3 Common Heat Pump Repair Issues in Tucson’s Desert Climate

Arizona’s climate can cause heat pump repair issues you wouldn’t experience in colder, northern climates.

As you prepare to switch your thermostat from cooling to heating, you may notice some of those desert-related factors, such as excessive sand and relentless sun, have taken a toll on your heat pump in Tucson.

If you are seeking reliable Tucson heat pump service, you are not alone. The seasonal transition period can reveal hidden problems. Your heat pump’s reversing valve may malfunction after months of inactivity, exposing issues you overlooked while it was operating consistently in cooling mode.

Everything from refrigerant leaks to reversing valve malfunctions can be easier to spot during a seasonal transition.

Hamstra Heating & Cooling has you covered, no matter what the season. Our NATE-certified technicians quickly diagnose heating and cooling issues and restore heat pumps to efficient operation.

Here is a look at the most common heat pump problems in Greater Tucson, along with environmental factors that can wear on your system. If you notice one of these red flags, it’s a sign your system needs attention.

How Does the Desert Affect My Heat Pump in Tucson?

Our desert climate wears on heat pumps differently than cold, snowy weather or cool, rainy winters. Here are some ways it can affect your heat pump:

How Tucson’s Dust Storms Impact Heat Pumps

In a desert climate, airborne dust and sand are constant. They clog filters, coat coils, wear fan motors, and infiltrate electrical components. A coil caked in sand can’t transfer heat in winter or release heat in the summer.

A heat pump that is straining under a deluge of dust and sand may be noisier than usual, even emitting a rattling sound. You will notice reduced airflow from vents in your home, higher electricity bills, and visible signs of dust and sand on the outdoor unit’s fins.

You can gently hose off the coil fins with a garden hose after turning off the power. Never use a high-pressure washer, which can damage the delicate fins. Be vigilant about your system’s air filter, inspecting it monthly for dirt and replacing it more frequently during heavy use or after extended dust storms.

Need coil cleaning or motor inspection after the dust settles? Let our Hamstra Heating & Cooling experts inspect your heat pump for damage, make necessary repairs, and tune up components.

How Monsoon Season Affects Your Heat Pump

Tucson’s annual storm season, which runs from June 15 to September 30, can cause flash floods, high winds, lightning strikes, dust storms, wildfires, tornadoes, and extreme heat. You can stay safely indoors when the weather gets rough in Tucson, but your heat pump is vulnerable to potential damage.

If your property floods, your heat pump is at risk of short-circuiting and internal rusting. Lightning strikes and power surges can irreparably damage electrical components. High winds can blow debris into the unit, and the increased moisture in the environment can cause your system to work harder as it struggles to lower humidity and cool your home simultaneously.

In addition to visual red flags, you might notice a burning smell on startup, frequent breaker trips, and clicking sounds as the unit attempts to turn on.

Remember to secure any outdoor items, such as patio furniture, that can become airborne during a monsoon storm and turn off the power to your heat pump at the electrical panel when high winds and flooding are forecasted.

You can rely on us at Hamstra Heating & Cooling to assist you with surge protection before the monsoon season and emergency repairs after a storm strikes.

How Too Much Sun Reduces Heat Pump Efficiency

Your unshaded heat pump works hard in the high heat and constant direct sunlight. Working harder, especially during the peak temperature every day, can cause reduced cooling efficiency and increased component wear.

Consider adding landscaping or a shade structure that will block the sun’s rays while allowing airflow around the unit.

Heat Pump Issues When Turning on Heat Mode

When you switch your heat pump from cooling to heating, the system reverses its operation. If you notice these red flags now, it’s a sign your system needs professional attention:

1. Weak or Cool Airflow

If your heat pump operates for hours and your home still feels cool, you may have a low refrigerant charge, possibly due to a slow leak that occurred over the summer. A clogged air filter can also significantly restrict airflow, causing the unit to struggle as it attempts to transfer heat. Check your filter for dirt and clogs, and inspect the outside coil for ice formation.

2. Auxiliary Heat Runs Constantly

The winter temperatures in Tucson rarely drop low enough for auxiliary heat—provided by electric resistance coils—to kick in. If the auxiliary heat runs constantly, a faulty thermostat setting or reversing valve could be the cause.

An auxiliary heat indicator that remains on for hours when the outdoor temperature is above 40° Fahrenheit is a red flag. A sudden, unexplained jump in your electric bill might indicate that your heat pump is relying on auxiliary heat.

3. Reversing Valve Sticks

Because winters in Tucson are mild, heat pumps spend more time in cooling mode than heating mode. When the reversing valve switches over for the first time in months, it may stick or struggle. As a result, your unit will blow cool air when set to heat or may make unusual sounds.

Schedule Heat Pump Repairs Today!

Tucson’s desert environment and seasonal transitions create a unique set of conditions for heat pumps. If your heat pump shows signs of trouble as you switch into heating mode, or if you want to prepare for next spring’s cooling season, Hamstra Heating & Cooling is here to help with reliable, local expertise. Ready for a tune-up or repair? Contact us today and keep your Tucson home comfortable no matter what the desert climate brings.