Heat pumps are perhaps the most energy-efficient HVAC systems today. They move heat from one place to another, which means they use less energy compared to air conditioners or furnaces, which generate heated or cooled air.
A heat pump performs its task with the help of a refrigerant, which absorbs heat from your home and sends it outside. But if there’s a leak within the system, your heat pump will fail to do its job. In this article, we will give you clues to determine a heat pump that leaks refrigerant.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is your leading HVAC company in New Hope MN. We can help you detect refrigerant leaks, seal them off, and restore your comfort.
Overview
Heat pumps use refrigeration technology to cool indoor air by using a basic law of physics: When a liquid converts to a gas, it absorbs heat. Your heat pump uses this technique of conversion by forcing special compounds to evaporate and condense continuously in a closed system of coils.
A refrigerant has properties enabling it to change at relatively low temperatures. Your heat pump compresses the refrigerant, making it hot. Then, the hot gas moves through the coils and turns into a liquid. At that point, it absorbs the heat from the outside air and pushes cold air into your home.
Contrary to myth, heat pumps do not consume refrigerant, so there’s no need to fill it up regularly. Instead of consuming refrigerant, your heat pump cycles the same refrigerant between your indoor and outdoor units. When your system is properly maintained, it will always have the same level of refrigerant. For this reason, you should be doubtful about any contractor who suggests refilling your system with refrigerant without detecting and sealing leaks.
When a heat pump leaks refrigerant, it will show obvious warning signs, including:
Short Cycling
A heat pump leaking refrigerant often short cycles. It causes your system to work abnormally, resulting in frequent turning on and off. Your unit should follow a particular cycle to condition your indoor air. However, the bizarre operation is not part of the process. It means there is something wrong with the system, and a refrigerant leak can be one. When you notice abnormal cycles from your heat pump, call your preferred HVAC contractor right away.
Subpar Cooling
By this time, you should be aware that the refrigerant is responsible for absorbing heat from inside your home and moving it outside. If your system has an insufficient level of refrigerant, it will take much longer for your home to cool down since there is not enough refrigerant to take away the heat. Despite the hard work, your heat pump will still fail to deliver satisfactory results.
Overhumidification
Too much moisture in your home can be a sign of a refrigerant leak. This problem happens when your refrigerant cannot effectively assist in regulating your home’s humidity levels. Excessive moisture can result in condensation and many other issues, such as mold and mildew growth, which puts your family at risk of asthma and allergy problems. It can also lead to heatstroke, especially to those who have heart problems.
Frozen Coils
When there is not enough refrigerant in the system, the coils will not effectively absorb the heat. This issue will result in condensation on the coils to freeze. There are times when the frozen condensation will start to melt and drip on the floor.
You might think of scraping the ice as a solution, but it doesn’t fix the problem at all. A professional technician needs to inspect the unit, detect leaks, seal them off, and make sure the heat pump has the right refrigerant charge.
Do not neglect frozen evaporator coils because doing so could lead to a complete system failure and potentially cost you a considerable amount of money on repair or replacement.
Excessively High Energy Bills
A heat pump running with insufficient refrigerant charge tends to work harder to make you comfortable, but this extra load adds up to its operational costs. When you notice a significant increase in your energy costs without a corresponding increase in use, a refrigerant leak may be the culprit.
Ask Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning
Are you dealing with a heat pump that leaks refrigerant? Give us a call and we’ll restore your system in no time. We are your reliable Brooklyn Center heating and air conditioning company.