One of the worst feelings a homeowner can experience is finding out their heat pump won’t work in the dead of winter. But don’t panic! Most of these issues are simple, and you can fix them in minutes.
Below, we identify the most common causes of heat pump failure and what you can do to resolve it.
Basic Troubleshooting Checklist (Start Here First)
These quick-fix steps might be all you need to do to restore heat pump function:
- Reset the breaker: If your unit doesn’t turn out, check out the fuse box. The circuit breaker may have tripped and need resetting.
- Inspect the thermostat: Is the thermostat functioning? Check all the major components and settings.
- Replace the air filter: This solution solves more problems than you might expect. Clean air filters have a profound impact on function.
- Check for blinking lights: If an emergency heat or lockout mode light is blinking, this points to another problem that a professional may need to examine more thoroughly.
10 Common Reasons Your Heat Pump Won’t Turn On (With Fixes)
1. Thermostat Glitch or Miscommunication
Double-check your smart thermostat settings, which might accidentally override heat pump operation.
A dead battery may also be to blame, which can cause system confusion.
2. Tripped Breaker or Blown Fuse
If the unit won’t function, check to see if the circuit has tripped. Make sure it’s set to OFF before resetting the breaker.
3. Dirty or Clogged Air Filter
Change your air filter to bring back efficient function. If it’s an easy swap, it’s an instant fix.
4. Frozen Outdoor Unit (Even in Cooling Season)
Defrost cycle issues and blocked coils can freeze outdoor units, even in the summer. Many heat pumps have built-in defrost cycles described in the manual.
5. Faulty Start Capacitor or Contactor
If you hear clicking with no function, the capacitor may not be receiving its signal from the thermostat. This is an electrical problem that requires a professional.
6. Low Refrigerant Charge
If you hear hissing or if heating and cooling aren’t working well, the refrigerant charge may be low. Hiring a professional can get this fixed quickly.
7. Malfunctioning Reversing Valve (Heat/Cool Swap Mode Fail)
If your unit won’t switch from heat to AC (or vice versa), its reversing valve may have failed. This is unique to heat pumps and requires a professional to fix.
8. Clogged Condensate Drain or Safety Float Switch Triggered
Humid climates like Niceville can trigger a system shutdown because the pan switch is designed to prevent water damage. A wet/dry vacuum can remove standing water.
9. Thermostat Warning or Communication Board Issue
Thermostats send signals to the air handler that controls heating, cooling, and fan operation. Problems here are usually electrical and require an expert.
10. System Lockout Mode
Take note of any blinking lights and refer to the manual about their meaning; the solution depends on the problem. These are often caused by short cycling, overheating, or fan failure.
Outdoor vs. Indoor Unit: What’s Really to Blame?
Many HVAC systems are split to provide better function. Identifying a problem with the heat pump becomes more complicated in this way if the outside works while the inside doesn’t (or vice versa).
By following our quick-fix checklist above, you can quickly isolate exactly where the problem with the heat pump lies.
When You Should Not DIY
If heat pump malfunction includes electrical smells, burning, water leaks, repeated circuit trips, or total power failure, it’s critical to hire a professional to tackle the job. These are all symptoms of a deeper issue that requires expert repair.
Pro Tips for Preventing This in the Future
Heat pumps get a lot of use, which means they need regular servicing to stay running at their best. In fact, it’s the cheapest insurance against future problems! Below, we’ve provided a maintenance checklist to prevent heat pump failure from happening again:
- Monthly filter change: When your heat pump circulates air, dust and dirt built up on the filter, eventually clogging it so that clean air can’t get through.
- Annual tune-ups: Scheduling a tune-up with a professional at least once per year is another great preventive measure, especially right before the winter or summer seasons arrive. They’ll check every component.
- Smart thermostat settings: These will depend on your preferences, but make sure there are clear rules for cooling, heating, and down time to prevent system confusion.
- Clean the outdoor unit: Your HVAC unit needs a clear path for airflow regardless of what season it is. Keep the unit clear even beyond the summer.
If You’re Stuck, Here’s What to Do
When you call for heat pump service, tell them exactly what the problem is, including the duration, specific symptoms, and any recent changes that might have triggered the failure. If there are any blinking lights or error codes, relay that information as well; these are like cheat codes for pinpointing the problem quickly.
Contact One Hour Niceville today to schedule an inspection or fast repair for your heat pump in Niceville, FL and its surrounding areas. Remember: We’re always on time or you don’t pay a dime!
FAQs
Why does my heat pump click but not turn on?
This might be due to a faulty capacitor, which requires professional repair.
Can a thermostat cause a heat pump not to work?
Yes, it can have many different consequences. Each one requires its own solution, so it’s important to correctly diagnose the problem.
How do I reset my heat pump?
Turn off the power at the main switch or circuit breaker, wait a few minutes, and then turn everything back on in reverse order.