With a professional installation and routine maintenance geothermal heat pump systems are a great, efficient way to heat and cool your home. Like any other home comfort system, though, maintenance does not eliminate the need for the occasional repair. While maintenance can help to keep the need for repair service infrequent, minimally invasive and affordable, the fact of the matter is that your geothermal system will probably require some level of repair service during its lifespan. If you operate a geothermal heat pump system in Gaithersburg, it’s best to understand some of the more common repairs that geothermal heat pumps need.
- Poor Installation – It is important that your heat pump is installed by qualified, professional technicians. If you have a new heat pump that is underperforming and cannot provide adequate heat the problem is not necessarily with the pump itself. The buried loop system may have been poorly designed and/or installed, causing the heat pump to function less effectively and efficiently than it should. A slinky installation, for instance, where the pipes are coiled to save space, can potentially absorb too much heat from too small an area. This makes it hard for the ground temperature to recover and forces your heating system to rely more heavily on an electrical backup, reducing efficiency. Make sure your installation is done right the first time.
- Poor Air Flow – Like any forced air system, a geothermal heat pump using ductwork can suffer from poor air flow or distribution. There are a few potential causes for this problem ranging in seriousness. If you notice decreased airflow from your geothermal system check your air filters before taking any further action. If dirt and debris has collected on the filter to the point that air is encountering too much resistance to pass through simply replacing the filters may be all that is necessary to resolve the problem. If your filters are fine or if the problem remains after replacing the filters, call a professional technician. You may have faulty or damaged ductwork. Air leaks are a big problem with ductwork, and a professional duct repair technician can fix the issue and improve the efficiency and airflow of your system.
- Breaker Trips During Operation – Tripping a circuit breaker here and there does not necessarily mean there is a problem with your heat pump or electrical system, but if it happens with any regularity you should consult a professional technician. There are a number of possible causes for this problem, from bad wiring to faulty connectors or even a compromised capacitor. Whatever the issue it is important that any maintenance and repairs on the geothermal system itself or your home electrical system are handled by professionals.
These are just a few examples of potential problems you may experience with your geothermal heat pump system. If you have a problem that we have not addressed or have any further questions about the geothermal system in your Gaithersburg home feel free to contact the professionals at Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating at 301-670-0034. We’re always happy to help.