Keep Your Cool: Understanding Heat Pump Efficiency and Easy Maintenance Tips

When Your Heat Pump Won’t Heat: Quick Solutions for Florida Homeowners

A heat pump not heating properly can be frustrating, especially when you get cold drafts instead of warm air. You need answers fast.

Most Common Causes & Quick Fixes:

• Thermostat Issues – Check if it’s set to “Heat” mode and the fan is on “AUTO.”
• Dirty Air Filter – A clogged filter restricts airflow and can shut the system down.
• Blocked Outdoor Unit – Clear debris, leaves, or ice from around the unit.
• Defrost Mode – This is a normal cycle that temporarily blows cool air to melt ice.
• Tripped Breaker – Check your electrical panel and reset the breaker if needed.
• Professional Issues – Refrigerant leaks or faulty parts require a technician.

Heat pumps transfer heat instead of creating it like a furnace. This means the air from your vents feels cooler (around 85-93°F), which is completely normal.

The good news is that many heating problems have simple DIY solutions. However, issues involving refrigerant, electrical parts, or the reversing valve require professional attention for a safe and proper repair.

This guide will walk you through troubleshooting and help you know when to call Keith Key Heating & Air for expert service in the Wakulla, Leon, and Franklin County areas.

How a Heat Pump Heats Your Home (And Why It Sometimes Feels Different)

If your heat pump not heating properly has you confused, understanding how it works can help. Unlike a furnace that creates heat, a heat pump uses a process called heat transfer to move warmth from the outside air into your home, even on chilly days.

The system uses refrigerant in a refrigeration cycle. The outdoor unit absorbs heat from the outside air. The refrigerant is compressed, making it much hotter, and then travels to your indoor unit to release that heat into your home’s air. It’s essentially your air conditioner running in reverse. For a deeper dive, see how a heat pump works from Energy Star.

Two special features can seem strange: auxiliary heat strips act as a backup during very cold weather. Defrost mode is another key feature. When ice forms on the outdoor unit, the system temporarily runs a defrost cycle to melt it. You might feel cool air from your vents for 5-15 minutes during this process. This is normal operation, not a sign your heat pump is broken.

Why does heat pump air feel cool?

Many homeowners worry when their heat pump blows cool air, but it’s often working perfectly. The reason is air temperature output. A heat pump delivers air between 85-93°F. Since your body temperature is about 98.6°F, this air feels cool against your skin.

A gas furnace, by contrast, blasts air at 120-140°F. Your heat pump provides gradual heating instead of intense furnace blasts. This approach maintains a more consistent, even temperature, avoiding the hot-and-cold cycles of a furnace.

How outdoor temperature impacts performance

Understanding heat pump efficiency helps you know if your system is working normally. Our local climate in Wakulla, Leon, and Franklin Counties is ideal for heat pumps most of the year.

But during freezing temperatures, your heat pump works harder to pull heat from the cold air. Below 35°F, supplemental heat (auxiliary heat strips) automatically turns on to assist your heat pump. This is normal, but it does use more energy.

A heat pump running constantly during a cold snap is also normal; it’s designed for steady operation. However, if your home still isn’t getting warm even with the auxiliary heat on, you may have one of the common winter HVAC issues that requires professional attention.

DIY Fixes for a Heat Pump Not Heating

If your heat pump not heating has left you in the cold, don’t worry. Many issues have simple fixes you can do yourself. These simple steps can save you time and money.

Safety first: Always turn off power at the thermostat before any inspection. If you’re unsure about checking the circuit breaker, call a professional to avoid injury or damage.

Step 1: Check Your Thermostat Settings

Incorrect thermostat settings cause many “emergency” service calls. It’s a simple but common issue.

Start by making sure your thermostat is set to “Heat” mode. If it’s on “Cool,” it will only blow cold air. Next, set the fan to “AUTO,” not “ON.” On “AUTO,” the fan runs only during heating cycles. On “ON,” it runs constantly, circulating unheated air between cycles, which feels cool.

Also, check that the set temperature is higher than the current room temperature. For programmable thermostats, check the schedule. Dead batteries can also be the issue, so replace them if the display is dim or blank.

Step 2: Inspect the Air Filter

If the thermostat is correct, check the air filter. A clogged air filter restricts airflow, preventing your heat pump from heating your home effectively. Restricted airflow forces your system to work harder, which can cause it to overheat and shut down as a safety precaution. A dirty filter can even cause the evaporator coil to freeze, making the system blow cold air instead of warm.

The fix is easy and cheap. Check your filter monthly by holding it up to the light. If you can’t see through it, it’s time for a replacement. For more guidance, learn why you should check your air filter regularly. Most filters slide out of a slot near your indoor unit. Make sure the airflow arrow on the new filter points in the right direction.

Step 3: Clear the Outdoor Unit

Your outdoor unit can’t pull heat from the air if it’s covered in debris, leaves, or ice. Check your outdoor unit and clear away any overgrown bushes or fallen leaves. The unit needs at least two feet of clearance on all sides to function correctly.

Snow and ice buildup during cold snaps can also be a problem. An iced-over unit cannot absorb heat. To clear it, gently sweep away snow and debris with a broom. For ice, pour lukewarm water over the coils to melt it. Never use hot water, as the sudden temperature change could cause damage. Keeping the area around your outdoor unit clear is a simple maintenance task that prevents big headaches.

When to Call a Professional for Your Heat Pump

If your DIY troubleshooting doesn’t solve the heat pump not heating issue, it’s time to call a pro. Some problems are unsafe for homeowners to handle and require specialized tools, training, and expertise. Repairs involving high-voltage electricity or refrigerant are dangerous without proper certification.

