How Can I Tell if My Heat Pump’s Coils Are Blocked?

For your HVAC system to work correctly and safely, it’s crucial to ensure all components are cleaned and operating as intended. Your unit’s outdoor condenser is critical to how well your system functions, condensing refrigerant and removing heat from your air. However, it can be easy to neglect its maintenance. One component a condenser uses is the coils — if your system’s coils are blocked, it will inevitably hinder its ability to transfer heat properly.

To combat potentially blocked coils, it’s important to know what signs to look for. This will allow you to address the issue immediately so that your unit won’t fail you when you need it most.

Common Signs of Blocked Heat Pump Coils

Nothing is more frustrating — and often dangerous — than a malfunctioning heat pump on a brisk winter night or blistering summer afternoon. Because of this, ensuring your unit and all of its essential components are tuned up is your best bet at keeping your unit working well at all times. Some common signs your heat pump coils are blocked include the following:

Reduced Airflow

One telltale sign of blocked coils is reduced airflow. Blocked coils limit the air pushed through your unit, hindering the space available for heat transfer.

Decreased Heating or Cooling Efficiency

When your unit fails to heat or cool your home adequately, it might be due to clogged condenser coils. Clogged coils cause your unit to work harder to produce your desired temperature, increasing energy usage, higher utility bills, and lowering home comfort levels.

Unusual Noises

Banging, rattling, and grinding are all signs indicative of a malfunctioning system. If you notice this in your unit, it could be that parts have become loose.

Leaks

During the cooling process, condensation builds up on the evaporator coils and is collected through a condensate line into a drip pan. If you notice your unit leaks or puddles forming, the line might be clogged due to dirty coils.

Frequent Repairs Are Needed

As mentioned above, dirty coils force your unit to work harder to meet your heating and cooling needs, often leading to costly repairs that could have been avoided. If you schedule repairs frequently, it might be due to clogged coils.

Guide for Inspecting & Cleaning the Coils

Regularly cleaning the coils is a surefire way to keep your heat pump working well. Fortunately, there are some quick tricks homeowners can attempt themselves. A good rule of thumb is to keep the condenser unit clean and free from obstructions like brush or tree branches.

Additionally, regularly changing the filter is essential to the maintenance process. For leaks, you can drain the condenser line with a towel or dry vacuum, but turn the unit off entirely before doing so. If all else fails, call a Home Comfort Services professional for an inspection and tune-up!

Schedule Maintenance With the Home Comfort Team Today

The Home Comfort Services team has delivered exceptional HVAC maintenance services to our Northwest Chicagoland community since 1998. We offer upfront pricing and financing options alongside military, veteran, and senior discounts for your benefit. Our technicians are background-checked, and we are proudly part of the American Standard Customer Care Dealers!

Are you concerned that your heat pump’s coils are blocked? Contact the Home Comfort team today — we will promptly diagnose the issue and offer a quick fix!