Geothermal systems have the unique ability to heat and cool your home using heat from the earth. This is a very efficient system that is ideal for homeowners in the Mooresville, NC area. As with any piece of equipment in your home, a geothermal system can experience problems. Let’s look at common issues that occur with geothermal systems and what can be done to rectify the problem.
Lack of Warm or Cool Air
If you have air coming out of your vents but it doesn’t feel warm or cool enough, there are several issues that might be occurring. There is a reversing valve in your geothermal system that changes your system from heating to cooling and back again. If this valve is malfunctioning, there may not be an appropriate switch between modes. Thermostat problems can cause similar issues. Make sure your thermostat is set to the proper heating or cooling mode. Our team can inspect your system to see if the reversing valve is causing a problem.
There may be a refrigerant leak in your system. We can diagnose a leak but also repair the leak and refill any refrigerant that has been lost. We advise against working on a leak yourself. Refrigerant is a hazardous material that requires professional knowledge.
A clogged filter may also be to blame. This causes restricted airflow, which decreases efficiency. You’ll want to replace your filter every 30 to 90 days, depending on how dirty it is and the recommendation from the manufacturer.
Odd Sounds
A geothermal heat pump can cause abnormal sounds during runtime if something is wrong. This might include bubbling, hissing, and gurgling. You may have air bubbles trapped in your pipes. We can bleed your system to remove this air and eliminate these sounds.
There may also be loose connections or parts that are causing rattles or banging sounds. If you notice any loud grinding or squealing sounds, this could be the result of a damaged or broken fan motor. We may need to replace the motor or fan blades.
Energy Bill Spikes
It’s a good idea to pay close attention to your monthly energy consumption. If you notice an unusual spike in usage that is driving up your bill, there may be something wrong with your geothermal system.
It’s also a possibility that you have your thermostat installed in an inappropriate location. If you have it situated on an exterior wall, this can result in a reading that is colder than the rest of your home. This will lead to your system turning on to compensate.
You may also have the wrong size of heat pump installed. If it’s having trouble keeping up with temperature demands, this can cause your equipment to run more than it should. Also, this can mean strain on your system that results in system inefficiency.
Issues With Leaks
Leaks can occur in several locations in your geothermal system. This includes your condensate line, which normally moves water away from your system. It can become clogged with mineral deposits and sediment. This will lead to water pooling around your drain.
If any connections or components are incorrectly installed, moisture may leak out. Repairs can usually be made, unless we need to completely replace the part because of irreversible damage.
System Doesn’t Turn On
If you try to turn on your heating or cooling system and nothing happens, check to see if your heat pump has a functioning power supply. You can do this by inspecting the circuit breaker that is connected to your system to see if anything has been tripped. Resetting the tripped breaker should fix the problem. If it trips again, reach out to our team for assistance.
Your thermostat may not be sending the correct signals to your system. You may simply need to change the battery in your thermostat. There could be more involved issues to address, however, like broken wires on the thermostat end of or in your heat pump.
If you need professional assistance with your geothermal system, reach out to the team here at Putnam Mechanical. We also offer heating services and air conditioning solutions including maintenance, repairs, and equipment installation. Our electrical services include inspections, installing outlets, whole-home wiring, and more. We’re proud to provide commercial services in the Mooresville area as well. Contact our team today to schedule an appointment.
