Why Does My Heat Pump Run Constantly?

Heat Pump FanIf you’re noticing your heat pump is running all the time, it may be a sign that something is wrong. At BVSM Heating & Air Conditioning, we can help you spot the problem and fix it before it runs up your utility bills.

Located in Monaca, PA, our HVAC company also services the areas around Aliquippa, Dormont, Economy, Moon, and Beaver Falls.

How To Tell if Your Heat Pump Is Running Correctly

Some signs that you may have a heat pump repair problem include:

  • Ice on the coils
  • Unit is stuck on one of its modes
  • Reduced airflow
  • Inability to maintain a comfortable temperature

Notice these problems along with your heat pump running continuously?

Call ​724-417-9550 or contact us online to schedule service.

Top Reasons Your Heat Pump Is Running Constantly

Have you had enough of high energy bills and poor heating and cooling in your home? These are some reasons your heat pump may be running constantly and what you can do.

Your Thermostat Isn’t Set Appropriately

Setting a thermostat too high in the winter or too low in the summer may cause it to run constantly as it tries to keep up with the temperature you set it for.

Make sure the emergency heat mode is not set either. Setting the thermostat incorrectly or realizing someone bumped it to an incorrect setting could cause your problem.

Your Air Filter Needs To Be Cleaned

For a heat pump to run efficiently, it needs a supply of fresh, clean air. If the filter becomes clogged, the heat pump will have to run continuously to keep your home comfortable.

Replacing or cleaning the filter can fix this problem. This service is part of your normal maintenance check, so you should have fewer problems if you keep up with your necessary maintenance.

Your Condensate Pump Isn’t Working

If the condensate pump isn’t working or has become unplugged, the pump won’t work as it should. This could cause a variety of problems, including a pump that runs continuously. Check the condensate pump to see if it’s functioning properly.

Troubleshooting Your Heat Pump

If you’re stressing because your heat pump runs constantly, take a breath. Use this quick heat pump troubleshooting guide to review the most common causes of a heat pump running all the time:

  1. Inspect thermostat controls: Before you do anything else, go to your thermostat to ensure all settings are correct. Check that the system is set to “heat” or “cool” accordingly, that the fan isn’t set to “on,” and that your temperature settings are correct.
  2. Check the outdoor unit: When a heat pump runs constantly, it’s often linked to a failure of the defrost cycle. The heat pump defrosts to rid the condenser of ice, and a heat pump does this in summer and winter. If your outdoor unit is encased in ice and frost, the defrost has failed. Call for service.
  3. Look at the evaporator coil: The evaporator coil for your heat pump is either in the blower compartment (where you change your air filter) or attached to the furnace. If the coils are dirty, grimy, or corroded, they may be leaking refrigerant or otherwise negatively impacting the heat pump’s operation. This causes it to lose efficiency, resulting in the unit running constantly to make up for the loss in power.

The Difference Between Heat Pumps, Central Systems & Furnaces

While it’s important to note that you should never ignore a heat pump that’s running all the time, it’s also worth noting that heat pumps run more than central systems and furnaces.

While other HVAC equipment provides comfort by essentially blasting your home with temperature-controlled air, a heat pump instead aims to consistently maintain comfortable temperatures more steadily. This means they run for longer periods, especially in winter.

Understanding Heat Pump Performance in Winter

While a heat pump that runs continuously can be a sign of a problem, sometimes it means it’s working as it should. When temperatures dip below 40 degrees, the heat pump is designed to run almost constantly to keep your home comfortable.

So, if the weather outside is particularly cold and your system is running constantly, don’t worry. It may mean it’s working as it’s supposed to.

Schedule Heat Pump Maintenance in Monaca, PA

In addition to knowing the signs of problems, one way to ensure your heat pump is functioning well all year is to schedule proper routine maintenance. A maintenance check in spring and fall will ensure your heat pump is ready to deliver reliable service all year.

If it’s time for your maintenance appointment, call our qualified technicians to discuss your needs. With our help, you can be confident your heat pump will keep your family comfortable.

Call BVSM Heating & Air Conditioning today at 724-417-9550 or contact us online to schedule heat pump services.

Should I Repair or Replace My HVAC System?

Two very important factors help determine if we are comfortable inside our homes: our heating and cooling systems. If your AC unit is blowing hot air, or your furnace is making strange noises, you might be feeling the signs of an impending repair or replacement—in the form of a sweat or a shiver!

