Heat Pump Repair, Installation, and Maintenance
Full Nelson repairs, installs, and maintains heat pump systems that provide both heating and cooling from a single outdoor unit. Heat pumps are an efficient alternative to running separate furnace and air conditioning systems.
How Heat Pumps Work
A heat pump moves heat rather than generating it. In cooling mode, it works exactly like a central air conditioner, extracting heat from indoor air and releasing it outside. In heating mode, the system reverses the refrigerant cycle and extracts heat from outdoor air, transferring it inside. Even in cold outdoor temperatures, there is heat energy in the air that a heat pump can capture.
Heat pumps use the same refrigerant cycle as an air conditioner. The difference is a reversing valve that changes the direction of refrigerant flow, allowing the system to switch between heating and cooling modes.
Types of Heat Pumps
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Air-Source Heat Pumps
Air-source heat pumps are the most common residential type. They transfer heat between the indoor air and outdoor air using an outdoor condenser unit and an indoor air handler or coil. Air-source heat pumps work efficiently in moderate climates. In extreme cold, supplemental heat from electric resistance strips or a gas furnace may be needed. Dual-fuel systems pair a heat pump with a gas furnace, switching to gas heat when outdoor temperatures drop below the heat pump’s efficient operating range.
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Dual-Fuel Systems
A dual-fuel system combines a heat pump with a gas furnace. The heat pump handles heating when outdoor temperatures are moderate, operating at higher efficiency than the furnace. When temperatures drop below a set balance point, typically around 30 to 35 degrees, the system automatically switches to the gas furnace for more effective heating. This combination provides the efficiency of a heat pump in mild weather and the reliable heating output of a furnace during cold snaps.
Heat Pump Repair
Heat pumps share many components with air conditioners but include additional parts specific to the heating function. Common heat pump problems include:
Refrigerant leaks
Reduce both heating and cooling capacity. The system runs longer and struggles to reach the set temperature.
Reversing valve failure
The reversing valve switches the system between heating and cooling modes. When it sticks or fails, the heat pump may only work in one mode.
Defrost cycle problems
In heating mode, moisture from outdoor air can freeze on the outdoor coil. The defrost cycle periodically reverses the system to melt ice accumulation. A faulty defrost board, timer, or sensor can allow heavy ice buildup that blocks airflow and reduces heating output.
Compressor failure
The compressor circulates refrigerant through the system. Electrical failures, refrigerant issues, or age-related wear can cause the compressor to fail.
Auxiliary heat malfunction
When outdoor temperatures are too low for the heat pump to keep up, auxiliary heat strips activate. If these strips fail, the home may not reach the set temperature during cold weather.
Thermostat misconfiguration
Heat pump thermostats operate differently than standard furnace thermostats. Incorrect settings can cause the system to run auxiliary heat unnecessarily, increasing energy costs.
Full Nelson diagnoses heat pump problems and completes repairs on all major brands.
Heat Pump Installation
Full Nelson installs air-source heat pumps and dual-fuel systems. Installation involves sizing the heat pump to the home’s heating and cooling load, placing the outdoor unit, connecting refrigerant lines, installing or modifying the indoor air handler, and configuring the thermostat for heat pump operation.
Heat pump installation considerations include:
- Correct sizing based on both heating and cooling load calculations
- Outdoor unit placement for adequate airflow and drainage away from the unit.
- Refrigerant line sizing and insulation
- Thermostat compatibility with heat pump staging and auxiliary heat control
- Electrical service requirements, which may differ from a standard air conditioner
Heat Pump Maintenance
Heat pump maintenance tasks include:
- Checking refrigerant levels and testing for leaks
- Inspecting and cleaning the outdoor coil
- Testing the reversing valve operation
- Verifying defrost cycle function
- Checking auxiliary heat strip operation
- Inspecting electrical connections and capacitors
- Testing thermostat staging and switchover points
- Inspecting and replacing the air filter
Why Full Nelson
- Family, Women, and Veteran owned since 2003
- Licensed, insured HVAC technicians
- Air-source and dual-fuel heat pump installation
- All major heat pump brands serviced
- Up-front pricing before work begins
- 24/7 emergency service
- Total Home Care Club members receive annual heat pump checkups