How to Deal With Heat Pump When Temperatures Are Low

When heat pump quit working efficiently, many Atlanta homeowners turn to their backup heating systems for warmth. A backup heating system is another type of heating system that is installed to be used during periods where heat pumps do not offer optimal energy efficiency.

Investing in a backup heating system is a smart idea for Atlanta homeowners who don’t want to risk high electricity bills due to heat pumps that struggle amidst the cold. There are a few different system options available, including:

• Electric resistance heating can be added to your home through the installation of heat strips within your HVAC system. The heat strips take over heating once heat pumps stop performing efficiently in cold weather. They aren’t the most energy-efficient option, but they are more efficient than heat pumps at low temperatures. If you don’t have access to natural gas energy at your home, this may be the right backup heating option for you.

 Reasons Your Heat Pump Isn’t Keeping Up

Undersized Heat Pump Systems

An undersized system is not large enough to provide optimum comfort in your home. The unit may never shut off causing your electric power bill to soar. A properly sized heat pump also helps control humidity, even in the wintertime. A consistent humidity level inside the home prevents condensation on windows. Excessive condensation on windows can result in mold issues.

A load calculation will measure the heat gain and loss of a structure. A professional HVAC installer will measure the heat gain and loss of your home by doing a load calculation.

Roofing materials, windows, doors, insulation, appliances, and other heat sources will be considered when determining the proper size unit for your specific needs.

Frozen Outdoor Heat Pump Unit

If it isn’t working well, check to see if the outdoor unit is frozen over. If the temperature is too low, ice may have gathered on the device. This obstructs airflow and prevents heat absorption.

Usually, heat pumps have defrosters which help alleviate this problem. If the defrosters are active, this should be enough to fix the problem. If the ice does not melt after this, call a professional to take a look at it.

Not Enough Heat Pump Refrigerant

Insufficient refrigerant means that the heat pump can’t absorb heat very well. You will need to get in touch with a local HVAC technician for repairs to fix the leak. You will also need to recharge the refrigerant levels in the unit.

Be sure to let the technician know what kind of heat pump unit you have. You want the technician to deliver the right one.