Heat Pump Troubleshooting: 12 Common Issues and Tips for What To Do
We all want to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. We rely on these things without giving them much thought. But when something goes wrong with the heat pump, we quickly realize how much we take our comfort for granted.
In this article, we’ll guide you through 12 of the most common heat pump issues you might run into, along with heat pump troubleshooting. Sometimes, a DIY fix is all you need, but it’s valuable to know when one of these issues is a sign you need a professional.
Key Takeaways:
Start by checking the thermostat, air filter, and power.
Blocked airflow can cause several common heat pump problems.
Refrigerant and electrical issues should be handled by a professional.
Call an HVAC technician if basic troubleshooting doesn't solve the issue.
Understanding Your Heat Pump
Before diving into the details of heat pump troubleshooting, it’s helpful to understand the basics. A heat pump is designed to warm your home in the winter and cool it in the summer by transferring heat between indoor and outdoor air. There are several different types of heat pumps, but the three most widely used are the air-source (the most popular), ground-source (geothermal), and water-source heat pump.
What Are the Key Components of a Heat Pump?
Several components make a heat pump effective for both heating and cooling a home.
Compressor: Circulates refrigerant and increases its pressure and temperature.
Coils: Transfer heat between the refrigerant, indoor air, and outdoor air.
Reversing valve: Changes the direction of refrigerant flow so the system can heat or cool.
Expansion valve: Regulates refrigerant flow and pressure.
The Importance of Regular Maintenance
With all these important components and their critical role in heating and cooling your home, it’s easy to understand the importance of regular maintenance by a professional to ensure these parts remain in good working order.
Why Is My Heat Pump Not Working?
A heat pump may stop working because of incorrect thermostat settings, a dirty air filter, a tripped breaker, restricted airflow, low refrigerant, or a failed electrical or mechanical component. Start by checking the thermostat, filter, and power supply before calling an HVAC technician.
12 Common Heat Pump Issues
Some heat pump problems are minor, while others require professional repair or, in some cases, replacement. Let’s take a look at 12 heat pump issues, including symptoms, possible causes, and how to address them.
1. Heat Pump Won’t Turn On
Many issues could cause your heat pump not to turn on. A surge or power outage could have tripped the circuit breaker, or the thermostat may be set to the wrong mode or temperature. Other possible causes include a thermostat connection problem, a faulty start capacitor, or a malfunction with the reversing valve.
Start by checking the thermostat and circuit breaker. If the system still won’t turn on, contact an HVAC technician.
2. Heat Pump Runs Constantly
If your heat pump runs constantly, first check the thermostat settings. If you accidentally set the temperature too high or too low,the system could be working overtime to try to reach the desired temperature.
Other issues that could be affecting system performance are a thermostat malfunction, low refrigerant levels, or a blocked or dirty air filter.
3. Heat Pump Isn’t Heating or Cooling Properly
If your unit isn’t heating or cooling properly, you could have leaking ductwork, restricted airflow, low refrigerant, or another performance issue. In some cases, the unit may be too small to maintain the optimal temperature based on your home’s size.
If basic troubleshooting doesn’t improve performance, avoid attempting more complex DIY repairs. An HVAC professional can inspect the system and identify the underlying problem.
4. Heat Pump Makes Strange Noises or Smells
A hissing sound could signal a refrigerant leak, while a rattling or banging could come from a broken component or a foreign object obstructing the unit’s fan blades. A thumping sound could signal a problem with the motor.
Strange odors can also provide clues:
A musty smell might signify mold or moisture in the system or ductwork.
A burning smell might indicate accumulated dust, damaged wiring, or an overheating component
A chemical smell often means leaking refrigerant.
If you notice electrical burning odors, persistent chemical smells, or loud mechanical noises, turn off the system and call a technician right away.
5. Outdoor Unit Is Blocked
Leaves, dirt, branches, and other debris can restrict airflow around the outdoor heat unit. Reduced airflow can cause the unit to run continuously as it works harder to heat or cool your home.
Severe blockages can place additional strain on components and contribute to overheating or system failure. Keep the area around the outdoor unit clear and include it as part of routine heat pump maintenance.
6. Heat Pump Is Low on Refrigerant or Has a Leak
Heat pumps rely on refrigerant to transfer heat effectively. Low refrigerant levels are typically caused by a leak, which may develop due to corrosion, worn seals or gaskets, damaged connections, or physical damage to the system.
As refrigerant levels drop, the heat pump may become less efficient, struggle to heat or cool properly, or develop ice on the coils. Refrigerant problems should be diagnosed and repaired by a qualified HVAC technician.
7. Heat Pump Is Frozen or Covered in Ice
Some frost on an outdoor heat pump is anticipated during winter months, and the system should periodically enter a defrost cycle to remove it. However, persistent or heavy ice buildup can indicate a problem.
