Why is My Heat Pump Output Dropping?

Tuesday, August 2nd, 2016 at 11:00 am

If you're using a heat pump to stay cool this summer, you should be vigilant for any drops in output. Falling output indicates a serious problem with your heat pump, one that could result in a full system breakdown. There are a number of possible causes for dropping heat pump output. Let's take a look at some of the common factors that can cause this problem.

Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant is the core of most air conditioning systems. The heat pump recycles the refrigerant back and forth during operation in order to move heat from one place to the other. The refrigerant is not consumed during operation, and the amount of refrigerant a heat pump receives upon installation should be enough to last its entire lifespan. If a leak forms in the refrigerant line, it will drain the system of the fluid it needs to operate. This will cause a drop in output over time, eventually culminating in a full system breakdown. Call for repairs as soon as you notice fluid dripping from your heat pump.

Air Handler Issues

The air handler is the part of the heat pump that is responsible for circulating air throughout the house. It is essentially a large motor with a fan attached to it. In order to cope with the immense amount of strain placed on the system, the air handler is equipped with a number of oiled bearings that help it to run more smoothly. These bearings wear down over time, causing the friction on the air handler to increase. This will wear down the air handler, causing the system output to drop. If your output drop is accompanied by a loud grinding sound, it's probably your air handler. Have a professional examine your system if you hear this.

American Heating & Cooling offers comprehensive heat pump repair services throughout Whitesburg, KY.