As summer quickly draws to a close, the warmer weather Bostonians have been enjoying for months is coming to an end. The infamous Massachusetts winter weather is on its way, and Boston homeowners need to make sure their heating systems are up for the job. To make sure you don’t get caught in the cold weather with an underperforming heating system, let’s take a look at some telltale signs that your heat pump requires servicing. You don’t want to overlook these issues!
Your system is making strange noises.
In contrast to noisy, centralized heating systems, heat pumps operate quietly when working optimally. If you do hear odd noises when your heat pump is running, there’s probably an underlying issue. Rattling, groaning, hissing, screeching, or any other abnormal sounds deserve attention from a reputable service provider. Even if these strange sounds are intermittent, Boston homeowners should still take them seriously. When it comes to your home’s comfort level, you can never be too careful!
It constantly switches on and off.
Heat pumps are designed to run intermittently, but in a very controlled fashion. When your system is constantly flipping on and off and back on again, you’re probably dealing with a heating issue. This process of switching on and off too often is known as short cycling in mini-split jargon. There are a number of heat pump issues that can cause a unit to short cycle which strains the energy efficiency of heat pumps, leading to higher utility bills and a decreased lifespan.
Your system is near the end of its lifespan.
Another telltale sign that your heat pump requires servicing is it’s age. Ductless systems last around 15 years so if your unit is nearing or past that marker, it might be experiencing some inefficiencies. There comes a point in any system’s lifetime where things simply stop working. It’s advisable to check the manufacturer’s lifetime of your unit and have a professional inspect your older unit for any issues. You’d hate to be stuck in the middle of a Boston winter with a dying heat pump.
It never reaches the set temperature.
If your heat pump is never able to get your home’s temperature up to your chosen setting, it’s a clear sign that something isn’t right. There are a number of potential culprits including the indoor handling unit, the outdoor compressor, or even the thermostat. Sometimes, there’s a disconnection between your thermostat and the heat pump, preventing your home from ever reaching the set temperature. Hiring an experienced mini-split expert like the New England Ductless team can make it easier to identify the problem and find a quick solution to get your systems running optimally again.
Your heating costs are unusually high.
Ductless heat pumps are an excellent way to save money on heating costs. So much so that a hike in your utility bills could signal an issue with your heating system. It’s normal for heating expenses to increase during the winter months, especially in Boston, since your system has to burn more energy to fight the biting weather. But if you notice an abnormal jump in your home’s heating costs, there might be a problem causing your system to run less efficiently.
The airflow is strong but the heat isn’t high.
If you’re noticing your system releasing strong airflow yet low heat, there might be an issue with the outdoor compressor or refrigerant lines. Unlike conventional units which convert heat, ductless systems transfer it using refrigerant. The wrong amount of refrigerant can end up limiting a heat pump’s output and efficiency. If you’re hearing airflow but not feeling the heat, it’s probably time to call in reinforcements to see if there might be a leak or other transfer problem. Make sure to get this issue solved before winter rolls around!
Interested in learning more about ductless HVAC systems or ready to make the switch? Feel free to contact the experts at New England Ductless to get started. We’ve already helped hundreds of Boston homeowners optimize their heating and cooling. We’d be honored to help you next!