Signs Your Heat Pump’s Contactors Have Burned Out

Heat pumps offer an energy-efficient and cost-effective way to maintain comfort all year long in your Stockbridge, GA home. Each time the heat pump cycles, its contactors send enough voltage to the outdoor fan motor and the condenser. After many years, the contactors become worn and unable to deliver enough voltage. This may result in burned-out contactors. Here are three signs you may notice when your heat pump’s contactors are damaged and in need of replacement.

Loud Buzzing Noises

A loud buzzing noise at the start of a heating or cooling cycle is the first indication of burned-out contactors. The buzzing noise results from insufficient current flowing through the coil. Buzzing may also result from debris getting stuck between the contactor’s arm and yoke. The debris may cause the contactors to overheat, and overheating leads to burn-out of contactors and capacitors.

No Heating or Cooling

Burned-out contactors aren’t able to deliver enough current to power the compressor or condenser. This means the heat pump isn’t able to move heat energy into or out of your home. The fan will run, but it will blow room-temperature air instead of heated or cooled air. The inability to transfer heat into or out of your home will cause the condenser to keep running until you manually turn it off.

Burning Odor

The contactors have a layer of plastic. This plastic insulation protects the wiring from oxidation and moisture. Overheating of the contactors melts the plastic. You may notice a burning odor at the start of a heating or cooling cycle. If you smell burning plastic, you’ll need urgent heat pump repairs. Regular heat pump maintenance allows for early detection of contactor problems, explains the Department of Energy. Replacement of worn contactors prevents unexpected heat pump malfunctions and reduces the risk of compressor failure.

For more information about the signs of burned-out contactors in heat pumps, take a look at Jones Climate Control’s heat pump repairs, or contact us today.

You May Also Like

variable-speed air conditioner in Atlanta, GA
September 5, 2023

Beat The Heat With A Variable-Speed Air Conditioner

Finding ways to keep things cool indoors is a priority for many of us in Atlanta, Georgia, and the surrounding areas. Here… Continue Reading Beat The Heat With A Variable-Speed Air Conditioner

Read More…

water heater smells in Stockbridge, GA
August 18, 2023

What is that Foul Smell Coming from My Water Heater?

If your Stockbridge, GA home’s water heater smells like rotten eggs, it’s definitely time to get it checked out. In fact, what… Continue Reading What is that Foul Smell Coming from My Water Heater?

Read More…

AC noises in Atlanta, GA
July 26, 2023

Don’t Ignore these Worrisome Noises Coming from Your AC

You depend on your air conditioning system to keep things cool indoors in your Atlanta home. If you hear any of these… Continue Reading Don’t Ignore these Worrisome Noises Coming from Your AC

Read More…

Compliance Settings
Increase Font Size
Grayscale
Simplified Font
Underline Links
Highlight Links
Reset
Close