But that's actually a sign that the system is operating correctly during the defrost cycle. So even though the heat pump is creating warm air (usually 80-95°F), it may feel cool to … Keep these things in mind when seeking out a technician. One temperature rule: Keep in mind that a system runs best with the thermostat set at one temperature. It's important for homeowners to understand that, on cold days, their home is not running the air conditioner to cool the house. What to do: 1. Members of the editorial and news staff of the USA TODAY Network were not involved in the creation of this content. Here are some possible causes of the issue and what you can do … That includes electrical problems such as bad compressor contactor. Heat pumps take this process and crank it into overdrive, extracting heat from cool and even cold air. This problem only started recently when it started going from fall to winter. Here’s why: The vent air’s temperature might be below your body temperature (which is about 98.6°F). The heater’s blowing cold, or the AC is blowing hot. Any Heat Pump Repair. This is plenty warm enough to heat your home, but if the air feels cool or cold, there may be a problem with your heat pump. It will also need to be replaced by a technician. You can hear it blowing, but no heat is coming out. Because many new heat pump owners are accustomed to the warmer air that a heat or gas furnace … For more information about heating and air conditioning maintenance and repair, visit George Brazil or call 602-842-0009. Sometimes this happens simply because your batteries have died. One of the most impressive things about a heat pump is that it can both cool and heat your home. That’s actually due to the water vapor in the air condensing and freezing as it comes into contact with the colder temperatures of your heat pump coils and the refrigerant inside them. On a 20 degree day, it might drop to 85 degrees. Schedule Service. © 2021 www.azcentral.com. ​At what time did the system begin blowing cold air? Unlike a traditional furnace that generates its own heat, a heat pump transfers air from the outdoors and vice versa. Meanwhile, you’ll get cold air because the fan continues to run as a safety measure, even after the furnace isn’t producing heat. You see, a heat pump heats your home by moving heat from the outdoor air into your home. Super Cold. Customers with rooftop units often become concerned when the ice defrosts and the water runs down the roof. Continue reading for a few more factors to consider. Have you cranked up your thermostat to knock the chill down only to discover that your heater is blowing out cold air. All systems should be performance tested and the results explained to the customer. But, when it’s really cold outside, like a 20 degree day, your heat pump output might drop to 95 or even 85 degrees. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. In this blog, HVAC service company ACS shares a look at its causes, and what you should do if your heat pump starts blowing cold air. Heat pump blowing cold air in heat mode. Check the ductwork to be sure it’s properly connected. Report Save. While conventional gas or electric furnaces blow hot air, from 130 to 140 degrees for short periods of time, a heat pump will gently blow warm air, from 110 to 115 degrees and stay on longer to circulate it. DO NOT TURN OFF THE TERMOSTAT, as it can delay the cycle. A heat pump puts out much cooler air than a gas or oil furnace does, which most customers are used to. "But in a lot of cases you can almost hear the person breathe a sigh of relief at the other end of the phone after they understand what's happening," Ramirez said. Check the air filter to be sure it’s clear. However, if your heat pump doesn’t return to heating mode and you’re noticing cool air for a long period of time, you should reach out to a professional. In the winter, heat pump icing up is often perfectly normal. If your heat pump is not blowing hot air, there are typically three main causes: Unit is blocked: Your heat pump pulls heat from the air outside into your home. Check your air filter. The condensation occurs from your unit dehumidifying your home. Check your thermostat to be sure it’s properly set. 1. share. You’re standing there pushing buttons trying to heat up the house, but it’s just not working. Call 614.262.1818 for details. If so, your heat pump is likely in defrost mode and you don’t need to call a technician. While the cycle runs, homeowners can briefly feel cool air coming from the vents. Red flag: Check the outdoor coil. level 2. All rights reserved. During the colder months, a heat pump will produce air that is approximately 55 degrees warmer than the outdoor air. And, in cold weather, heat pumps tend to blow warm air out at 95°F. Avoiding an annual check-up could void a manufacturer's warranty, increase the chances of a breakdown and boost energy costs. Common Reasons For Heat Pump Not Blowing Hot Air. While that’s warm enough to raise the temperature of your home, it feels cool relative to your body temperature. or Request Estimate. Nest Thermostat Generation 3 2 years ago. Some conditions may apply. Seems silly, but you’d be surprised how often this has happened. Unlike a traditional furnace that generates its own heat, a heat pump transfers air from the outdoors and vice versa. It's a statement heating and air conditioning pros hear every winter – "My heat pump is blowing cold air!" If it’s very cold outside, there’s a possibility that your heat pump isn’t blowing cold air, but air that’s colder than your body temperature. This energy is transferred to internal air that is passed through the heat pump and then blown back into the home. Do you remember the approximate outdoor temperature when the system seemed to be malfunctioning? Most homes use air-source heat pumps, which run outside air through a series of coils that extract heat energy. If you see frost accumulated on the coil that does not go away, then you will need a visit from an HVAC expert. The heat pump may be blowing warm air; it just does not “feel” warm. This is different from a furnace, which can blast hot air over 100°F. The Heat Pump Isn’t Actually Blowing Cold Air. Continue reading for a few more factors to consider. Continue reading for a few more factors to consider. Ramirez explains that when the outdoor temperature drops below 42 degrees in the valley, frost can build up on the outdoor coil of your heat pump. It's temporary: A defrost cycle can last up to 20 minutes. In contrast, a heat pump