As your local HVAC contractors in Monaca, Pennsylvania, BVSM shares a few telling signs you will need to repair or replace your HVAC system.

Did your HVAC system stop working as well as it used to, or did it stop working altogether? Contact BVSM today for HVAC repair, maintenance, or replacement services at 724-417-9550!

Deciding When to Repair or Replace Your HVAC Unit

There are many reasons to choose a heating or AC repair service over a replacement. In most cases, you will realize that the deciding factor comes down to cost, comfort, and convenience. If your HVAC system is less than 10 years old, for example, it may be more cost-effective simply to repair it. If it continues to break down, however, you will find that a replacement may be more effective.

Not every HVAC system is built the same, but you can spot the signs when a replacement is necessary. Ask yourself the following questions to determine if a heating or AC replacement is necessary.

  • Is my AC or HVAC 15 years old or older?
  • Is the cost of repair too high versus a replacement?
  • Have I needed frequent or repeated AC repairs?
  • Do my energy bills keep rising each month?
  • Is my HVAC system consistently underperforming?
  • Am I retiring soon and want a reliable HVAC system?

If you still seem unsure whether or not your existing HVAC system can get by with repair services, give BVSM a call to schedule an HVAC repair inspection. We believe in taking a conservative approach to caring for your HVAC system and aim to prolong its working lifespan as long as possible.

Do you have a question about heating and cooling repair or replacement? Give us a call at 724-417-9550 or contact us online!

When Should I Replace My HVAC Unit?

Once your heating or cooling unit breaches ten years of use, it will begin showing signs of diminished energy-efficiency and operating power. After 15 years of use, you should strongly consider AC replacement services. Here are a few reasons you could benefit from HVAC replacement services:

  1. Recover Lost Energy Efficiency – A Heating or AC replacement can greatly improve the energy efficiency of your home, doing away with unusually high energy bills resulting from an overworked unit.
  2. Make the Most of Technology – Modern air conditioners and heating systems use more advanced technology to provide services that are much more energy-efficient and easy to operate than their older counterparts.
  3. Fewer Repairs Needed – Newer air conditioners, heat pumps, or furnaces are built to be longer-lasting to provide homeowners with heightened durability and reliability in all of their HVAC equipment. Fewer repairs mean more money kept in your wallet!

If you are considering replacement services for your furnace, heat pump, or air conditioner, call BVSM to have a professional inspection of your HVAC unit first. We will help you to determine whether an HVAC repair or replacement is ideal and perform the necessary restorative services.

 

How Does Humidity Affect Home Comfort?

When the air is too dry inside your home, you might find yourself struggling with an itchy or dry nose and hands, too much static electricity in the air, and furniture that creaks or cracks. By contrast, a home that is too humid inside can feel as if you’re engulfed in a wet, hot blanket, unable to feel comfortable no matter how much you run the AC.

For homeowners in Monaca, Pennsylvania, humidity levels in a home make the difference between feeling comfortable or distressed. At BVSM, your local HVAC contractors in Monaca, we can show you how to maintain quality air inside your home to help you save money on heating and cooling, protect your property and your home, and even support your health and quality of life.

What Happens When it Is too Humid in My Home?

If you’ve ever noticed the “feels like” temperature index on the weather channel, you might know that how humid the air is will affect how you feel at a certain temperature. However, it is important to know that humidity also affects how well your HVAC will work for you through the seasons.

When Monaca summers roll in, you may feel heat associated with humidity, regardless if your thermostat stays the same. Your air conditioner could be working in overdrive to pull moisture out of the air and cool your home, but if humidity levels are too high, you could have a number of problems:

  • Muggy, hot feeling in the home
  • Chronic discomfort and inability to sleep
  • Wet insulation
  • Growth of mold and mildew
  • Rotting wood
  • Damages furniture

When your home is too humid, the damages to your home and the increased risks to your health are concerning. To combat humidity and add comfort to your home, consider investing in a modern HVAC system or air conditioner that can handle the hotter months. You may also be overdue for a quality HVAC inspection, which can show you ways to improve your cooling system and reduce humidity.

What Happens When the Air Is too Dry in My Home?

