What Happens When Your Heat Pump Loses Refrigerant?

Refrigerant is a common topic when discussing HVAC needs around a home, and this is true whether you’re using a traditional AC unit or a heat pump for your cooling and heating needs. Narrowing in on heat pumps in particular, what happens if you have a heat pump refrigerant leak that causes the component to lose refrigerant?

At Thompson’s Comfort Connection, we offer a wide range of heat pump repair services for clients around Draper, Midvale, Sandy, Riverton, Cottonwood Heights, and nearby areas, including help with refrigerant issues. Here are some basics on the role refrigerant plays in a heat pump system, some signs of a heat pump refrigerant leak, and the risks these cause to your system.

Why Refrigerant is Vital for Heat Pumps

Refrigerant is a central part of the heat transfer process for a heat pump system. It is a chemical compound that absorbs heat from one area and transfers it to another.

In the case of a heat pump, the refrigerant absorbs heat from outside air and carries it indoors to keep your home warm during the colder months. During the summer, the process reverses and removes heat from inside your home, keeping it cool.

Signs of a Heat Pump Refrigerant Leak

If your heat pump has insufficient or leaking refrigerant, there are several signs you may notice:

• Reduced cooling or heating power: When there isn’t enough refrigerant in the system, it can’t effectively transfer heat. This leads to reduced heating or cooling performance and uneven temperatures throughout your home.
• Icing: If you notice ice buildup on the heat pump coils, it could be a sign of low refrigerant levels. This occurs because the system is unable to absorb enough heat from outside and causes the moisture in the air to freeze on the coils.
• Hissing or bubbling noises: A refrigerant leak can also produce hissing or bubbling noises as the gas escapes from the system. These sounds may be more noticeable when your heat pump is running.
• Higher energy bills: When your heat pump isn’t working efficiently due to low refrigerant levels, it has to work harder and longer to maintain desired temperatures. As a result, you may see an increase in your energy bills.

Risks of Heat Pump Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant leaks in your heat pump lead to several risks to the system:

• Compressor damage: The compressor is responsible for compressing the refrigerant and circulating it through the system. When there’s a low level of refrigerant, the compressor can overheat and become damaged, leading to expensive repairs or even replacement.
• Reduced efficiency: As mentioned earlier, low refrigerant levels cause your heat pump to work harder and longer, reducing its efficiency.
• System breakdown: If left untreated, a refrigerant leak can eventually lead to a complete breakdown of your heat pump. This could leave you without heating or cooling until repairs are made.
• Higher bills: Low refrigerant levels lead to reduced efficiency and higher energy bills. In addition, if your heat pump is leaking refrigerant, it may be working harder and consuming more energy than necessary.

Why Only Certified Technicians Should Handle Refrigerant Issues

If you believe your heat pump is dealing with a refrigerant leak, it’s important to call a certified HVAC technician right away. Handling refrigerant is not only dangerous for anyone without proper training and equipment, but it also requires certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This is because refrigerants are harmful to both humans and the environment if not handled correctly.

Only trained technicians have the knowledge and experience to properly diagnose and fix refrigerant leaks in your heat pump. They will also ensure that all safety procedures are followed during the repair process.

In addition, certified technicians have access to specialized tools and equipment that are necessary for handling and disposing of refrigerants safely. This includes recovery machines, vacuum pumps, and leak detection devices. Attempting to handle these hazardous substances without proper training and equipment can result in serious injury or environmental damage, and may also void your heat pump’s warranty.

At Thompson’s Comfort Connection, we know how important it is for our clients in the Sandy, Midvale, Draper, Cottonwood Heights, and Riverton areas to have a properly functioning heat pump throughout the year. If you’re worried your heat pump is dealing with refrigerant loss, we offer professional and reliable leak detection services to ensure your system is running efficiently and safely. Contact us today to learn more or get started with our team!