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Family-Owned & Operated Since 2001

478-275-7600

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Not your area? Select your location here:
Location pin iconWe serve 7 locations!
Select your location to get started:

Family-Owned & Operated Since 2001

478-275-7600

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Understanding Heat Pump Parts: What Fails and Why

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We’re dedicated to helping our clients understand the workings of their heat pumps, which are becoming popular options for many homes. This education makes it much easier to know when it’s time to call for services like heat pump repair in Vidalia, GA

Today, we’ll take a closer look at the various parts of a heat pump, some of their common failures, and how our professional team can help with repairs that will restore your heat pump when it malfunctions.

The Basics Parts of a Heat Pump

A heat pump both heats and cools a home. Key components include the compressor, refrigerant coils, expansion valve, and reversing valve. Each part plays a vital role in the heat transfer process that keeps your home comfortable year-round.

1. Compressor

The compressor is the heart of the heat pump, responsible for circulating refrigerant between the indoor and outdoor units. It compresses the refrigerant, raising its temperature and pressure before sending it to the condenser coil or evaporator coil (depending on which mode the heat pump is in).

Common Failures

  • Overheating: Often caused by dirty coils, low refrigerant levels, or electrical issues.
  • Electrical failures: Worn-out capacitors, contactors, or motor windings.

Professional Solutions

We diagnose compressor issues using specialized tools to check electrical components and refrigerant levels. Repairs may involve cleaning coils, recharging refrigerant, or replacing faulty electrical parts.

2. Refrigerant Coils

The two coils work as evaporator and condenser coils, switching jobs depending on whether the heat pump is in heating or cooling mode. 

Common Failures

  • Dirt and debris: Blocked coils reduce efficiency and can cause the compressor to overheat.
  • Corrosion: Over time, exposure to the elements can corrode the coils, leading to refrigerant leaks.
  • Frozen coils: Caused by restricted airflow, low refrigerant levels, or a malfunctioning blower fan.
  • Leaks: Refrigerant leaks due to corrosion or physical damage.

Professional Solutions

Our technicians clean and inspect coils during routine maintenance to prevent dirt buildup. For corroded coils, we may recommend coil replacement to ensure optimal performance. We address frozen coils by checking and cleaning air filters, ensuring proper airflow, and recharging refrigerant if necessary. For leaks, our team uses leak detection tools to locate and repair the source or replace the evaporator coil if needed.

3. Expansion Valve

The expansion valve regulates the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator coil, allowing it to expand and cool before entering the coil.

Common Failures

  • Blockages: Dirt or debris can clog the valve, restricting refrigerant flow.
  • Malfunctioning valve: A faulty valve can disrupt the refrigerant cycle, reducing efficiency.

Professional Solutions

We inspect and clean the expansion valve during maintenance visits. If the valve is malfunctioning, we replace it to restore proper refrigerant flow.

4. Reversing Valve

The reversing valve changes the direction of refrigerant flow, enabling the heat pump to switch between heating and cooling modes.

Common Failures

  • Stuck valve: Often caused by electrical issues or physical damage.
  • Leaking valve: Can result in reduced heating or cooling efficiency.

Professional Solutions

We test the reversing valve for proper operation and check electrical connections. If the valve is stuck or leaking, we replace it to ensure reliable heating and cooling.

Contact Premier today to schedule a maintenance visit or repair service and keep your heat pump running smoothly. Your comfort is our priority!

Experience the Premier Difference! Premier Heating & Air has been family-owned and operated since 2001. 

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