Heat pumps are one of the most efficient ways to heat and cool a home — but they’re also one of the most misunderstood systems I worked on in 45 years in the field. They behave differently than furnaces, they have quirks in cold weather, and most homeowners don’t know what to do when something goes wrong.
In this section you’ll find practical, field-tested articles covering how heat pumps work, how to troubleshoot common problems, when to call a technician, and how to get the most efficiency out of your system year-round. Everything here comes from real experience — not guesswork.
It’s a good thing you’ve asked this question because it shows your concern for your safety and the safety of those you care about, which is everyone I hope. That “Happily Ever After” sign that you can see above has some significance. I can’t conceive of any possible way that a mini split could produce…
Yes, you can splice a communication wire on your mini-split, but it’s not recommended. Splices in this wire become a weak link in the system’s communication. This site contains affiliate links. I make a small commission, but you don’t pay more. But it may not be worth the savings between splicing the wire and creating…
The O/B setting in a heat pump thermostat controls the operation between heat and cool modes.
It’s a big temptation to push the reset button on a Carrier, especially if you’re sweating or freezing. But what if your unit doesn’t even have a reset button? I may not be able to show you where the reset button on a Carrier is because there are so many models that don’t have reset…
I have found this heat pump blowing cold air problem so many times I can’t even count. It’s easy to diagnose and it generally occurs in one of two ways. Although there can be more complicated problems, these are the two most common. Let me elaborate on these two. Why Does A Heat Pump Need…
A Freon leak without a cap is possible, but it is more likely to leak due to a faulty schrader core valve. The schrader core valve is the stem inside the service port that when depressed allows Freon to escape. Service ports are where technicians attach their gauges that measure the pressures in an air…
Freon is a brand name, the generic name for Freon is refrigerant. Several companies manufacture refrigerant such as DuPont (Freon), Mil-Spec Industries, MexiChem, and others. Your home’s AC system is built to contain or hold a certain amount of refrigerant that varies with size and model. Unlike the rumors that you hear about car air…
A mini split roof mount is a good idea, especially given the way homes are commonly built these days with small lots and minimal setbacks. Just use enough common sense to aid in servicing and maintenance. The roof can offer some obstacles when installing and repairing mini splits. Obviously a tall house with a steep…
A permit for a mini split installation can vary from state to state and county to county. I worked in a county that only required permits for plumbing and roofing. Why would I need to fork over most of a hundred dollars to a local government to have a ductless heating and cooling unit installed?…