Why Is My Heat Pump Not Blowing Hot Air?
When the temperatures drop, your heat pump is there to keep your house warm. However, if it’s blowing cold air or just not working as it should, it can be a real issue.
If winter has come around and you're bundled up in blankets wondering why your heat pump isn’t doing its job, you’re one in the many homeowners that experience this common issue here in the Pacific Northwest.
The good news is that the fixes are often simple. However, other times, you have to call in the pros. In this guide, we'll take a look at the usual causes of non-working heat pumps. As well we will dive into how to troubleshoot issues on your own, and clear signs that it's time to call in an expert.
How Does a Heat Pump Produce Heat?
Heat pump not heating properly? Well, first thing is first - Contrary to what you may think, your heat pump doesn't actually create heat. Instead, it looks for warmth in the outdoor air and brings it inside, even in the dead of winter. This is all thanks to a bit of clever engineering.
Unlike traditional furnaces that generate heat by burning fuel, your heat pump uses refrigerant to capture heat from the outside air and transfer it indoors.
If you want a bit more in-depth information on the science behind this modern marvel, check out our article "How Does a Heat Pump Work in Winter?"
Common Reasons Your Heat Pump Isn't Blowing Hot Air
So, why is my heat pump not blowing air? Or you might be asking, "why does my heat pump blow cold air sometimes"? Let's take a look at some of the most common heat pump problems:
Thermostat Issues
If your thermostat is set to "cool" or "auto" instead of "heat," your system won't know you're looking for warm air. The fix is simple: double-check your settings and make sure "heat" is selected.
Clogged Air Filters
Your air filter is like a breathing mask for your heat pump. When it gets clogged with dust and debris, your system has to work harder to push air through. In fact, a clog might be the reason for your heat pump blowing cold air in heat mode. By changing you filters monthly, or more often if you have pets or allergies, you’ll get better airflow from your heat pump.
Low Refrigerant Levels
Just like your car needs gas, your heat pump needs refrigerant. Low refrigerant levels can make it hard your pump to transfer heat. In this instance, it’s best to call in a certified technician to check and adjust refrigerant levels.
Ice-Covered Outdoor Unit
While your outdoor unit can handle some winter weather, too much ice buildup is bad news. Your unit should have a defrost cycle to handle this, but if it's not working properly, you might end up with icicles all over your heat pump.
Similar to low refrigerant levels, you’ll need to call in the pros.
Reversing Valve Issues
Your reversing valve is designed to direct refrigerant flow for heating or cooling. When it fails, your system might get stuck in cooling mode. This kind of issue requires professional repair.
Size and Age Matters
If your heat pump is getting older or it’s not the right size for your home, it might struggle to keep up with cold weather. In this case, you might consider upgrading to a new, properly sized system might be your best bet.
Ready to upgrade your heat pump? Check out our Heat Pump Installation in Vancouver, Washington page to learn more!
Heat Pump Troubleshooting Tips
Now, just because you’re having issues with your heat pumps doesn’t mean you can’t do anything about it. Before you give us a call, let's talk about some simple heat pump troubleshooting tips.
Check Your Thermostat
First things first, make sure your thermostat is set to "heat," and that the target temperature should is higher than your current room temperature. Even though it might sound obvious, you'd be surprised how often this is the culprit!
Give Your Filters Some Love
Take a peek at your air filters. If they have thick coats of dust al over them, it's time for a change. Clean filters are happy filters, and happy filters mean better performance.
Take a Walk Outside
Head out to your outdoor unit and check it out. Is it covered in leaves or buried in snow? Chances are, those could be your issues. Get rid of any debris that’s in the way and make sure there's plenty of breathing room around the unit.
Emergency Heat
If your heat pump still isn't warming things up, you can switch to emergency heat mode. This should keep you warm until we can get there to fix the main act. Just remember that emergency heat uses more energy, so it's not a long-term solution.
When to Call In a Professional
While we love a good DIY spirit, some heat pump issues are best left to the experts.
If your heat pump or HVAC system is still giving you problems after trying the troubleshooting steps above, you might be dealing with something that needs professional attention. Trying to fix issues like low refrigerant levels, broken reversing valves, or ice buildup on your own can actually make things worse.
At Miller's Heating & Air, we've seen every heat pump problem under the sun. Our certified technicians have all the right tools, knowledge, and experience to get your system back to peak performance. Plus, we can tell you exactly what the issue is without any confusing technical terms.
Make sure to check out our article on "High-Efficiency Heat Pumps: A Simple Guide for Homeowners" to learn how modern systems can save you money.
Keep Your Heat Pump Running Smoothly All Winter
Don't let a non-working heat pump get you down, especially if a little troubleshooting is all you need to fix the issue!
However, it’s important to keep in mind that the real secret to a healthy, long-lasting pump is regular maintenance.
If your heat pump isn't blowing hot air and you've tried troubleshooting, contact Miller's Heating & Air for expert heat pump repair services in Vancouver, WA! We are just a call away!