Low humidity can cause an array of problems in your home that you might not know are connected to the moisture levels in your home. Take a look at the following common issues associated with low humidity:

  • Increased static electricity
  • Dry nose, hands, and hair
  • Increased risks of colds, viruses, and respiratory issues
  • Cracked and split furniture, especially on wood surfaces
  • Chipped paint
  • Damaged appliances

Home ventilation systems and humidifiers are powerful solutions that help to add moisture back into the air and maintain ideal indoor air quality in a home. If you have asthma or struggle with respiratory issues, maintaining a temperate home with good moisture levels can be essential for your health.

What Is the Recommended Humidity Level in My Home?

While 30%-60% can be comfortable, the most recommended humidity level of your home is 45%-55% year-round. Test it in your own home to find a setting you like, and stick to it. It can be easy to forget how important moisture is in determining how good you will feel in your home, no matter the temperature!

Do you have a humidity problem in your home? At BVSM in Monaca, Pennsylvania, our HVAC contractors believe you can save a fortune on your heating and cooling costs by understanding what role humidity plays in your comfort indoors. Talk to us today at 724-417-9550 to speak with our heating and cooling professionals about HVAC maintenance, repair, installation, and air quality services in Monaca, PA.

Why Does My Furnace Keep Going Off and On?

When your furnace keeps turning on and shutting off more than its standard three to six times in an hour, this is called short-cycling, and it could be racking up your energy bill. Short-cycling may not seem serious at first, but it’s typically a sign that your furnace is too big, your thermostat is malfunctioning, or a blocked or dirty air filter is making your heat exchanger overheat.

What can you do to perform furnace repair and solve the short-cycling problem? Learn more here about our short-cycling solutions at BVSM Heating & Air Conditioning in Beaverton County.

Why Does a Furnace Short-Cycle?

The difference between a furnace that’s operating correctly and a furnace that’s short-cycling comes down to a few small but important observations.

In a typical furnace cycle, a thermostat operates the furnace system to maintain the surrounding air at the desired room temperature. Once the desired temperature is reached, it will shut off momentarily to preserve energy, and turn on again as needed, typically only two or more times per hour.

However, when a furnace turns on and off constantly, this is known as short-cycling. Short-cycling is an inefficient way to heat your home and can be taxing on your heating system, increasing your chances of needing furnace repairs or a premature furnace replacement.

If your furnace turns off and on at an unusually high rate, contact BVSM for affordable heating and cooling services in Beaverton County, PA.

Is Your Furnace Short-Cycling Due to Restricted Airflow?

If you haven’t replaced the air filter in your furnace in over two months, it may be clogged with dirt. Or, if you notice short-cycling even after replacing your furnace’s air filter, you could be using an air filter that’s too restrictive to allow proper airflow.

Reducing your risks of short-cycling starts with using air filters that comply with your specific model and brand of furnace, and remembering to change your air filters regularly. Ask yourself:

  • Have I changed my furnace air filter within the past two months?
  • Does my air filter match my brand and model of furnace?
  • Are the air vent registers blocked by furniture, small objects, or debris?
  • Do the air conditioner coils in my HVAC unit have debris blocking airflow?

Regularly replacing dirty furnace air filters is an inexpensive way to support the optimal use of your furnace and keep it running smoothly.

However, if your furnace continues to short-cycle even after replacing the filters, clearing away room in front of the air vent registers, and cleaning the AC coils around your heating and cooling system, it may be a thermostat issue.

Is Your Thermostat Malfunctioning?

A common mistake homeowners make when they notice their heater or air conditioner isn’t working as well as it should be, is to assume they need HVAC repair before checking that their thermostat is properly adjusted.

To determine if your thermostat is causing your furnace to short-cycle, answer these questions:

  • Is my thermostat turned on and displaying accurate settings?
  • Is my thermostat placed too close to another heat source, such as a heat register?
  • When was the last time I scheduled preventive maintenance for my HVAC system?

Thermostats are highly sensitive to changes in temperature in a room. When they’re too close to other heat sources (even sunlight!), they can shut off, believing the air is too warm. To ensure your thermostat and HVAC system are working properly, routine inspections are highly recommended.

Furnace problems won’t get better on their own – they only get worse. If your furnace is having issues, contact us for furnace repairs in Beaver Valley.

Other Reasons Your Furnace Is Short-Cycling

If your furnace is still short-cycling after checking for a dirty air filter or a malfunctioning thermostat, the cause may be more difficult to determine. It could indicate one of these furnace issues:

  • Your heating system is too big.
  • The furnace has a corroded flame sensor.
  • The chimney or air vents are clogged.

