4 Signs Your Heat Pump Compressor Is Malfunctioning

Without a properly functioning compressor, your heat pump won’t keep you comfortable in your Dacula, GA, home. Consider these four signs that your heat pump compressor may be malfunctioning:

Ineffective Heating or Cooling

One of the easiest things to recognize with a malfunctioning compressor is your home’s temperature never being comfortable or consistent throughout. When the compressor malfunctions, it fails to build the pressure needed at the high-pressure side of the system.

Insufficient pressure prevents the system from expelling heat from the refrigerant properly, reducing heating and cooling effectiveness. A service technician will check the system’s refrigerant pressure during routine heat pump maintenance to catch compressor issues early.

Tripping Circuit Breaker

You may notice a tripped circuit breaker after unusual circumstances, like a power surge or power restoration after an outage. However, this shouldn’t happen frequently.

A repeatedly tripping breaker indicates too much electrical draw from the system. The compressor creates the largest draw under normal circumstances. When there’s an issue, it may draw additional power as it strains, causing the unit to trip the breaker.

Loud Compressor Sounds

The only sound your outside compressor unit should emit under normal conditions is the whirring of the outside fan. However, a malfunctioning compressor may make additional sounds that suggest a problem.

Rattling may indicate that something inside the compressor has broken and started bouncing around. Growling may mean that the compressor isn’t drawing enough refrigerant. Screeching may indicate issues with the motor in the compressor.

Failing to Activate

If you don’t pay attention to subtle issues early on, you may find your heat pump won’t start. Have a qualified service technician investigate to find the issue if you’ve already checked the circuit breaker and air filter.

If you suspect you have a malfunctioning heat pump compressor, don’t wait to resolve it. Schedule heat pump repair service with one of our NATE-certified service technicians at Ful-Bro Heating and Air Conditioning Inc.

Image provided by iStock