Possible causes include restricted airflow, low refrigerant, dirty coils, or an issue with the defrost system. If the ice keeps returning or covers a large portion of the unit, have an HVAC technician inspect the system.
8. Unit Has a Dirty Air Filter
Dust, pet hair, and other debris can gradually clog a heat pump’s air filter. As airflow becomes restricted, the system has to work harder to move air through your home.
A dirty filter can reduce heat and cooling performance, increase energy use, and place additional strain on system components. Regularly checking and replacing the filter is one of the simplest ways to support proper heat pump operation.
9. Heat Pump Is Short Cycling
Short cycling means that the heat pump turns on and off repeatedly without completing a normal heating or cooling cycle. As a result, the system may struggle to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.
Possible causes include a clogged air filter, thermostat problems, restricted airflow, or a heat pump that is improperly sized for the home. Because several issues can cause short cycling, recurring problems may require professional diagnosis.
10. Unit Has an Electrical Issue
Power outages, blown fuses, or tripped circuit breakers can interrupt power supply to the heat pump and prevent it from operating properly.
Check your electrical panel if the system suddenly stops working. If the breaker trips again after being reset, avoid repeatedly resetting it and consult a qualified HVAC professional to determine what is causing the problem.
11. Heat Pump Has a Broken Reversing Valve
The reversing valve allows a heat pump to switch between heating and cooling modes by changing the direction of refrigerant flow. If the valve sticks or fails, the system may become stuck in one mode or have difficulty maintaining the temperature.
Problems with the reversing valve can also involve the solenoid coil and other related components. Since these issues can be difficult to diagnose, they should be evaluated by an HVAC technician.
12. Unit Has a Broken Starter Capacitor
The starter capacitor helps provide the electrical boost needed to start certain heat pump components. Capacitors can degrade over time due to normal wear, moisture, temperature fluctuations, or voltage spikes.
A failing capacitor can prevent the motor from starting, contribute to overheating, or cause other electrical problems. Because a capacitor issue involves electrical components, repairs should be handled by a qualified professional.
Can’t identify the problem?
If your heat pump still isn’t heating, cooling, or turning on after basic checks, Conway Services can inspect your system and diagnose the issue.
Heat Pump Troubleshooting
As you can see, the potential problems listed above can result from numerous different causes, including instances where the unit is well-maintained but is simply getting old.
The following are general tips for the avid DIY enthusiast, but keep in mind that it’s always best to seek a technician’s expert advice:
Check the thermostat: If the unit won’t start or seems to be running excessively, always begin by checking the thermostat to see if it’s functioning, if the level is set too high or low, or if it is even turned on.
Clean or replace the air filter: This solution solves more issues than perhaps anything else. A clean air filter has a profound positive impact on how your heat pump functions.
Reset the circuit breaker: See whether the heat pump’s breaker has tripped. If it trips again after being reset, stop troubleshooting and contact an HVAC professional.
Inspect all of the major components: Every part of a heat pump plays an important role, and sometimes the symptoms could be several different issues.
When to Call a Professional
A professional who regularly maintains and services your heat pump is always the best way to get the best performance from your system. Regular maintenance can keep your unit working for years to come, but it’s a good idea to adhere to the terms of your warranty.
You should call an expert if:
The breaker keeps tripping.
The heat pump won't turn on after basic checks.
You notice refrigerant leaks or persistent ice.
You smell burning or electrical odors.
The system makes loud banging, grinding, or hissing noises.
The unit runs but won't heat or cool properly.
About Heat Pump Maintenance: Preventing Future Issues
Your professional technician will inspect the heat pump’s major components and refrigerant level to ensure everything is in working order. Beyond regularly changing your air filter and scheduling regular maintenance visits, the most important thing you can do is not ignore signs of a potential issue.
If you see your electric bill rising, hear any strange sounds, or notice an unusual smell, don’t wait to ask for professional advice.
Talk to the Experts at Conway Services
It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the responsibilities that accompany the pride that comes from owning your own home.
Contracting a reliable, professional maintenance service for your heat pump will give you peace of mind. Don’t worry about the unknowns and unexpected expenses stemming from a poorly maintained unit or the failure of a component that could have been prevented.
Get in touch with one of our technicians today! Give us a call at 901-248-1961 for all your HVAC and plumbing needs.
FAQs
Why is my heat pump running but not cooling?
There are several reasons the unit could run without cooling you down. It could be an issue with low refrigerant, ductwork leaks, or a dirty air filter. It could also be that the heat pump is too small a unit to properly cool the size of your home.
How do I know if my heat pump compressor is bad?
If your heat pump puts out excessively hot air, produces unusually low airflow, or makes a loud noise when the unit is on, the problem might be the compressor.
What is the average lifespan of a heat pump?
Heat pumps last longest when well maintained. The average lifespan of a heat pump is 15 years, but the expectancy is much lower for units that don’t undergo regular maintenance.