Not all furnace repair issues can be spotted right away. To guarantee a thorough HVAC inspection, contact qualified heating and cooling contractors for professional advice and repair options.

BVSM Furnace Repair, Maintenance & Installation

If your furnace is shutting off and turning on too frequently, call our HVAC contractors at BVSM to inspect your furnace and solve your short-cycling problem.

Contact us today to learn about all our heating and cooling services in Monaca and Beaverton County, PA.

How to Save Energy During the Holidays

The holidays are a great time to build fond memories with your loved ones, whether you are baking a large pot roast, synchronizing string lights, or watching the kids run around with their freshly unboxed widgets (or dad’s fancy new drone).

At BVSM, we’d like to share our tips on how to save money during the holidays with energy-efficiency tips that keep the merriment going. If you are looking for specific ways to save energy costs through your HVAC system, you may want to read more about how to save on heating while keeping warm.

5 Ways to Save Energy During the Holidays

Are you looking for ways to save energy during the holidays? Here are 5 ways you can save energy this holiday season:

  1. Unplug All Electronics Not in Use

How much can you save by unplugging appliances? If you think about all the electronics and devices that continue to hum in the night long after you fall asleep, you can come up with a startling idea. Especially before leaving for a vacation, make sure to unplug from any “phantom” energy, even if your devices aren’t turned on.

  1. Invest in a Light Timer

This trick often gets missed by younger homeowners who are setting up Christmas lights for the very first time, but it can be useful for any homeowner, regardless of the season. Whether you want to be the next Clark Griswold or keep it simple this holiday season, applying a timer to your lights will help you save energy, even when you forget to turn the lights out on your own!

*Extra tip: Did you string Christmas lights this year? Remember, 3-6 hours of daily use is more than plenty to display your holiday cheer at the times most people are awake to appreciate it.

  1. Purchase Energy Efficient LED Lights

According to an article by Energy.gov, LED light strings last longer, are safer to use, and are a small fraction of the price of traditional incandescent light strings when compared by daily energy use standards. Although LED Christmas lights have a higher initial price, the difference they offer in overall savings makes them a no-brainer for any holiday decorator.

  1. Keep the Lid on Cooking

If you don’t love homemade cooking on the holidays, you’re doing it wrong! One of the highlights of any holiday party is tasting fresh-baked cookies or chicken pot pie. This year, conserve energy by keeping the lid on your pots and pans to encourage faster cooking and have your loved ones bake holiday treats in larger batches or back-to-back to get the maximum use of your oven while it is on.

  1. Go Wireless

Everyone loves sitting around a wood-burning fire or snuggling up next to candle-light and their favorite book. This holiday season, pay attention to the little things you can do to save money on energy costs. Buy gifts without batteries, teach your guests to shut out lights in rooms that aren’t in use, and if you have a crafter in the family, request a homemade scarf!

Heating Services in Beaver County, PA

Enjoying the holidays is easier when you don’t have to worry about your energy bill. At BVSM, we like to help our local homeowners in Monaca and the nearby area save money on their energy bill with heating and cooling services they can count on in all seasons. From boiler and furnace repair to HVAC installation and replacement, we have you covered.

If your energy bill is unusually high this month, or you are trying to keep costs down, contact our NATE-certified technicians to help you today! We offer quality HVAC services in Monaca and throughout Beaver County, PA.

How to Save on Heating Costs While Keeping Warm

During the long, often bitterly-cold winters in the Beaver County area, heating costs can account for a significant portion of the average household budget. While it may be tempting to simply turn down the thermostat and suffer a bit to save money, there are plenty of ways that you can reduce heating costs without sacrificing your comfort. Here are a few places to start:

Check HVAC System

Whether you have a furnace, a boiler, or a heat pump, proper maintenance and care can help to keep your heating costs to a minimum. At the beginning of the heating season, have a professional inspect your HVAC system and perform all its required maintenance, such as replacing the air filter, cleaning the coils or burners, and lubricating any moving components. Check the air filter yourself every month to help keep the system efficient, and install a programmable thermostat if you do not already have one. By setting the thermostat 10 to 15 degrees lower while you are at work or away from home, you can significantly reduce your heating costs.

