Why Is My Heat Pump Not Heating? Tips to Restore Comfort

Your heat pump keeps you nice and toasty in your home when the weather outside is frightful. But when it stops working, it can be frustrating and uncomfortable. It may still turn on and circulate air, but when you hold your hand up to the vent you feel that the air is cold or lukewarm at best.

What do you do in this moment to prevent yourself from turning into a human popsicle? Well, in this post we will go over how a heat pump works, nine common causes for your heat pump not producing warm air, and what you can do to remedy the issue.

How Does a Heat Pump Work?

A heat pump can work as both a heating and cooling unit, but for the sake of simplicity, we will focus on the heating element. Your heat pump takes heat from the air outside, water, or even the ground, and then funnels it into your home. They can be more energy-efficient than traditional home heating systems, and in the winter they can extract heat from outside and pump it into your home. 

9 Commons Causes of a Heat Pump Not Blowing Hot Air

A faulty heat pump not heating enough can be caused by a multitude of factors. While it can be frustrating to deal with, do not get too icy. For every problem, there is a solution that will get your home back in working order and your family and pets nice and warm. The nine most common causes of an HVAC not heating your home properly include the following. 

1. Clogged or Dirty Air Filter

Inside every heat pump is an air filter that catches dust, dirt, allergens, and any other pollutants so that they do not circulate into the rest of your home. Over time, that filter gets filled with pollutants and can get clogged. A clogged or dirty air filter limits the amount of airflow through your heat pump and makes the air coming out not feel as warm as it should. A simple fix is to clean or replace the filter in your heat pump.

2. Low Refrigerant Charge

The refrigerant in your heat pump is what absorbs and releases heat, so it is a crucial part of the heating system. Low refrigerant levels could result in your heat pump not being able to absorb as much heat, making your home colder than it should be. There could be a refrigerant leak somewhere in your heat pump’s system.

3. Power Disconnected on Outdoor Unit

If you have an outdoor heat pump unit, it should have its own switch to disconnect power running to the unit. This is used if maintenance needs to be done on your unit or any sort of emergency where the power needs to be shut off. This switch is typically mounted outside near the unit itself, and you can check to make sure that it is switched to the “on” position. If it is not, switch it to “on” and then check inside your home for any warm air. If it is switched on but does not seem to be running, a fuse in the box may have blown.

4. Incorrect Thermostat Settings

Sometimes, the cause of the issue is as simple as the wrong temperature or setting on your thermostat. Take a peek at your thermostat and see if the temperature displayed matches the temperature of the air coming out of the vents. If it is especially cold outside, wait a few cycles to check, as it can take a minute for your heat pump to warm up.

It could also be a sign that your heat pump is in a different mode. Heat pumps have what is called defrost mode, where the pump blows cool air into the home so the outdoor coils can heat up and melt any frost or ice that may have built up over time. If it is not in defrost mode, then the issue could be more serious than your thermostat.

5. Dirty Evaporator Coils 

Inside your heat pump are evaporator coils that absorb heat from the air. Over time, these coils can develop a build-up of a layer of dust or other pollutants. This can make it more difficult for the coils to absorb heat and for your heat pump to effectively pump heat into your home. If you notice that the evaporator coils look dirty, be sure to clean them off and make sure there is enough ventilation around the coils for them to effectively do their job.

6. Faulty Reversing Valve 

The reversing valve is what allows your unit to switch between heating and cooling modes. If there is an issue with the valve, then your unit may be struggling to switch from cooling to heating, making the air from your vents not feel as warm as it should.

7. Leaking Ductwork

The air ducts in your home are what transfer the hot air created by your heat pump throughout your home. A crack or hole in these ducts can cause precious warm air to leak out before it can reach the vents throughout your home, causing you to lose heat. Common signs of a leak in your air ducts can also include an increase in your energy bill despite not making changes to the thermostat.

8. The Circuit Breaker is Tripped

If you have an outdoor heat pump unit, it should have its circuit breaker box installed near the unit itself. If your heat pump is not running at all, check to see if that breaker is tripped. Follow the necessary safety precautions to reset the breaker if it is tripped.

If you have an indoor unit or your outdoor unit’s breaker is fine, then you should check the main breaker in your home. If that one is tripped, follow the safety steps to reset the breaker to your home.

9. Malfunctioning Auxiliary Heat

Every heat pump system has an auxiliary heat or emergency heat, that kicks in when the heat pump cannot keep up with demands. This typically happens during extremely cold weather, when your unit has to work harder to maintain temperatures. The emergency heat is typically an electric heater or gas furnace that automatically turns on when it senses that the pump cannot keep up with the temperature set on the thermostat.

Most thermostats have an emergency heat mode that you can turn on. If you can, turn it on and see if the temperature of the air coming from your vents warms up. If it does not, it could mean an error with your auxiliary heat system.

Ensure a Cozy Home with LimRic’s Heat Pump Services in Charleston, SC

Are you looking for an HVAC company to help with your chilly heat pump? Contact your local HVAC maintenance professionals at LimRic Plumbing, Heating, & Air online or over the phone at (843) 920-4227. Our team is available to answer any questions you may have or to help you schedule an appointment with one of our technicians.

LimRic Plumbing, Heating, & Air is your local HVAC & Heat Pump Repair company ready to serve our local communities in areas of South Carolina such as Charleston, Summerville, Mt. Pleasant, and more!