A broken heat pump is SO not cool
Heat pumps trap thermal energy from one area and transfer it to another to cool or heat a home.
Clogged air filters are a common and easy-to-fix heat pump problem.
Many heat pump issues require a pro's expertise to properly fix.
Perform regular maintenance to prevent future heat pump problems.
When your heat pump isn't cooling, it puts a serious damper on summer fun. After all, the last thing you want is to walk into a sweltering house after a fun day of enjoying the sun. Sometimes, fixing your heat pump's cool air problem is as easy as changing the filter, but other problems might require a pro's expertise. So when your heat pump is not cooling, use this guide to troubleshoot so you can properly enjoy the summer heat.
In a nutshell, heat pumps cool or heat a home by trapping warm air from one area and transferring it to another. So during the warmer months, the heat pump cools the home by trapping heat from inside the home and transferring it outside.
During the cooler months, the pump heats the home by trapping heat from outside and bringing it inside. Even when the outdoor air temperature is cold, there's still enough thermal (heat) energy outside for the pump to grab and transfer inside.
When the hot months of summer hit, cool air is crucial. If your heat pump isn't cooling, here's how to troubleshoot it.
Troubleshooting tip number one is equivalent to the tech world’s “unplug it and plug it back in again,” but for your heat pump. If the pump isn't turning on at all, even when the power is on, a tripped circuit could be the culprit. Head to your circuit breaker and make sure all of the switches are in the “on” position.
In many cases, outdoor and indoor heat pump units are connected to different breakers, so be sure to check all breakers for any that are switched to the "off" position. If one of the switches is flipped off, flip it back on and see if that solves the problem.
Set your thermostat to "cool" or "auto." If you set it to "auto," check that the heat pump temperature setting is cool enough to where the heat pump would be blowing cool air if the pump were working correctly. For instance, if you set your thermostat to keep your indoor air at 72 degrees and the outdoor temperature is around 72 degrees, as well, your heat pump might not be blowing cool air because it doesn't need to cool your home further.
If the thermostat doesn't turn on at all or it doesn’t work properly once you’ve decreased the temperature, try replacing the batteries. If it still doesn't work, call a local HVAC repair technician to inspect it since you likely have an electrical problem on your hands.
Dirty air filters are a common heat pump problem. Over time, your heat pump's air filter will naturally collect dust, dander, and other debris, which can clog it and inhibit cool airflow. Fortunately, this is a very easy fix. Simply remove the air filter and inspect it. If it looks dirty, rinse it with warm water to clean it or replace it with a new one, depending on the type of filter you have (reusable versus single-use).
The heat pump's reversing valve transfers heat inside or outside, depending on the season. Luckily, you don’t need to know where the valve is or even what it looks like to test if it’s working.
To start, set the thermostat to heating mode. If the heat pump is blowing warm air when heating mode is on but isn’t blowing cool air when cooling mode is on, then you probably need a new reversing valve to fix the problem. Unless you have HVAC expertise under your belt, call a pro to replace the valve.
Damaged ductwork can create leaks, causing air to escape before it can cool down your home. Go to your attic or basement and visually inspect any exposed ductwork, paying close attention to joints and seams, and look for any damage, such as holes or disconnections. You should also look for signs of mold or rust, which can indicate a leak. If you notice any of these problems, call in a pro.
If the outdoor unit connected to your heat pump is frozen, it won't effectively blow cool air. So head outside and inspect your unit for any frost or ice. If you notice any signs of freezing, turn off the unit. Freezing can occur due to dirty filters or clogged ducts, but if both of these areas are clean, you should call a pro to help since you might have a broken valve, motor, or fan.
Debris and vegetation surrounding an outdoor unit can also prevent cool airflow, so make sure to regularly remove any debris that could potentially affect its performance.
Leaks, freezes, and regular wear and tear can all reduce a heat pump's refrigerant levels. When the refrigerant is too low, it can prevent cool airflow and create other problems.
Working with refrigerant can be dangerous, so don’t attempt to solve this issue on your own. Checking refrigerant levels requires specialized tools and expertise, meaning that this is a job best fit for the pros (not the DIYers).
To prevent the issue of your heat pump not cooling in the future, there are several steps you can take throughout the year. These maintenance tips will keep your pump in working order for longer:
Replace or clean your heat pump's filter every one to three months.
Keep the outdoor unit clear of vegetation and other debris.
Remove any obstructions over the indoor vents, such as furniture.
Regularly inspect the ductwork for any signs of damage.
Hire a local heat pump repair service to inspect the pump and perform maintenance at least once per year.
HVAC systems have many complicated parts, some of which can be dangerous to deal with (like toxic refrigerant) if you’re not a trained professional. Heat pump servicing done by a pro typically costs $200 or less.
If an issue gets bad enough to where an entire part or the whole unit needs replacing, you could end up paying a lot more (in the thousands of dollars).
In some cases, all you need to do to fix a heat pump is clean or replace the filter, change the thermostat batteries, or remove obstructions from the indoor vents or outdoor unit. These problems are fairly easy and safe for most homeowners to address themselves.
However, if you followed these troubleshooting steps and you're still having the issue of your heat pump not cooling, then it's a good idea to call an HVAC technician. They'll have the tools and expertise required to properly fix the problem before it becomes an even bigger issue.
Emma Diehl contributed to this piece.
On average, heat pump repair costs between $150 and $600 when you call in a local HVAC technician. The most common types of heat pump repairs involve fixing the thermostat, condenser, and ductwork. These repairs cost between $100 and $250. If your heat pump is more than 10 years old and keeps having problems, it may be time to replace it.
If your HVAC isn’t working as well as it once did, it could be due to low refrigerant. Signs that your refrigerant is low include warm air coming out of the vents, a frozen evaporator coil, loud noises, a higher-than-average electric bill, and high humidity. If refrigerant is low, you need to reach out to a repair specialist for help.
