4 Common Geothermal Heat Pump Problems You Should Know About

Are you mulling over your HVAC upgrade options? A geothermal heat pump can help your Fairdale, Kentucky, home save energy and reduce pollution. They also last longer than other systems. However, you should stay alert for common geothermal heat pump problems, including leaks, water contamination, and ductwork issues.

Leaks

The refrigerant or water can leak from the underground or underwater pipes in geothermal heat pumps. This is similar to the way refrigerant can leak from the coils of a conventional heat pump. Your home could feel less comfortable, and you may notice ice or frost on the above-ground part of your unit. You could also see wet or muddy spots in your yard, even when it hasn’t rained in a while.

A professional can add a special dye to your geothermal heat pump’s pipes to pinpoint the source of the leak and repair it. That way, you won’t have to dig up large parts of your yard to find it.

Water Contamination

Pipes leaking refrigerant in a closed loop of pipes could harm plants and contaminate your local water. If your system has an open loop that gets water from a nearby pond or well, you’ll need to make sure it’s filtered and free from debris. Otherwise, the water coming from your faucet could be discolored, smelly, or unsafe to drink.

Corrosion

If your geothermal system has corrosion on the heat exchange coils, then you should consider upgrading your system. Corrosion prevents your system from being able to exchange heat. This function is essential to your system’s performance.

Ductwork Issues

Like most other HVAC systems, geothermal heat pumps use fans to move conditioned air through ductwork. A dirty air filter, gaps in your ducts, or poorly designed ductwork could make some rooms feel chilly in winter. Contaminants from your air filter or dirty ducts could spread to the rest of your home. Pollen, pet dander, dust, pest droppings, and other substances can cause sinus problems, headaches, eye irritation, and more.

Call One Choice Mechanical, LLC today to learn more about our geothermal services.

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Originally published in Nov. 2018, updated in March 2020