What is a common sign of low refrigerant in a heat pump?

Low refrigerant levels in a heat pump can manifest through a variety of symptoms, each indicating that the system is not operating efficiently. Increased energy consumption occurs because the heat pump works harder to maintain the desired temperature when there is an insufficient amount of refrigerant. This excess strain can lead to elevated utility bills.

Another clear sign is the presence of frost on the evaporator coils. When refrigerant levels drop, the pressure within the system decreases, leading to reduced heat absorption. This can result in the coils getting colder than normal, allowing moisture in the air to freeze on them, especially during operation in cooling mode.

Inconsistent heating or cooling can also indicate low refrigerant. When the refrigerant is low, the heat pump may struggle to transfer heat effectively, leading to fluctuating temperatures in the conditioned space.

Given that each of these symptoms can independently point to low refrigerant levels, it is accurate to conclude that all of the options presented reflect common signs of this issue. Therefore, identifying any of these signs suggests the need for further investigation into refrigerant levels and potential leaks in the system.