You expect your heat pump to keep your home warm and cosy when the temperature drops. However, when your heat pump is not heating properly, it may start blowing cold air instead or may not turn on at all. We know that it’s frustrating when your heating system is like that. In many cases, the problem can be traced back to a few common issues.
Common reasons why your heat pump is not heating
The Remote Control Settings Are Incorrect
Sometimes, a heat pump may not blow warm air simply because the settings on the remote control are incorrect. Check the unit to see if it is set to heating mode. That is usually shown by a sun symbol on your remote control. Also, make sure the selected temperature is higher than the current room temperature.
It’s also worth checking the fan settings and replacing the remote control batteries if the heat pump is not responding properly.
The Fix: Confirm that the heat pump is set to heating mode and increase the temperature if necessary. If the unit is still not heating properly, then the problem is likely elsewhere.
Airflow is Restricted Through The System
Your heat pump depends on steady airflow to move warm air throughout your home. However, dust, dirt plus other airborne particles tend to collect on the air filter over time. Over time, such buildup restricts the amount of air moving through the system. As airflow becomes limited, less heated air passes through the system. As such, your rooms take longer to warm up. You may also notice that the air coming from the vents becomes cooler than usual.
The Fix: Check the air filter to see if it has become clogged with buildup. A reusable filter may need cleaning, while a disposable filter may need replacing.
The Outdoor Unit Is Blocked
Still waiting for the house to warm up, even though the heat pump is running? Take a look at the outdoor unit. Debris can gather around the coil over time. During colder weather, ice may add another layer of blockage.
Around the coil, frozen moisture can then create even more blockage. To protect itself, the system may temporarily shut down.
The Fix: Check the area around the outdoor unit for anything that may be blocking airflow. Clear away any blockage around the unit. If heavy ice keeps returning, there may be another issue causing the freezing.
Low refrigerant charge
Your heat pump also relies on refrigerant to heat and cool your home. If the system has a low refrigerant charge, the unit may not be able to transfer enough heat effectively. As a consequence, your heat pump will have reduced heating performance.
Besides that, low refrigerant also contributes to icing on the outdoor coil, making your system work harder to reach the desired temperature. Since refrigerant doesn’t normally run out during operation, a low charge can be a sign of a leak that needs to be found and repaired.
The Fix: A qualified technician should inspect the system to identify and repair any refrigerant leaks.
When to Call a Professional
- The vents still blow cool air even after the remote control has been checked.
- Ice continues to form on the outdoor coil after debris has been removed.
- Your heat pump runs much longer than usual, yet it still struggles to warm the house.
- Strange sounds, unusual odours or electrical problems begin while the system is operating.
- Airflow remains weak even after the filters have been replaced or after cleaning the filter.
Get Your Heat Pump Heating Properly Again
When simple checks do not solve the problem, your heat pump may need more than a quick DIY fix. This is because some heat pump heating problems involve internal components. As such, they need proper testing before the cause is confirmed.
At Sackett Services, we check the system to determine what is preventing it from heating properly. From there, we will recommend the right repair based on what we find. No one wants to argue with their heat pump all year. Fortunately, Sackett Services can help settle it!