Evans Homeowner’s Heat Pump Wears Itself Out

03/25/2025

In a home in Evans, a buzzing sound was heard. No, it wasn’t cicadas. And no, it wasn’t a crowd at the Columbia County Amphitheater either.

It was an essential component of a Rheem heat pump system.

As part of a maintenance visit for one of our customers, our Evans HVAC technician found that the system’s contactor was emitting a loud buzzing noise. It also didn’t look its best. It was pitted and burnt, and its condition kept the system from getting a proper connection.

Without that connection, the heat pump ran almost constantly, resulting in higher electrical usage and additional wear on the system.

In addition, he noticed that the system’s startup amps were unusually high, putting additional stress on the system. Essentially, the heat pump system was running itself into the ground.

Fortunately, the fix was straightforward for Bailey's Comfort Services.

Heat Pump in Evans Saved with New Contactor and Hard Start Kit

A two-pronged approach was needed to tackle both problems—the burned-out contactor and the high startup amps. Fortunately, both solutions were easy to do on a follow-up visit.

First, the system’s contactor needed to be replaced since that controls the flow of electricity into the system. With it worn out, it was stuck in an ‘on’ position, which kept the system running. That isn’t normal, even during Evans’ hotter months. A new contactor allowed the system to operate normally again. No more constant cycling and wasted power!

The air handler’s motor required an extra power boost to get going from an off position. To remedy this, our technician recommended a start assist kit (also called a ‘hard start’ kit). This addition gave the system a bit of extra torque, allowing it to get up to speed with less power.

These heat pump repairs resulted in less electricity usage overall and less wear on essential components, allowing the system to run longer without breaking down. As always, our work here was covered by our guarantee.

Our job isn’t done until your system meets the highest performance standards.

If your heat pump or air handler in Evans is making odd noises, or you notice a climbing electric bill, you might benefit from a similar solution. Call Bailey's Comfort Services at (706) 343-3999 to schedule a diagnostic visit!

When Are Air Handler and Heat Pump Repairs Needed?

This Evans heat pump repair was straightforward since the issue hadn’t caused a total breakdown. Routine HVAC maintenance is a great way to catch problems before they completely ruin your system. Our technician discovered a burnt-out contactor and high startup amps in this case.

Contactor Issues

The contactor controls the flow of electricity into the system. The compressor, fans, and other components rely on it to keep running. Some common signs of heat pump contactor issues include:

• Odd noises, including loud buzzing when the system starts up
• Burning smells
• System constantly running
• No heating or cooling

In these cases, a new contactor may be needed.

High Startup Amperage

Some systems, including Rheem heat pumps, may use too much electricity when starting up. It’s normal for a bit of extra power at startup when the motor goes from entirely still to moving hundreds of cubic feet of air per minute. However, sometimes, it can struggle a little too much, causing an excessively high startup amperage. Common signs of a heat pump start-up problem in Evans include:

• Short cycling (the system turns on and off frequently)
• Odd clicking noises
• Your lights flicker, or the circuit breaker trips when the unit turns on

In such cases, a hard start or start assist kit can add extra torque to your heat pump or air handler. This helps it get going without using so much electricity.

Contact Our Air Handler Experts in Evans, GA

If you have noticed odd noises, smells, or behaviors from your heat pump, a heat pump repair may be needed. Bailey's Comfort Services has served Evans and the surrounding area for 20 years, and we strive to maximize your system’s performance. Check out our reviews to see why so many Georgians think of us as their AC and furnace’s best friend.

Whenever you need heat pump maintenance in Hephzibah, you should call us at Bailey's Comfort Services. Just one visit will show you why we’re your HVAC system’s best friend.