Weatherstrip Windows and Doors

Poorly-sealed windows, doors, and exterior openings can cause a significant amount of heat loss during the winter. Install weatherstripping on all your windows and doors and add storm windows or plastic film to especially drafty windows. Use caulk or expanding foam to seal around exterior window and door frames. Install insulated curtains or drapes to hold in the heat at night and open them during the daytime to let in heat from the sun.

Insulate Exterior Walls

Seal any holes in your exterior walls. Often, openings for pipes, electrical cables, dryer vents, light fixtures, and other services can allow heated air to escape your home. Seal these holes with caulk or expanding foam, and repair any damaged siding, molding, or roofing. In the attic, seal around any holes drilled for plumbing vents or electrical cables, and make sure that recessed lighting, ducts, and eaves are properly insulated.

Check Insulation

Having the proper amount of insulation in your home—especially in the attic, floors, and walls—can significantly reduce your heating costs. An energy audit can help to identify areas that lack insulation, are improperly sealed, or have other problems that affect your overall energy efficiency and comfort. Have your home inspected and add insulation as necessary to bring it to current standards.

Heating Services in Beaver County, PA

If you would like to keep your heating costs as low as possible, our team at BVSM Heating & Air Conditioning can help. We offer maintenance and repair services for furnaces, boilers, and heat pumps. Our NATE certified technicians can help keep your HVAC system in peak condition, reducing your heating costs, decreasing your energy usage, and improving your comfort. With over 60 years of HVAC experience, you can count on our experts for all your heating and cooling needs!

Contact us today at 724-417-9550 to schedule heating services in Beaver County!

 

The Best Heating Contractor in Beaver Valley

Homeowners in the Beaver Valley area rely heavily on their heating equipment to stay safe and warm and throughout the winter months. The quality of your heating installation, maintenance, and repair services play a big part in the reliability and efficiency of your furnace or heat pump and can help add years on to their lifespan. The team of experts at BVSM Heating & Air Conditioning understands the demands placed on your heating equipment and are highly trained and qualified to handle all your heating needs.

Call the experts at BVSM Heating & Air Conditioning today at 724-417-9550, or contact us online to book an appointment for heating service in and around Beaver Valley. 

What Makes BVSM the Best Heating Contractor in Beaver Valley?

The highly trained, experienced professionals at BVSM Heating & Air Conditioning have worked hard over the years to earn our stellar reputation among homeowners in the Beaver Country area. What makes BVSM the best?

  • Experience – BVSM was founded in 1956, and since that time, a lot has changed in the HVAC industry. With over 60 years of service, we’ve seen it all and have experience working with all makes, models, and types of heating equipment.
  • Knowledge – Our NATE certified technicians must demonstrate a real world working knowledge in their field by passing a series of stringent exams and are held to a higher standard of excellence in knowledge and ability.
  • Trust – Our team of trusted professionals is bonded, licensed, and insured for added peace of mind.
  • Training – We never stop learning, consistently upgrading our skills and knowledge to reflect the changes in technology, as well as new and innovative heating equipment.
  • Quality – BVSM is proud to be a Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer, and will help you select the right quality Bryant furnace for your home.

Our Heating Services in Beaver Valley, PA

Heating Installation

When you’re ready to replace your old furnace or heat pump with a new, energy efficient model, BVSM will help you choose the perfect replacement. Our trained technicians will ensure your new heating installation is properly sized for your home to provide you with years of dependable, efficient service.

Heating Maintenance

Annual preventive maintenance from BVSM is the best way to ensure your heating equipment continues to operate at peak performance throughout heating season. Our skilled technicians will inspect, clean, and tune your furnace or heat pump and take care of any minor concerns before they become costly repairs.

Heating Repair 

We are qualified to repair all types, makes, and models of heating equipment, and offer 24/7 emergency repair services so you’re never left out in the cold.

Why Choose BVSM For Heating Installation, Maintenance, and Repair?

With over 60 years of experience providing heating services in and around Beaver Valley, we’ve come to learn what homeowners expect and need from their heating contractor. BVSM is committed to excellence in products and services, and we back all our work with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. If you’re looking for the best contractor in Beaver Valley, look no further than BVSM Heating & Air Conditioning.

Call BVSM today at 724-417-9550 to schedule heating services in your Beaver Valley home, or contact us online with any other HVAC questions or concerns.