Heat Pump Failure - How to Deal with Technical Problems?

Heat pumps have become a popular solution for many households in Poland, offering efficient heating and cooling in one device. However, like any device, they can encounter some technical issues. A heat pump failure can be stressful, especially during the heating season, but understanding the potential problems and their causes can help to quickly resolve the issue.

Most common causes of failure

Heat pump failures can be diverse and depend on many factors, such as the quality of installation, regularity of inspections or operating conditions. It often happens that heat pump failures are the result of neglected maintenance or improper installation.

Incorrect selection of heat pump power

If a heat pump is too small, it will run at full speed most of the time, trying to provide the right amount of heat or cooling. This can overload the system. On the other hand, a heat pump that is too large for the building can reach the desired temperature quickly, resulting in the unit turning on and off frequently. Frequent duty cycles can lead to excessive wear on the starting mechanisms. In addition, an inappropriately selected heat pump capacity can lead to improper operation of the refrigerant in the system. In extreme cases, this can result in the unit freezing or overheating. A heat pump that is operating at its limits is also more susceptible to various types of damage, such as motor overheating, compressor damage, or electronic problems. As a result, a heat pump with an incorrectly selected capacity can use more energy than necessary.

Outdoor unit location incorrect

Exposure to rain or snow can accelerate corrosion of metal parts, shortening the life of the unit. In colder conditions, especially with moisture from precipitation, there is a risk of the unit freezing, which disrupts the flow of refrigerant. If the outdoor unit is poorly positioned, it can restrict airflow, affecting its ability to exchange heat. Debris such as leaves or dust can block the vents, reducing the efficiency of the heat pump. Finally, placing the unit in a place that is vulnerable to damage increases the risk of failure.

Incorrect plumbing and electrical connections

Poorly made plumbing connections can lead to refrigerant or water leaks, which reduce heat pump efficiency and can lead to insufficient heating or cooling.The constant loss of refrigerant due to these leaks can damage the compressor, which is a key component of the heat pump. On the other hand, electrical connection errors can lead to problems such as short circuits, overloads, or other power problems that can damage the electronic components of the heat pump. Such damage not only can disable the unit, but it also poses a potential fire hazard. In addition, leaks in hydraulic connections can lead to water or other fluids leaking out, which can cause corrosion of internal and external heat pump components. Corrosion can weaken materials and lead to further mechanical damage. Faulty electrical connections can also affect the operation of heat pump sensors and controllers, which can lead to inefficient operation or complete failure of the device.

Filter dirt

Dirty filters restrict airflow, making your heat pump work harder. Prolonged stress on your unit can lead to premature wear and component failure. Additionally, when your heat pump works harder because of dirty filters, it uses more energy, which not only increases your energy bills. There is a risk of the coil freezing due to a dirty filter. The coil in your heat pump can freeze in the cold, damaging the compressor. Dirt in the system can lead to the growth of bacteria and mold. Regular filter cleaning is essential. The compressor in your heat pump is sensitive to airflow. Dirty filters can cause it to overheat.

Mechanical damage

Minor damage that may seem insignificant at first glance can lead to a gradual deterioration of the device’s performance over time. For example, a fan that has been slightly damaged may become less and less efficient over time, affecting the performance of the entire system and increasing energy consumption. Damage to one component, such as a bearing, can lead to excessive wear on other mechanical components, which in turn can lead to cascading failures in the system. For example, if the fan is damaged and does not cool the compressor adequately, this can lead to overheating of the compressor and, consequently, its failure.Another aspect of mechanical damage is time, which can lead to more serious problems that will require expensive repairs. In extreme cases, this may even mean the need to replace the entire device

Outdoor unit dirt

The outdoor unit is a key part of the system, responsible for exchanging heat with the environment. When it is contaminated with various types of dirt, such as leaves, branches or dust, its ability to effectively exchange heat is significantly reduced. As a result, the heat pump has to work harder to deliver the right amount of heat or cooling to the interior of the building.

How to deal with failures?

When a failure occurs, it is important not to panic. The first step should be to turn off the device and disconnect it from the power source. When a problem occurs, it is important not to try to solve the problem yourself. Heat pumps are complex devices that require specialist knowledge to repair. Then it is worth contacting a professional service. Experts are able to quickly diagnose the problem and propose an appropriate solution. In the event that the failure is serious and requires replacement of parts, it is worth paying attention to the manufacturer’s warranty. Many companies offer long-term warranties for their products, which can significantly reduce repair costs.

Failure prevention

Ultimately, the best way to avoid breakdowns is to regularly maintain and inspect your unit. It is also worth investing in high-quality heat pumps from renowned manufacturers such as Panasonic, NIBE, Daikin, Hisense or Buderus. Thanks to this, we can be sure that our device will work efficiently for many years.

Contact our service

Write how we can help you. We service heat pumps and gas boilers in Szczecin and the entire West Pomeranian Voivodeship.

Summary

Heat pumps are technologically advanced devices that offer many benefits to homeowners. However, like any device, they can break down. Understanding potential problems and their causes, as well as ensuring regular servicing, is key to ensuring the long-term and efficient operation of the device.