You are starting to use your heater on a regular basis by now (or at least most of us are). We hope that you already got a tune-up for your heater before now. However, even with having maintenance done, there is a chance that your heat pump in Portland, OR is going to run into some issues.
If you are starting to notice some issues with your heat pump heater then it is a good idea to schedule service with our team. But how do you know that something is up with your system? Watch out for warning signs such as strange smells and other symptoms of trouble.
Why Your Heat Pump Smells Bad
A smelly heat pump is often a cause for concern. There is more than one odor that may become apparent when you start using your system. These can include:
- Burning dust: If your heat pump has a a dusty interior, then you may notice the smell of burning dust for a few minutes when it first turns on. If the smell doesn’t fade, however, you may have a bigger issue that requires professional repairs to resolve.
- Burning electrical components: This acrid smell is often a highly concerning one. You may have frayed wires or burning electrical connections that need fixing.
- The sweet smell of refrigerant: Refrigerant has a somewhat sickly sweet scent. If you notice this smell when you are running your heat pump, it may be an indicator of a refrigerant leak.
- The musty smell of mold: You turn on your heat pump and suddenly start to smell mold throughout the house. The source may be coming from leftover moisture and debris in your heat pump condensate pan or on the coil itself.
What Are the Other Signs of a Heat Pump in Trouble?
Maybe it isn’t a smell that is catching your attention but another concerning indicator. Be alert for other warning signs of trouble from your heat pump such as:
- Scary sounds: Rattling, clanging, hissing, or screeching are all cause for concern and a call to a professional technician.
- High electrical bills: How have your energy bills been lately? When you compare the past couple of months to each other, have you seen large increases in the cost to keep the home comfortable? If so, it may mean your heat pump needs repairs.
- Low heating: How well is your heat pump performing lately? If you have it in heating mode and it can’t seem to get the job done, then it is worth getting the system checked.
- Short cycling: Lastly, you’ll want to make sure to have a technician check out your heat pump if it is short cycling. This refers to when the system only runs for a few short minutes before shutting off. It is very hard on the system and can wear it out faster.
Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment! We will take care of you from there! Schedule your heat pump services with The Clean Air Act today.
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