Heat Pump Not Heating? What to Check Before You Call for Repair
The first cold morning of the season is usually when it happens. You switch the thermostat to heat, wait a while, and the house still feels chilly. Here in Ocala and Marion County, heat pumps spend most of the year cooling. The first time they are asked to heat, small things can get in the way.
The good news is that many of those small things are easy to check yourself. The steps below do not need tools, and none of them ask you to open the unit. If they do not solve it, we will also show you when it is time to stop and let a technician take over.
First, Know What Normal Looks Like
A heat pump heats your home differently than an older furnace. Knowing what is normal can save you a worried phone call.
- The air feels warm, not hot. Heat pump air is gentler than furnace air. If the house is slowly reaching the temperature you set, the system is doing its job.
- It runs for longer stretches. On a cold morning, a heat pump may run for a long time. That is how it is designed to work.
- The outdoor unit may steam for a few minutes. In cold, damp weather, a thin layer of frost can form outside. The system clears it with a short defrost cycle. You may see steam and hear a whoosh, and the fan may pause. That is normal.
If the house is not warming up at all, or the air from the vents feels cool, move on to the checks below.
6 Simple Checks Before You Call
1. Check the Thermostat
It sounds simple, but this is the most common fix. Make sure the thermostat is set to Heat, not Cool or Off. Set the temperature a few degrees above the current room temperature. Set the fan to Auto, not On. When the fan is set to On, it blows air between heating cycles, and that air can feel cool.
If the screen is blank and your thermostat uses batteries, put in fresh ones.
2. Look at the Air Filter
A clogged filter chokes off airflow. Your system has to work harder, your rooms feel cooler, and some systems will shut themselves off to stay safe. Slide the filter out and hold it up to the light. If you cannot see light through it, replace it with the same size.
3. Open the Vents and Clear the Returns
Walk through the house and make sure the supply vents are open. Check that rugs, furniture and curtains are not covering them. Do the same for the larger return grilles. Your system needs air coming back in to send warm air out.
4. Take a Look at the Outdoor Unit
Step outside and look, without touching anything inside the unit.
- Clear away leaves, pine needles and yard debris piled against the sides.
- Trim back plants so the unit has open space all the way around.
- Check that nothing is sitting on top of it.
A light frost that comes and goes is normal. Thick ice that covers the unit and does not clear is not. If you see that, turn the system off and call us. Please do not chip at the ice or pour hot water on it. That can damage the unit.
5. Check the Breaker One Time
Find your electrical panel and look for a breaker labeled for the heat pump or air handler. If one has tripped, you can reset it once. If it trips again, leave it off and call. A breaker that keeps tripping is telling you something is wrong, and resetting it again and again can make the problem worse.
6. Give It a Little Time
After you change a setting or replace a filter, give the system a little while to respond. Many systems have a built-in delay before they start back up, so it may not kick on right away. If the home starts to warm, you are likely back in business.
What About the Emergency Heat Setting?
Many thermostats have a setting called Emergency Heat or Em Heat. It turns on your system’s backup heat and gives the heat pump a rest. If your heat pump is not keeping up and the house is getting cold, it is fine to use this setting for a short time while you wait for help.
Just do not leave it there. Backup heat uses much more electricity than your heat pump does. Think of it as a spare tire. It will get you through, but it is not meant for everyday driving.
When to Stop Checking and Call
Turn the system off and call us at (352) 657-1090 if you notice any of these:
- A burning smell or anything that smells electrical
- Grinding, banging or loud buzzing
- A breaker that trips a second time
- Thick ice on the outdoor unit that does not clear
- Water around the indoor unit
- The system runs and runs, but the house keeps getting colder
If the heat is out and the house is getting uncomfortable fast, our emergency repair team can help you figure out the next step.
What Not to Try Yourself
We are all for homeowners knowing their systems. But a few jobs belong to a trained technician, every time.
- Do not open the unit’s panels or touch any wiring. Heat pumps carry high voltage, even when they seem to be off.
- Do not add or adjust refrigerant. It takes special tools and training to handle it safely.
- Do not keep resetting a breaker. Once is a check. Twice is a warning.
If your checks did not bring the heat back, you have done your part. The next step is to have a technician find the real cause with a heat pump repair visit in Ocala or anywhere in Marion County.
What Happens When You Call Us
No pressure and no sales pitch. Here is how a repair visit works.
Tell Us What Is Happening
Call and describe what your system is doing, and what you have already checked.
We Find the Cause
A technician inspects your system to find the source of the problem.
We Explain Your Options
You get a clear explanation before any work begins.
Comfort Restored
We make the repair and get your home comfortable again.
We repair most major brands, including systems we did not install. And we will not push a new system when a repair makes sense.
A Little Maintenance Goes a Long Way
Many of the problems on this list start small. A dirty filter, a blocked outdoor unit or a part that is wearing out can go unnoticed all summer, then show up on the first cold morning. We recommend having your system looked at at least once a year. A regular maintenance visit is a good way to catch small problems before the season changes.
Still No Heat? We Can Help.
Serving Ocala and Marion County, Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm.
Heat Pump Heating FAQ
Why is my heat pump blowing cool air in heat mode?
Start with the thermostat. Make sure it is set to Heat and the fan is set to Auto. Then check the air filter. Keep in mind that heat pump air feels warm, not hot, and the system may blow cooler air for a few minutes during a defrost cycle. If the air stays cool and the house is not warming up, it is time to have the system checked.
Is it normal for my heat pump to have frost on it?
A light layer of frost on a cold, damp morning is normal. Your system clears it on its own with a short defrost cycle. Thick ice that covers the unit and does not go away is not normal. Turn the system off and give us a call.
Should I switch my thermostat to emergency heat?
Only for a short time. Emergency heat is a backup for when your heat pump cannot keep up or is not working. It uses much more electricity, so use it to stay comfortable while you wait for a repair, then switch back.
Do you repair heat pumps you did not install?
Yes. We repair most major brands and systems, including ones installed by another company.
Do you offer heat pump repair near Ocala, FL?
Yes. We serve homeowners throughout Ocala and Marion County, including Fore Ranch, Bellechase, Del Webb Spruce Creek and Del Webb Stone Creek. Our office is open Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm. Call (352) 657-1090 and tell us what your system is doing.
Questions About Your AC? Just Give Us a Call.
Talk to a real person about what your system is doing. We will help you figure out the next step.