Top Heat Pump Issues
We See Most Often in Nova Scotia – And How We Fix Them
As heat pumps continue growing in popularity through Nova Scotia, they have become one of the most efficient and cost-effective ways to heat and cool your home. Many homeowners are now switching to heat pumps for their reliability, sustainability and ability to operate in all seasons in our unpredictable Atlantic Canada climate. But just like any other home comfort system, heat pumps can experience problems as well. At Clim A.G, we have serviced thousands of units in Bedford and Halifax Counties and have found a few issues that are common, regardless of whether it’s a premature repair issue, a preventative maintenance issue or an installation one, we get them all and we can fix it fast.
Common Heat Pump Issues
In this blog, we will provide you with an overview of heat pump problems in Nova Scotia, particularly Halifax and Bedford and explain how we resolve heat pump problems to keep your system running year-round by expert services.
Poor Airflow or Weak Heating / Cooling
The Problem
This is one of the most frequent customer complaints we receive from Halifax and Bedford homeowners — “my heat pump hardly blows any warm (or cool) air.” Some possible causes are a dirty air filter, dirty ductwork (for ducted systems) or indoor fan motors that are failing.
Why It Happens
- Disregarding regular maintenance services
- Dust and debris from construction or sea breeze
- Blocked outdoor units due to snow in the winter or leaves in the summer
Our Fix
We start with a complete system test with outdoor units. In most cases, our services include replacing a dirty filter and a thorough clean on the indoor and outdoor units will provide adequate airflow again. If this doesn’t work, then a new blower motor may be needed or the blockage in the ducts may need to be removed.
Frozen Outdoor Units in Winter
The Problem
Winters in Nova Scotia are nothing short of brutal and Halifax and Bedford are no different. We get a lot of calls about outdoor units freezing solid, which completely shuts the heat pump system down.
Why It Happens
- Poorly programmed defrost cycle
- Drainage problems from incorrectly sloped install
- Too much snow and ice build up from roof runoff
Our Fix
We check the unit for defrost sensor failure and improper drainage. If the heat pump is not installed with the proper slope or clearance, we can recommend relocating it. We also offer seasonal maintenance to help homeowners, to avoid getting freeze ups before they happen.
Improper Installation
The Problem
The issue of improper installations is one of the biggest challenges we encounter, particularly from companies lacking knowledge of Nova Scotia’s climate or building type.
Common Mistakes
- Units that are undersized or oversized.
- Incorrect routing of refrigerant lines.
- Insufficient wall insulation for indoor units.
- Outdoor units not protected from the weather.
Our Fix
We conduct protection audits for installations, especially for homeowners suspecting improper installations. When applicable, we recalibrate or reinstall HVAC systems with an energy efficiency and longevity perspective, according to manufacturer’s specifications and Nova Scotia building codes.
Refrigerant Leaks
The Problem
In addition, low refrigerant can lead to subpar heating/cooling performance, unusual hissing noises or ice buildup on coils.
Why It Happens
- Damage from vibration resulting from extreme coastal storms.
- Improper flare connections.
- Exposed copper pipes (which is common for coastal locations in Halifax and Bedford).
Our Fix
Our HVAC contractors in Nova Scotia utilize electronic leak detection units to identify the exact location of leaks. Once we identify the leak, we repair the section or if needed replace it entirely and we recharge the unit to manufacture specific levels of refrigerant. We also look for rusting to prevent future anxieties.
Water Leaks from Indoor Units
The Problem
Customers typically contact us because of water leaks coming from the indoor section of their heat pump or to report wall staining in the same area.
Why It Happens
- A blocked or disconnected condensate drain line.
- An indoor unit installed out of level
- Drain pan mold or algae buildup
Our Fix
We check the condensate drain line to be sure it is connected and sloped properly for gravity drainage. We use anti-microbial products to eliminate the growth of mold and algae. In serious cases the only solution may be to reinstall the indoor unit in a proper alignment.
Unusual Noises
The Problem
Heat pumps are generally quiet but if you hear a rattling, grinding or buzzing sound, it could indicate a problem.
Causes
- Loose fan blade
- Loose debris in the outdoor unit
- Electrical issues or capacitor failure
- Ice formation, inhibiting the fan from rotating
Our Fix
We investigate both the indoor and outdoor units to determine the source of the noise. Mechanical repair services and adjusting loose or damaged fan blades are not uncommon, but ultimately we check for malfunctioning electronic components and problematic operations, especially when we are dealing with older systems.
The Problem
If you notice your heat pump frequently cycling on and off or seems to never turn off, it’s a serious red flag and a blow to your energy bill.
Causes
- Dirty coils or filters
- Faulty thermostats
- Not properly sized for the house (too small or too large)
- Poor insulation in older Halifax and Bedford homes
Our Fix
One of the first things we do, once we have a complete diagnosis, is clean the system and check the thermostat. Sometimes we even do a heat load calculation to determine if your system is sized appropriately for your home. If not, then we will make suggestions to upgrade.
Thermostat and Control Issues
The Problem
Many homeowners in Bedford and Halifax replace their heat pump but keep the older or incompatible thermostat, which can lead to irregular cycling, erratic behaviour or really poor performance.
Our Fix
We always recommend smart thermostats specifically made for heat pump systems, including the dual-stage or cold climate smart thermostats. We ensure a proper program and installation of the thermostat for the best comfort and energy efficiency.
Pro Tip — Preventative Maintenance Is Key
Consistent maintenance can eliminate nearly all heat pump problems. That’s why we offer seasonal tune-ups in Bedford and Halifax counties, which consist of:
- Coil cleaning
- Filter replacement
- Electrical review
- Refrigerant level check
- Drainage system cleaning
- Defrost cycle testing.
Regular maintenance can substantially increase the life of your heat pump, plus save you hundreds or thousands of dollars in future repair costs.
Final Thoughts
Heat pumps are a great investment for homeowners in Nova Scotia especially when the system is installed, maintained and repaired correctly. If you are in Bedford or Halifax and are dealing with any of the issues outlined above, you shouldn’t wait for the system to completely break down. Have peace of mind with local expert & affordable HVAC services Nova Scotia you can trust. Contact Clim A.G. today to schedule a diagnostic, a maintenance visit or consultation for installation.