Heat Pump Troubleshooting
Explore safe homeowner checks for common heating, cooling, and icing problems, and prepare useful details for a service visit.
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Browse the guides below.
Heat Pump Not Heating
If your heat pump is not heating, check thermostat settings, airflow, breakers and outdoor-unit condition before calling a technician. Learn the common causes.
Read guide TroubleshootingHeat Pump Not Cooling
If your heat pump is not cooling, check thermostat mode, filters, airflow, breakers and outdoor-unit condition. See common causes and when to call a pro.
Read guide TroubleshootingHeat Pump Blowing Cold Air
A heat pump can blow cooler-feeling air and still heat normally. Learn when cold air is normal, when defrost is involved and when to call a technician.
Read guide TroubleshootingHeat Pump Freezing Up
Some outdoor-coil frost is normal in heating mode. Learn when heat-pump icing is excessive, what safe checks to make and when defrost problems need service.
Read guide TroubleshootingHeat Pump Running Constantly
Variable-speed heat pumps can run for long periods normally. Learn when constant operation is expected and when airflow, sizing, controls or faults need attention.
Read guide TroubleshootingHeat Pump Short Cycling
Short cycling means a heat pump turns on and off too frequently. Learn common causes including oversizing, airflow, thermostats and equipment faults.
Read guide TroubleshootingHeat Pump Making Noise
Heat pumps make normal compressor, fan and defrost sounds. Learn which grinding, screeching, buzzing or banging noises deserve professional service.
Read guide TroubleshootingHeat Pump Outdoor Unit Not Running
If the heat pump outdoor unit is not running, check thermostat mode, breakers and visible obstructions safely before calling an HVAC technician.
Read guide TroubleshootingHeat Pump High Electric Bill
A high heat pump electric bill can come from weather, auxiliary heat, rates, filters, ducts, controls or equipment faults. Diagnose the change methodically.
Read guide TroubleshootingAuxiliary Heat on a Heat Pump
AUX heat is supplemental heat used when the heat pump needs help, often during cold weather, defrost or recovery. Learn when it is normal and when to investigate.
Read guide TroubleshootingEmergency Heat on a Heat Pump
Emergency Heat is a backup-heating mode for heat-pump systems. Learn how it differs from AUX heat, when it is appropriate and why it can cost more.
Read guide TroubleshootingHeat Pump Defrost Cycle
Heat pumps periodically defrost the outdoor coil in cold, damp weather. Learn what normal defrost looks like and when persistent ice indicates a problem.
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