside your indoor air handler. These coils work like the elements in a toaster, glowing hot to warm the air passing over them. Your thermostat automatically turns on the auxiliary heat to supplement the heat pump when it struggles to reach your set temperature.
While effective, auxiliary heat uses significantly more electricity than the heat pump operating on its own. If you notice your aux heat running frequently, it could be a sign that your heat pump is low on refrigerant, has a dirty filter restricting airflow, or is experiencing another issue.
When Emergency Heat Is Used
The "emergency heat" setting on your thermostat manually activates the electric heat strips and turns off the outdoor heat pump unit. This setting is not for regular use. You should only switch to emergency heat if your outdoor unit has failed completely, such as due to a broken fan motor or compressor failure.
Running on emergency heat for an extended period will lead to a very high electric bill. It is a temporary solution to keep your house from freezing while you wait for a professional repair. If you have to use this setting, you should contact a service provider.
Common Signs Your Heat Pump Needs Service
Your heat pump will often show signs of a problem before it stops working completely. Paying attention to changes in its operation can help you address issues before they become more serious and costly. Some problems can be solved with simple maintenance, while others require professional diagnosis.
Here are several common indicators that your system needs attention:
- Your system runs constantly but the house never feels warm enough.
- You notice a sudden and significant increase in your electricity bills.
- The outdoor unit is making unusual grinding, squealing, or rattling noises.
- The air coming from your vents feels cool or lukewarm when the system is in heat mode.
- You see a large amount of ice built up on the outdoor unit’s coils that doesn’t go away during a defrost cycle.
What to Expect From Professional Maintenance
Regular maintenance is the best way to keep your heat pump running reliably and efficiently. Our maintenance plan includes two visits per year to service your equipment. We offer this plan for $89 per year for one unit or $179 for a home with both an air conditioner and a furnace.
During a maintenance visit, a technician performs a comprehensive inspection and tune-up. We check refrigerant pressures to ensure they are at the manufacturer’s specifications. We also clean the indoor and outdoor coils to improve heat transfer and inspect all electrical components for safety and proper function.
Our plan members receive priority service and a 10% discount on any necessary repairs. We also offer a 10% discount on service calls and accessories for seniors 65 and older. As a locally owned business in Comstock Park, we believe in providing honest service to our neighbors throughout Kent County.
Considering a Heat Pump Replacement
While many issues can be repaired, there comes a time when replacing an older heat pump is the more practical choice. Most heat pumps have a service life of 10 to 15 years. As a unit ages, it becomes less efficient and more prone to breakdowns.
If your system requires frequent and expensive repairs, or if a major component like the compressor fails, the cost of the repair may be better put toward a new, more efficient system. We provide honest pricing and no-pressure options for new equipment. Most products include a 10-year parts warranty and a 1-year labor warranty.
Scott Johnson and our team at Precision Heating & Cooling can help you evaluate your options. We are a licensed Michigan Mechanical Contractor, #7111083. Financing for a new system may be available through Michigan Saves to help manage the investment.
Request Heat Pump Service in Comstock Park
Whether your heat pump is struggling to keep up, making strange noises, or has stopped working altogether, our team is here to help. Call (616) 784-2350.