Are you wondering why your heat pump is not blowing hot air even if running? Sometimes the heat pump is not sending out warm air, although it seems it is working. If that happens, it is not necessarily a sign of a broken part or system damage.
In some cases, it can be simple to remedy the situation, but if the issue is complicated, it might require technical assistance. Hurliman Heating can locate the problem and recommend a proper solution.
Most Common Reasons For a Heat Pump Not Blowing Hot Air
It is common for a heat pump to experience problems, primarily when utilized a lot. The reasons for a problem can be many. We will take into consideration the ones that are most likely to happen.
Frozen outdoor components
A refrigerant leak is the most common cause of a frozen part in the outdoor component. When the refrigerant is low, the system cannot function correctly, resulting in ice forming. Therefore, it is generally better to call a professional to repair the leak and correct the refrigerant levels.
Maybe there is nothing wrong with refrigerant levels, and the heat pump is going through a defrosting cycle, a process meant to prevent the coil from freezing. However, during this time, the heat pump is not working and will not produce hot air.
Fortunately, the defrosting period occupies only one hour, and if you detect that the heat pump is not working for short periods, it is because it is trying to heat the coil instead of the house.
Clogged filters
It is very common to forget to replace the air filters, as a consequence the airflow is blocked and will not manage to reach the rooms in your house. However, the remedy is straightforward, and it is enough to replace the filters.
Problems with the thermostat
The thermostat is another prevalent problem that can cause the heat pump to stop working. The thermostat can be broken because of a tripped fuse, dead batteries, or damaged components, and when that happens, the heat pump will not produce hot air.
If the thermostat is broken, the solution is to replace it. However, the thermostat could be regulated with the wrong settings. Some modern thermostats have many options for heating, cooling, and automated functions. Without reading the manual, it is easy to make a mistake and push the wrong button.
In addition, if you are using a fan or accidentally put the fan settings on auto, the heat pump will not produce hot air.
Blockage in the outside unit
Sometimes external objects can block the unit vent. Such as situation will block the heat pump from transferring hot air inside the house. The heat pump works by moving air from the outside to the inside.
If the area near the outside unit is not clear of debris, leaves, and other obstacles, the heat pump will not work. It is an excellent habit to routinely inspect the outside unit and remove all obstacles such as tree branches, leaves, bushes, plants, and anything else that can block the vent.
Problems with the reverse valve
Every heat pump has a reverse valve responsible for directing the flow of hot and cold air. If the valve is broken, the air will flow only in one direction, or you can get cold air instead of hot air.
It is also possible that the air gets blocked entirely. Again, you might need professional assistance to resolve reversing valve problems.
Air Duct leaks
It is also possible that the heat pump is perfectly fine, but the ducts are leaking. Air moves to the house through ducts to reach the final destination. When there are leaks, hot air is lost on the way and will not get to the house.
This situation will cause the heat pump to work too much and your house to remain too cold. To find leaks in the ducts, it is better to have a professional inspect your system and seal any possible leak.
Broken compressor
The compressor is essential in removing cold air from the house and letting hot air move inside. Unfortunately, when the compressor is malfunctioning, the heat pump will only produce lukewarm air and will not manage to heat the home.
One of the reasons for the compressor damage is a low refrigerant level or simply because of the normal wear and tear.
Dirty exterior condenser
After a while, the exterior condenser coil will accumulate dirt and debris. This accumulation will block or restrict airflow. It is usual for the condenser to collect dirt since it can come when the air is pulled from outside through the vents.
Preventing or resolving this situation through annual maintenance or calling a technician to perform a cleaning procedure is possible.
The unit is old
When the heat pump becomes old, it is expected that some components will cease functioning. As a result, you will notice that you have to call the technician often and that you do not manage to get enough hot air into the house.
If you are in this situation, it is better to replace the entire system to economize and finally heat your home.
It is too cold outside
Since heat pumps work by transferring hot air from the outside to the inside, it becomes challenging to perform this operation when the outside is too cold. The heat pump’s efficiency can decrease when the temperature is too cold.
Conclusion
The heat pump can run but still not produce hot air for numerous reasons. Sometimes it is easy to resolve the problem when the matter is as simple as replacing the filters or performing cleaning actions of the system or around the outside unit.
But mechanical problems, broken valves, and other complicated issues require the assistance of professional technicians. If you are unsure which problem your heat pump is experiencing is better to call for complete service work.
