The point of getting a heat pump is so that your home can enjoy both heating and cooling from a single system. There is no reason to purchase a heat pump and only use it for one job—that’s a waste of money and potential!
Why isn’t my heat pump blowing warm air?
If your heat pump isn’t blowing warm air, check the thermostat settings, replace a clogged air filter, and clear debris around the outdoor unit. Persistent issues may stem from a stuck reversing valve, low refrigerant, thermostat malfunctions, or compressor failure—each requiring professional repair to restore proper heating.
Sometimes, however, your heat pump might end up wasting its potential all on its own. You set the thermostat to provide the house with a comfortable warm temperature on a cool day, and the heat pump turns on, you can hear the blower fan and feel the air coming from the vents … except the air from the vents is either room temperature air or cool air. What’s wrong? Does this call for heating repair in Conway, AR?
Some small things to consider first
Before you call us to send a technician to check out your heat pump, there are some checks you can make yourself. Basic troubleshooting. First, recheck the thermostat. You may have it accidentally set to the wrong mode. Sometimes “auto” mode will keep the heat pump from either heating or cooling. For a programmable thermostat, you may have input the wrong program.
Once you’ve determined the thermostat is fine, check on the air filter for the HVAC system. If it’s clogged, it can cause a serious decline in the heat pump’s heating ability. Also look around the outdoor cabinet to see if something is blocking it, such as tree branches or shrubs.
The more serious troubles
You’ve made the checks, and the heat pump is still either sending out cool or room temperature air. What else could be wrong?
If the heat pump is stuck in cooling mode, the most likely cause is that the reversing valve is broken. This is the component that changes the direction of refrigerant flow through the heat pump, shifting it between heating and cooling mode. If it becomes stuck, the heat pump will be trapped in one of its modes. The problem could also be a lost signal from the thermostat: if it loses its connection to the reversing valve, it can’t tell the heat pump to change modes. Technicians can replace the reversing valve or repair the thermostat.
If the air is neither hot nor cold, there might be trouble with the compressor or leaking refrigerant. These are serious problems that can require expensive repairs if they are not corrected soon. It’s also possible that (again) a malfunctioning thermostat is at fault and isn’t registering that the house needs either heating or cooling.
Leave the detective work to the professionals
You don’t have to worry about figuring out which of these problems is causing the heat pump to fail to do its job. You can leave the work to us: our technicians are trained to do the best job, and we always believe in doing what’s right, even if it’s hard. We’ll find out what’s wrong with your heat pump and get it back to work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Why is my heat pump blowing air but not heated air?
Answer: First check that your thermostat is set to heating mode and not on “auto” or mistakenly left in cooling. Also inspect the air filter to ensure it’s not clogged, and ensure the outdoor unit is not blocked by debris or shrubs.
Question: What could cause a heat pump to run but only blow room‑temperature or cold air?
Answer: If the system is in heating mode but sends out cool or room‑temperature air, the likely culprit is a stuck or malfunctioning reversing valve. That valve controls the direction of refrigerant flow. A faulty thermostat or lost signal to the valve may also be a factor.
Question: How does a reversing valve failure affect my heat pump’s heating function?
Answer: The reversing valve switches the system between heating and cooling by redirecting refrigerant flow. If it fails due to mechanical sticking, solenoid coil faults, or low refrigerant pressure, the heat pump may become stuck in one mode or not produce heat effectively.
Question: What other serious problems might prevent the heat pump from producing warm air?
Answer: Beyond the reversing valve, issues like a failing compressor or a refrigerant leak may prevent sufficient heating. In such cases, the system may run but not achieve the desired temperature output.
Question: When should I call a professional technician?
Answer: If you’ve verified thermostat settings, checked filters, and ensured the outdoor unit is clear, but the heat pump still doesn’t heat properly, it’s time to call a qualified HVAC technician. Problems like refrigerant leaks or reversing valve issues require professional attention.
Dewees HVAC is here to keep you comfortable! Call today: your comfort is our number one priority!