• Leakages — Ignoring a leaking heat pump can lead to water damage, mold infestations, and electrical issues. This could lead to more expensive repairs.
• Drain Problems — A clogged drain pan could overflow and create a puddle around your pump. If the drain line is clogged, this could cause a water overflow which leads to leaks. 
• Frozen Evaporator Coils — Low levels of refrigerant can lead to ice forming on the cooling coils. This prevents the effective performance of the unit.
• Cracked Overflow Pan — Over time, the overflow pan may begin to corrode which can lead to cracks, resulting in an overflow or leak. 

The S.E.E.R. (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) is the amount of cooling your system will deliver per dollar spent on electricity. For example, a 3-ton unit may have a S.E.E.R. efficiency rating of 13, 14, or 15. The higher the S.E.E.R., the more efficient the system will be. The S.E.E.R. rating of any given unit can range anywhere from 13 to 17.

Reducing usage is always helpful, so turn the thermostat up or down, as needed, to reduce usage when you’re not at home. Changing air filters will prevent clogs. Regular check-ups can also help you ward off any potential trouble spots. Maintenance also keeps your warranty in good standing and is often recommended by manufacturers. 

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It’s actually difficult to distinguish between air conditioners and heat pumps – they look exactly the same!

Short of asking a technician, you can search by model number online. You can also look at your thermostat and see if your thermostat has an “emergency heat’ setting. Although there are a few more ways to tell if you have a heat pump, these are the simplest.