Keeping Your Heat Pump Running Smoothly: Tips from HEP Company Technicians

Heating and Air Conditioning
Knoxville
Heating and Air Conditioning in Knoxville

A Case of a Fluctuating Heat Pump in Knoxville

When a homeowner in Knoxville noticed her downstairs heat pump cycling on and off unexpectedly, she reached out to HEP for a routine check-up on both her systems. Although the indoor units hummed along quietly, the outdoor units were acting erratically.

Our HEP technician performed a thorough preventive maintenance inspection and found the air handlers inside were in tip-top shape—coils were clean and motors ran smoothly. Moving outdoors, the technician discovered that the Carrier unit was running low on refrigerant, and the York heat pump wasn’t completing its defrost cycle due to a failed control board.

Solution Summary
With the homeowner’s approval, our team recharged the first system with the correct refrigerant and replaced the burned-out defrost board on the second. After verifying proper electrical connections and charge levels, both heat pumps resumed normal, efficient operation.

How We Fixed the Issue

1. Checking Refrigerant Levels
Low refrigerant can cause short cycling and reduced comfort. Our HEP technician measured the pressure on the outdoor unit and topped it up with about 2 pounds of R-410A to restore the cooling loop.

This spec label, found on the exterior of your unit, helps homeowners and technicians alike confirm model details and refrigerant type. Keeping it legible is a small detail that makes any service call run smoother.

2. Replacing the Defrost Control Board
A malfunctioning defrost board keeps the heat pump from shedding frost, leading to uneven heating and odd noises. Our technician swapped in a new board and tested the unit until the defrost cycle ran flawlessly.

A clean, properly seated coil means better heat transfer and lower energy bills. That’s what you want to see after a professional installation or service by HEP.

Tips for Homeowners

Schedule Annual Maintenance
Regular check-ups catch small issues—like low refrigerant or aging electronics—before they become major repairs. A PMI (Preventive Maintenance Inspection) in Knoxville typically includes:

Visual inspection of coils and filters
Refrigerant pressure check
Electrical connection testing
Confirmation of proper defrost cycles

Keeping coils clean and components free from dirt helps your system run efficiently year-round.

Watch for Early Warning Signs

Strange noises when the outdoor unit starts up
Uneven temperature across rooms
System short-cycling (turning on/off rapidly)
Frost or ice building up in winter

If any of these pop up, call your HEP technician to inspect before energy bills spike.

Mind Your Unit’s Location
Whether your heat pump sits on a pad outside or in a basement closet, ensure there’s enough clearance and proper drainage. Good airflow prevents strain on your unit and extends its lifespan.

Why Regular Check-Ups Are a Must

Heat pump technology offers year-round comfort, but only when properly maintained. Simple steps like replacing worn electrical parts (such as capacitors and control boards) and keeping refrigerant at the right level make a big difference.

This capacitor, newly installed by a HEP technician, helps motors start and run efficiently. It’s one of many small parts that keep your system humming.

Conclusion

By staying on top of routine maintenance and trusting experienced HEP technicians, homeowners in Knoxville can enjoy reliable, efficient heating and cooling. If you notice your system behaving oddly, don’t wait—schedule an inspection and keep your home comfortable all year long.

Remember, professional service from HEP means using the right tools, parts, and expertise to protect your investment and peace of mind.