What Causes a Heat Pump to Go Bad? Let Me Break It Down for You
When your heat pump isn’t working like it should, it’s hard to ignore. Maybe the house isn’t warming up. Maybe it’s blowing cold air when it should be heating. Or maybe it’s just dead silent when you expect to hear that comforting hum.
Whatever the case, the key is to figure out what’s wrong — and fix it before it turns into a bigger problem. At Boulden Brothers, we troubleshoot heat pumps all the time. We’ve seen units with simple wiring issues and others that were one blown capacitor away from full replacement. Here’s how we walk through the process to troubleshoot your heat pump, step by step, and when it’s time to stop guessing and give us a call.
Step 1: Check the Thermostat
Start simple. The thermostat controls the whole system. If it’s off, misprogrammed, or not communicating correctly, the heat pump won’t know what to do.
- Set the thermostat to heat or cool, depending on what you need.
- Raise or lower the set temperature to trigger the system.
- Check the fan setting. It should be on “auto” or “on,” not “off.”
- Replace the batteries if it’s a battery-powered model.
If the screen is blank or unresponsive, that’s a red flag. You could have a wiring issue or a tripped breaker.
Step 2: Inspect the Breakers
Next stop: your home’s breaker panel. Find the breakers labeled for HVAC or heat pump.
- If the breaker is tripped, flip it all the way off, then back on.
- If it trips again right away, leave it off. You likely have a short circuit or faulty component.
- Don’t force a breaker that doesn’t want to stay on. That’s asking for bigger trouble.
Step 3: Listen for the System
When you flip the thermostat back on, listen closely.
- Do you hear the air handler running inside? That’s the indoor fan.
- Do you hear the outdoor unit kick on? That’s where the real heating and cooling happens.
If one part runs and the other doesn’t, you’re already narrowing it down.
Step 4: Feel the Air
- Is air coming out of the vents? Is it the right temperature?
- Cold air in heating mode could mean the reversing valve is stuck or there’s low refrigerant.
- Warm air in cooling mode might point to the same thing.
- No air at all? You may have a blower motor issue or clogged filter.
- Hold your hand near a vent for a full minute. You’d be surprised how many folks just walk past without noticing.
Step 5: Check the Air Filter
A clogged filter will suffocate the system.
- Pull out the filter and hold it up to the light.
- If you can’t see through it, replace it.
Blocked airflow causes all kinds of issues — coil freezing, overheating, and compressor failure. Swapping the filter is one of the easiest fixes you can do yourself.
Step 6: Look at the Outdoor Unit
Head outside and inspect the condenser.
- Is it covered in leaves, dirt, or debris?
- Are the fins bent or clogged?
- Is there ice or frost on the coil?
If it’s iced up, turn off the system and call us. Ice buildup can damage the compressor fast. Never try to chip it off — you’ll do more harm than good.
Step 7: Listen for Strange Noises
Clicking, humming, buzzing, or grinding sounds all point to specific problems:
- Buzzing might mean a failing capacitor.
- Clicking can point to a relay or thermostat issue.
- Grinding often signals a worn-out motor.
- No noise at all? You may have a failed contactor or blown fuse.
These sounds are your heat pump’s way of asking for help. Don’t ignore them.
When to Call Boulden Brothers
Some fixes are DIY-friendly. Others need a licensed electrician or HVAC tech. Here’s when it’s time to bring us in:
- Breaker keeps tripping
- Ice on the outdoor unit
- No power to the thermostat
- System runs constantly but never heats or cools
- Odd smells or sounds from the unit
- Uneven temps or weak airflow
We don’t guess. We troubleshoot, confirm, and fix the problem. Fast.
You call. We come. It’s fixed.
Our Troubleshooting Process
When we show up, we don’t poke around and hope for the best. Here’s what we do:
1. We Listen
You tell us what the system’s doing. We ask questions, take notes, and get a full picture.
2. We Test the Thermostat and Controls
We check for power, communication, and response time.
3. We Inspect the Indoor and Outdoor Units
We test voltage, refrigerant pressure, motor function, capacitor health, coil condition, and more.
4. We Confirm the Cause
We don’t fix symptoms. We troubleshoot the root problem and explain it in plain English.
5. We Fix It the Right Way
We repair, replace, or recalibrate — whatever it takes to get you comfortable again. Fixed right the first time. That’s our standard.
FAQ
Why is my heat pump blowing cold air in heat mode?
It might be in defrost mode, or the reversing valve could be stuck. It could also be low on refrigerant.
Can a dirty filter stop my heat pump from working?
Absolutely. Poor airflow can shut down the system or freeze the coils.
How long should a heat pump run?
In cold weather, it may run longer to maintain comfort. But if it never shuts off, that’s a problem.
What’s the average lifespan of a heat pump?
With regular maintenance, 10 to 15 years. After that, parts start to wear out.
How often should I have my heat pump serviced?
At least once a year — twice is better if it’s used for both heating and cooling.
Let’s Get That Heat Pump Back in Shape
Troubleshooting a heat pump doesn’t have to feel like solving a puzzle in the dark. Start with the basics. If the easy stuff checks out and you’re still scratching your head, call us.
At Boulden Brothers, we treat every home like it’s our own. We show up on time, explain things clearly, and leave with the system running smooth. You call. We come. It’s fixed. Ready to get started? We’re one call away.
