Heat pumps are one of the most versatile HVAC systems you can own. They heat your home in the winter, cool it in the summer, and they do it all without burning fuel or racking up sky-high electric bills. They can handle everything from sweltering heat to frigid cold.
The trade-off for all that versatility is that heat pumps can sometimes run into a variety of issues. The good news is that with a little knowledge, you can often figure out what’s going on before you call for service. Let’s walk through the most common problems and what you can do to troubleshoot your heat pump.
Heat pump is frozen
A frozen heat pump isn’t unusual, especially in colder climates. Your heat pump’s outdoor coil naturally runs 10 to 20 degrees colder than the air outside. That means frost or ice can form even if the outdoor temperature is above freezing.
A light coating of frost is normal and should clear on its own thanks to the built-in defrost cycle. This system uses temperature sensors and a microprocessor to detect frost and briefly reverse operation to melt the ice.
When it’s a problem:
If the ice keeps building up or doesn’t melt, you could be dealing with low refrigerant, faulty defrost controls, or a bad sensor. These issues require professional repair.
What you can do:
- Keep an eye on your heat pump during cold spells.
- If you notice ice, give it a couple of hours to defrost on its own.
- If the ice is getting worse or not going away, call Team Harding to troubleshoot the issue.
Heat pump not heating
In winter, your heat pump extracts heat from the outdoor air and moves it inside. If your home isn’t getting warm, there could be a problem.
What you can do:
- Make sure your thermostat is set correctly and the unit is powered on.
- Consider your climate. In areas with long stretches of sub-freezing temperatures, a heat pump may struggle to keep up. You might need a backup heating system like a furnace.
- If settings look fine and it’s not just extreme cold causing the issue, call a professional. The cause could be low refrigerant, a sizing issue, or another mechanical fault.
Heat pump not cooling
Despite the name, heat pumps are also great at cooling. They switch to cooling mode using a reversing valve that changes the direction of refrigerant flow.
When cooling fails:
The cause could be a failed part, low refrigerant, or something simple like a clogged air filter.
What you can do:
- Check your thermostat settings.
- Make sure the unit hasn’t been switched off.
- If it still won’t cool, contact Team Harding to troubleshoot your heat pump.
Heat pump won’t turn on or off
If your heat pump won’t respond, the problem could be with the thermostat, the electrical supply, or the control system.
What you can do:
This is a job for a professional. An HVAC technician can safely check the power source, reset the unit, and rule out electrical issues without risking damage to your system or your home’s electrical panel.
Heat pump making unusual noises
It’s completely normal for your heat pump to make some noise during the defrost cycle. You may hear a “whoosh” sound followed by the fan stopping, and even notice a bit of steam near the end of the cycle. These are all signs of normal operation.
What’s not normal are loud or unusual sounds such as banging, screeching, rattling, buzzing, grinding, or gurgling. These noises can signal electrical issues, loose components, or more serious mechanical problems that require professional attention.
What you can do:
Don’t ignore it. Turn the system off and call a professional immediately. Unusual noises are rarely something you can fix yourself and delaying repairs can cause further damage.
Heat Pump Troubleshooting: When to Call Team Harding
Some problems have simple fixes, like adjusting your thermostat or replacing a filter. But for anything involving ice buildup that won’t clear, loss of heating or cooling, electrical issues, or strange noises, the safest move is to call Team Harding.
Our expert technicians can quickly diagnose and repair the problem so your heat pump keeps your home comfortable year-round.
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Team Harding has been Ottawa’s leading home comfort specialist since 1994. We are a family-owned and operated local business and all of our installers and technicians are fully licensed.
