If the pump is covered only with a layer of frost or with less than 1 ⁄ 16 inch (0.16 cm) of ice, it can defrost itself. In northern climates or during periods of extreme cold, the coils on the heat pump can freeze. Heat pump problems can be frustrating (and expensive). This article is for troubleshooting heat pumps only. Couldn't ask for a more professional, Courtious and responsive company. Some people will tell you that setting low nighttime temperatures if you have a heat pump will waste energy. Answer to Can a heat pump switch from heating to cooling and from cooling to heating automatically?. At this point, the heat pump has difficulty extracting enough heat from outside to keep up with the thermostat setting. Heat pumps don’t generate heat like a furnace. It's a Carrier heat pump. Because the backup heat source runs automatically, there’s no need to switch to emergency heat under normal operation. With chilly fall weather on its way, you're going to need warmer air inside your home to stay comfy and cozy. A heat pump pulls heat out of the outside air when it heats your home but can be reversed to pull heat out of your house and cool. Electric heat strip - This electric heat strip is auxiliary heating (or “aux heat” as it shows up on your thermostat). The information on this website is for informational purposes only; it is deemed accurate but not guaranteed. While a furnace is designed to generate only heat, a heat pump warms your home in winter and cools it during the summer months. Once it has stopped, shut it off completely and wait at least five minutes. It actually operates like an air conditioner in reverse. Heat pump suction line stays very cool in heat mode [ 0 Answers ] My two rheem split sytems are side by side outdoors. After you adjust the thermostat upward and flick the switch over to heat, you’ll hear the fan motor turn on and then the click of the ignition as the gas begins to flow. In addition to heat, cool, and off, there's a setting for emergency heat. If you’re not sure you have a heat pump, start with step 1. If it is, put in a fresh one. Contact us online or by phone at 215.607.6448 to schedule an appointment! Although there have been a lot of technological advances in the world of heating and cooling lately, including advanced energy efficiency and systems that you can control with your smartphone, your heat pump isn’t going to switch from heat to cool by itself. When it has to switch back into cooling mode, a reversing valve activates to help refrigerant flow in the opposite direction. Called Arctic Air and their friendly technician, Fred S., arrived within…”, ”Alex was very professional and very informative. Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site. This heating method works incredibly efficiently until the outdoor temperature reaches about 35 degrees. Then you can switch it back on in the new mode. Under optimal conditions, air-source heat pump systems can drop a home’s energy consumption by as much as 40 percent. Heat pumps are a common means of heating homes and apartments using electricity rather than natural gas. The 1.5 ton unit for my upstairs area seems to work OK, but the freon lines never get close to hot at the compressor or in the attic at the air handler. HVAC Technician: Mark Henley, Journeyman Technician replied 10 years ago. When the heat pump is in heating mode, refrigerant circulates through the inside and outside portions of your system, absorbing heat from the air outside and moving it indoors. Reset the breaker and then try the heat pump again. They came out same day within a couple of hours of calling. John the tech was very knowledgeable and explained the issue very clearly.”, ”I love working with Arctic Air. It does not constitute professional advice. Heat pumps provide an economical source of heat (the air, it’s free!) It draws heat in from the outdoors and moves it indoors, then does the reverse with cool air when it’s operating as an air conditioner for your home––removes the heat from indoors and moves it outside. This cycle repeats as needed to keep your home warm when the outdoor temperature dips below freezing. Switch your central system to "Circulate only" A central heat pump system has a circulation mode that will move the cool air from the basement to other warmer areas of the home. This energy is transferred to internal air that is passed through the heat pump and then blown back into the home. On 2016-10-14 by Anonymous. Your heat pump gladly complies. 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