running by itself (with no supplemental backup heat) on a 35 degree day, depending on indoor house temperature might only put out 92 degree air. Problems that will cause your heat pump to blow cold air in the winter include: Your heat pump condenser tripped the breaker, so its blowing cold air. Get help with your home improvement projects. Water run off: Some units may even see water dripping or steam rising from the outdoor condenser coils. However, remember, any time you find your heat pump not blowing hot air, call a Lansing, MI heating repair contractor to have them troubleshoot the issue for you. Heat pumps that blow cold air is not as common a problem, yet it does happen, and can be caused by one or more factors. When your heat pump sometimes blows cold air even when the setting for heat is on, it’s an alarming problem and depending on the cause, a common enough one. That means if it’s 25 degrees Fahrenheit outside, the heat pump will crank air into your home that’s around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If you notice that the heat coming out of your vents isn’t as warm as you would like it to be, go through this list before you worry. But, if something goes wrong and your heat pump is suddenly trying to cool your home in the middle of the winter, you have a problem. The indoor coil in the air handler gets cold when the heat pump is in cool mode. If the airflow to your unit is blocked by snow, ice, leaves or another type of debris, this can make it hard for the heat pump … This could make it feel like cool air … "We've saved a lot of people money by just talking them through a few steps over the phone," said George Ramirez, Service Manager with George Brazil Air Conditioning & Heating in Phoenix. Steer clear of companies whose technicians can't clearly explain what they are doing to your system. Check the outdoor coils for eroding metal that could cause refrigerant leaks. There are two possible routes here, one of which many homeowners who are new to heat pump systems encounter. You can purchase these devices at most home improvement stores. Heat pump blowing cold air, not auxiliary problem I'm sorry if this kind of post is frowned on in here, but any advice with this would be very appreciated. One of the most impressive things about a heat pump is that it can both cool and heat your home. While the defrost cycle protects your home's heating and air conditioning system, this process can be confusing to the homeowner. Some of those include: EnergyStar.gov recommends a pre-season check up for your heating system. Continue reading for a few more factors to consider. Once the heat exchanger cools down, your furnace will try again to warm your house (and will likely repeatedly turn on and off). If it’s a particularly cold day or night, your heat pump might just be blowing air that’s cooler than your body temperature, making you think it’s cold. The defrost cycle helps eliminate any accumulated frost. Two Reasons Your Heat Pump Is Blowing Cold Air. The second scenario usually happens to newer heat pump owners. Ramirez says his team asks callers specific questions that can help them understand if they are dealing with a defrost issue or something more serious. Heat pump not heating. Super Cold. Kent, WA 98032 Contractors - ELECTRL9617Q Electrical - ELECTRL961PQ, © 2021 BxB Media | Electromatic Refrigeration LLC. During the winter, the pump’s compressor can capture and absorb outdoor heat and transfer it indoors. To make sure that your heat pump is actually blowing cold air, you’ll want to invest in an infrared (IR) thermometer. Super Cold. The reversing valve not shifting properly. While there may be a chance the system needs work, a reputable HVAC pro will ask a few important questions before taking your money. During the winter, the pump’s compressor can capture and absorb outdoor heat and transfer it indoors. Super Cold. Understanding a system defrost could save you $100 to $150 by sparing you a visit from an HVAC technician. We wanted to address this, as many times homeowners think this is an issue with their heating and cooling system, but if they have a heat pump, it's actually Let’s say you’re doing these things and your heat pump is still blowing cold air in the winter. Posted on August 2, 2016 by johnson June 8, 2018. Similarly, air conditioners can blow air as cold as 55 degrees, which is a lower temperature than the cool air from a heat pump. What to do if your heat pump is blowing cold air. The basics… A qualified technician should inspect the burners, blower, safety switches, exhaust systems and defrost controls. The neat trick with heat pumps … Well this happens sometimes and a few things can be the cause. If it’s dirty, change it! It's a statement heating and air conditioning pros hear every winter – "My heat pump is blowing cold air!" The nest seems to blow warm air normally but once it switches to alternative heat source, then it starts blowing cold air. Heat pump frozen in winter During the cold winter months, your heat pump’s outside unit will sometimes be covered with a coating of frost on the sides, or even light ice. Furnaces tend to put out about 130 to 140 degree air. … Ask for your HVAC company's inspection list and compare it to the ACCA's. "Set it and forget it!" While every manufacturer is different, many heating systems are designed to go into a defrost cycle every 30, 60 or 90 minutes if the outdoor air temperature remains below a certain level, in most cases 40 degrees. Common Reasons Your Heat Pump Is Blowing Cold Air. Unlike a traditional furnace that generates its own heat, a heat pump transfers air from the outdoors and vice versa. It will be more susceptible to freezing if condensation comes into contact with it. Noise, cold air: A loud, hard-working condenser and swishing sounds in the refrigeration lines are usually part of the defrost cycle experience. If your heat pump is blowing cold air, there are the two possible scenarios: the heat pump truly is malfunctioning and may need to be repaired, or it may just seem like it’s blowing cold air in comparison to what you are used to. Every so often, the unit will go into defrost mode to remove that frost. Claim Offer More Offers. Heat pumps work by transferring heat from outside into your house. Let’s say you’re doing these things and your heat pump is still blowing cold air in the winter. The list … The Air Conditioner Contractors of America (ACCA) has a list of furnace inspection tasks on its website. 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