Cold Case Files: Episode 1

The Unwarming Home: Heat Pump Repair In Avondale

Today’s case transports us to Avondale, PA, where a chilling situation awaits–one that could baffle even the most seasoned HVAC techs.

On a frigid February morning, the mercury bottomed out at a bone-chilling 23 degrees, only to rise to a modest 40 degrees later in the day.

Enter the Tomlin family: Mom, Donna, Dad, Michael, and their two boys, Cameron and Cooper. Once comfortable in a warm home, they now shiver in the cold.

The homeowners notice their heating system’s valiant but faltering efforts. Despite setting the thermostat to 72 degrees, their home struggles to maintain a tepid 68 degrees–below their desired comfort level. Armed with Hillside’s no-heat troubleshooting guide, they tried the simplest solution: replacing the thermostat’s batteries.

However, Mr.Tomlin notices an “aux” message on the thermostat, a signal he has never seen before.

The indoor temperature gradually declines as weeks pass, eventually bottoming at an alarming 60 degrees. Faced with this chilling reality, the Tomlins realize that it’s time to call upon the expertise of Hillside Oil Heating & Cooling.

The Investigation

Hillside Oil Heating & Cooling, renowned for unraveling HVAC mysteries, promptly responded to the distress call from the Tomlin residence.

Mike Fields Sr., a seasoned HVAC detective boasting years of experience, arrived at the scene. Welcomed by Mr. Tomlin, who works from home, Mike was briefed on the household’s heating issues.

Accompanied by Mr. Tomlin, Mike was led to the thermostat, where the erratic temperatures and the baffling “aux” message were highlighted. This initial clue, indicating a potential issue with the heat pump, set the investigative wheels in motion.

Descending into the basement, housing two heat pumps—one for each floor—Mike explained the lack of clear labeling on the units. Mike identified the unit serving the downstairs area as the focal point of the heating mystery.

With a thorough understanding of the situation, Mike inspected every facet of the heat pump system. The evident struggle of the auxiliary heat to maintain a consistent indoor temperature underscored the presence of an underlying issue.

Zeroing in on the heating strip as a potential culprit, Mike’s expertise guided his investigation. This component, integral to the auxiliary system, is pivotal in bolstering the heat pump’s efforts against cold air. However, suspicions surrounding the malfunctioning heating strip were confirmed upon discovering a broken coil—a revelation shedding light on the elusive source of the problem.

What is an Emergency Heat Strip?

The heating strip in a heat pump, often called electric resistance heating or an emergency heat strip, is an auxiliary heating component designed to provide additional warmth under certain conditions. Heat pumps are incredibly efficient for heating and cooling a home by transferring heat from the outside air into the house during the winter and vice versa during the summer. However, their efficiency can drop in extremely cold conditions when there isn’t enough heat in the outside air to meet the home’s heating demand.

This is where the heating strip comes into play. It’s essentially a set of electric resistance coils, similar to what you might find in a toaster but on a larger scale. When the heat pump can’t extract enough heat from the outside air to warm the home to the desired temperature, the heating strip activates to provide additional heat. This process is much less efficient than the heat pump’s normal operation because it relies on electric resistance heating, which consumes more electricity to produce heat.

The homeowner can manually activate the heating strip if they need additional warmth, or the heat pump system can automatically trigger it under certain conditions, such as when the outside temperature drops below a point where the heat pump alone can’t efficiently heat the home. This auxiliary heating helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature even during cold weather.

It’s important to note that while heating strips provide a valuable backup heat source, relying on them too heavily can lead to increased energy costs. Therefore, they are best used sparingly, only when necessary to supplement the heat pump’s output during cold periods.

Ignoring a Faulty Heating Strip

Ignoring a faulty heating strip can lead to dire consequences for the comfort of your home and your wallet. Without this critical component functioning correctly, the heat pump must work overtime, struggling to maintain even a barely comfortable temperature. This relentless operation leads to increased wear and tear on the system and spikes in energy consumption as the unit fights a losing battle against the cold. The cost? Substantially higher utility bills and the looming threat of a complete system breakdown.

Moreover, the emergency heat mode (signaled by “AUX” on the thermostat) is significantly less efficient than the heat pump’s standard operation. Due to an unchecked heating strip issue, prolonged reliance on this mode could lead to exorbitant energy costs. And let’s not forget the potential price of procrastination—a complete system failure requiring an expensive replacement rather than a more manageable repair.

The Resolution: Warmth Restored

Mike’s process was nothing short of forensic. He carefully dismantled the necessary components to access the heating strip, inspecting each part keenly. Upon finding the faulty coil, he explained its function and failure to the homeowners.

Mike replaced the faulty heating strip with a new, fully functional one.

Mike’s dedication to his craft was evident from diagnosis to solution. He left the homeowners with a repaired heating system, a deeper understanding of how their home stays warm, and the peace of mind from knowing their system was in capable hands.

As the heat once again flowed through the vents, filling the home with warmth, the mystery of the unwarming home was solved. The homeowners could finally shed their layers of blankets, thanks to Mike’s expertise and the detailed care he took in solving the case. It was a reminder that behind every cold case in the HVAC world, a story of a Hillside tech is ready to solve the case.

Do you have an unsolved mystery with your HVAC system?

A case of unexplained drafts, unseasonal chills, or a thermostat that seems to have a mind of its own? Reach out to the experts, and let’s crack your cold case together.

Stay tuned for more episodes from “Hillside’s Cold Case Files,” where we unravel the mysteries of home comfort, one case at a time. Remember, in the world of HVAC mysteries, leaving it to the professionals isn’t just a suggestion—it’s the solution.

Heat Pump Repair in DE, PA, & MD

Call Today If Your Heat Pump Has Stopped Working.

If your house is cold and your heat pump has stopped working, our HVAC repair technicians can fix it. We’ve been successfully repairing heating systems for over 70 years. Hillside’s HVAC technicians have the training, certifications, and knowledge to repair all major heat pump brands.

Call Hillside Heating and Cooling today at 302-738-4144 (DE & PA) or 410-398-2146 (MD) if you have a heat pump emergency or contact us to schedule service. Hillside offers heat pump maintenance, repairs, and FREE estimates for new heat pump sales and installation in DE, PA, and MD.