Why Is My Heat Pump Blowing Cold Air? Solutions from a Heat Pump Company
Your heat pump has one job in the winter: keeping you warm. If it’s struggling to do that, there could be a problem with the system—or a misunderstanding in your expectations of how a heat pump works.
Let’s explore the reasons why you could be feeling cold air from your heat pump and what you can do about it.
Understanding How a Heat Pump Works
To understand why your heat pump might not be performing as expected, it helps to know how these systems operate. Whether you have a traditional heat pump or a ductless mini split system, the core principle is the same: heat transfer.
The Basics of Heat Pump Operation
A heat pump doesn’t create heat like a furnace. Instead, it transfers heat from one location to another using a refrigeration cycle. Here's how it works step by step:
- Outdoor Air Heat Absorption
Even in cold weather, there’s heat energy in the air. The outdoor unit contains a refrigerant, a special substance that can absorb heat even at low temperatures. - The refrigerant starts as a cold liquid.
- As it flows through the outdoor coil, it absorbs heat from the surrounding air.
- Heat Compression
The refrigerant, now a warm gas, is compressed by the system’s compressor. Compressing the gas increases its temperature, concentrating the heat. - Heat Transfer Indoors
The heated refrigerant is sent to the indoor unit, where it flows through coils. - As air from your home blows over the coils, the heat is transferred from the refrigerant to the air.
- This warm air is then circulated throughout your home.
- Refrigerant Reset
After transferring its heat to the indoor coils, the refrigerant cools and becomes a liquid again. It is sent back outside to repeat the process.
Why Does the Air from My Heat Pump Feel Cool?
If your heat pump is blowing cold air, it could be due to:
- A mechanical or operational issue with the heat pump system.
- Your body perceiving the air as cooler than it is.
Even when working perfectly, a heat pump’s air might feel cooler than what you’re used to from a furnace.
Here’s why:
- The average body temperature is 98.6°F, while heat pumps typically blow air at around 95°F in winter.
- This air is warm enough to heat your home but can feel lukewarm to the touch.
- In contrast, a furnace often emits much hotter air, exceeding 100°F.
What to do:
- Check your thermostat. If your home reaches the set temperature and the system shuts off as expected, the heat pump is functioning properly.
- If your home isn’t reaching the set temperature, there is a mechanical issue with your heat pump. Read on for common heat pump problems and fixes.
Common Heat Pump Issues (and Fixes!)
Whether you have a ducted heat pump or a mini split system, these are some of the most common reasons why your heat pump might be blowing cold air.
1. Dirty Outdoor Unit
Heat pumps rely on refrigerant-filled coils in the outdoor unit to absorb heat from the air. If debris like dust, leaves, or fencing blocks airflow, the system won’t work efficiently.
Fix: Clean the outdoor unit and ensure it’s not obstructed by fencing or covers.
2. Snow or Ice Build-Up
Snow or ice can block heat absorption, reducing the system’s ability to warm your home.
Fix: Clear any snow or ice from around your outdoor unit.
3. Loss of Power to the Outdoor Unit
If the outdoor unit loses power, the blower inside will push cold air over an unheated coil.
Fix: Check the circuit breaker and reset it if it’s tripped. If the power issue persists, contact Pippin Brothers for service.
4. Auxiliary Heat Malfunction
In sub-freezing temperatures, heat pumps rely on auxiliary heat coils or a furnace for backup heating. If these aren’t working, the air from your system may feel lukewarm.
Fix: Call Pippin Brothers to inspect and repair the auxiliary heating system.
5. Reversing Valve Issues
A reversing valve allows the heat pump to switch between heating and cooling modes. If it’s faulty, your heat pump may only operate as an air conditioner.
Fix: Contact Pippin Brothers to repair or replace the reversing valve.
6. Low Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant absorbs heat from the air outside. If the refrigerant level is too low (usually due to a leak), the system can’t heat your home properly.
Fix: Pippin Brothers can locate and repair the leak, and then recharge the refrigerant.
7. Leaky Return Ducts
Return ducts carry cold air back to the heat pump to be reheated. If these ducts are leaking or pass through unconditioned spaces, they may pull in cold, dusty air.
Fix: Pippin Brothers seals leaks through a process called duct sealing.
Call Pippin Brothers for All Your Heat Pump Needs
Understanding how a heat pump works is key to keeping your home warm all winter. If you’re having trouble and need heat pump maintenance, repair, or replacement, contact Pippin Brothers for expert advice and service.