Temperatures this week in West Virginia are the coldest we’ve seen in quite a while. The temperatures, even in the daytime, have plunged below freezing and haven’t risen much. As a result, heat pumps are being put to the test this week.
“It’s kind of late, but yearly they should be getting maintenance at least two times a year,” said Cassie Canterbury of Dodrill Heating and Cooling in Hurricane. “You need to keep the filters clean and schedule regular tune ups.”
Occasionally homeowners may notice a light which comes on at the thermostat unit when temperatures are exceedingly cold. The light could be an early warning sign of trouble.
“Normally before something goes out, you’ll hear unusual noises or you’ll start noticing your electric bill is increasing significantly,” said Canterbury. “When it does go out, you’re going to be running on emergency heat.”
The warning light at the thermostat should indicate if emergency heat is running. She says it’s a sign to call a technician immediately.
“Some of the older systems people have issues and the unit goes out and it automatically goes to emergency heat and they don’t even realize it,” she said.