Call Keith Key Heating & Air if you notice loud grinding or screeching noises, frequent short-cycling (turning on and off every few minutes), or if the system runs constantly without heating. A breaker that keeps tripping also signals an electrical problem needing immediate professional help. Persistent ice buildup or a completely unresponsive system are also red flags.

Our family-owned team at Keith Key Heating & Air has been solving these problems since 1991. We’ll get your system back to keeping your family comfortable.

Diagnosing a heat pump not heating due to refrigerant issues

Refrigerant is essential for transferring heat. If levels are low due to a leak, your heat pump will work harder but produce less heat. Signs of a leak include hissing or bubbling sounds near your outdoor unit, frozen coils that don’t defrost, and a system that runs constantly but doesn’t heat properly.

Refrigerant doesn’t get used up; low levels mean there is a leak. Simply adding more won’t solve the problem. Handling refrigerant is regulated by federal law and requires a licensed professional. Our technicians can locate and repair the leak, then restore your system to the correct refrigerant levels.

Understanding a faulty reversing valve

The reversing valve switches your unit between heating and cooling. If it fails, your heat pump not heating is a common result. A common failure is the valve getting stuck in cooling mode. You might hear clicking noises as it tries to switch, or notice it cools but won’t heat.

The issue could be the valve itself or the electrical components that control it. Professional diagnosis is needed to troubleshoot these mechanical and electrical issues. Repairing a reversing valve is not a DIY project, as it requires handling refrigerant and working deep inside the system.

Addressing electrical failures and sensor problems

Modern heat pumps have many electrical parts. Failed capacitors are a common issue, preventing motors from starting. You might hear clicking as the system tries to turn on. A broken contactor is like a faulty switch that stops power from reaching the outdoor unit.

A faulty defrost sensor or control board can also cause issues. If they fail, ice can build up on the outdoor unit, preventing it from heating. These electrical issues involve high-voltage components and require a trained technician with specialized tools to diagnose safely. Since 1991, we’ve been repairing these exact issues for families throughout Wakulla, Leon, and Franklin Counties.

Frequently Asked Questions about a Heat Pump Not Heating

When your heat pump not heating, you need answers. Here are the most common questions we get from homeowners in our Wakulla, Leon, and Franklin County service areas.

Why is my heat pump blowing cold air when the heat is on?

This doesn’t always mean your system is broken. The most common reason is the defrost cycle. To melt ice from the outdoor coils, your system temporarily stops heating for 5-15 minutes. The fan may still run, blowing cool air, which is normal.

Also, check your thermostat fan setting. If it’s on “ON” instead of “AUTO,” the fan runs constantly, circulating cool air between heating cycles.

More serious issues include low refrigerant or a faulty reversing valve. If cool air persists beyond a normal defrost cycle, it’s time to call us.

What are the most common reasons my heat pump isn’t working in cold weather?

Cold weather puts more strain on your heat pump, making certain issues more common.

• A dirty air filter is a top cause. Restricted airflow prevents proper heating and can cause the system to shut down.
• Ice buildup on the outdoor unit is another common problem. Thick ice that doesn’t clear during the defrost cycle will stop your unit from heating.
• Thermostat troubles, like being in the wrong mode or having the fan set to “ON,” are also common.
• In extremely cold temperatures, your heat pump may struggle. The auxiliary heat should kick in. If your home still isn’t warm, there may be an issue with the backup system.

Yes! We encourage basic troubleshooting first. You can safely fix several common issues.

Start with your thermostat (set to “Heat,” fan on “AUTO”), replace the air filter if it’s dirty, clear the outdoor unit of debris, and check your circuit breakers. These steps solve many heating problems.

However, for your safety, some issues require a professional. These include refrigerant problems, electrical failures (which involve lethal high voltage), and reversing valve issues. Attempting these repairs yourself risks injury, system damage, and voiding your warranty. If basic fixes don’t work and your heat pump still isn’t heating, call our technicians at Keith Key Heating & Air for help.

The Best Fix: Prevent Problems with Regular Maintenance

After three decades in the HVAC business, we know the best way to fix a heat pump not heating is to prevent the problem from ever happening. Regular maintenance is key to stopping small issues from becoming major headaches. Like a car, your heat pump needs regular care. Professional maintenance prevents breakdowns and saves you money over time.

Key benefits include:

• System Longevity: A well-maintained heat pump can last 15 years or more, compared to 8-10 years for a neglected one.
• Energy Efficiency: A clean, well-adjusted system works less hard, lowering your monthly electric bills and saving you money.
• Warranty Protection: Most manufacturers require proof of regular maintenance to honor their warranties.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing a professional has inspected your system means you can trust it to work safely and efficiently.

Your Seasonal Maintenance Checklist

We recommend professional maintenance twice a year: in the spring for cooling and in the fall for heating. This ensures your system is ready for the season ahead. During a tune-up, our technicians perform a comprehensive inspection, including:

• Cleaning indoor and outdoor coils
• Checking electrical connections
• Lubricating motors
• Testing the thermostat
• Inspecting ductwork for leaks
• Checking refrigerant levels
• Verifying the defrost cycle
• Testing the auxiliary heat

The Value of a Professional Tune-Up

While you can handle basic tasks like changing filters, a professional tune-up is much more thorough. Our certified technicians use specialized tools to catch small problems early, like a minor refrigerant leak or a weakening capacitor, before they fail and leave you without heat.

We also ensure peak performance by calibrating your system for maximum efficiency and conduct a thorough safety inspection for your family’s well-being.

Since 1991, our family-owned business has built our reputation on honest, reliable service throughout Wakulla, Leon, and Franklin Counties. We know that regular maintenance prevents most heat pump issues. When you need expert care for your heating and cooling system, trust our experienced team to keep everything running smoothly. Schedule your heat pump installation or service today!