If you’ve recently noticed that your heat pump is blowing cold air instead of warm, this may cause a serious concern to you and your family. A malfunctioning heat pump can make your home or office uncomfortable, and indicate that a more serious issue is present.
It is important to diagnose the cause of the problem quickly, as this will determine what repairs may need to be done. In this post, we’ll discuss why your heat pump blows cold air, some troubleshooting tips for finding the source of the problem, and how hiring a certified HVAC technician can ensure that repairs will last.
Cool Thermostat
If you’ve turned on the heat in your home only to find out that cold air is being circulated instead, you may wonder, “why is my split system blowing cold air?”. Take a moment to double-check that the thermostat is set to HEAT, not COOL – this is a common mistake, and turning the switch might do the trick.
Furthermore, examining other components of your heat pump system, such as the wiring or outdoor unit, may be necessary. If the problem persists, these further inspection steps should be performed by a professional who specializes in HVAC systems.
Fan in AUTO Mode
An incorrect setting on your thermostat can cause your heat pump to blow cold air. One potential setting to check is the FAN setting. This should be set to AUTO instead of ON; in the ON position, the warm air is not being regulated, and thus the heat pump may be forced to blow cold air.
When set to AUTO, the fan activates only when heated air is ready for circulation. If this doesn’t solve the issue, other potential causes should be investigated.
In Defrost Mode
You may experience periods of cold weather where your heat pump goes into defrost mode. This is common and only sometimes indicates a system malfunction. Your heat pump shifts from transferring heat inside your home towards the outdoor unit, which radiates warmth to melt any built-up ice, causing cold air going out from your vents. Once the ice has melted, the transfer of warm air will be shifted back into your home, restoring efficient heating in your space.
If you find your furnace blowing cool air, peek outside to check if your outdoor unit is covered in frost or ice. In such cases, the device has likely gone into defrost mode. However, if this persists for extended periods and doesn’t return to heating your space properly, reach out to a professional HVAC technician immediately.
Malfunctioning Reversing Valve
Without a well-functioning reversing valve, your home’s HVAC system won’t be able to maintain the temperature you set for comfort. This is because the reversing valve prevents any backflow of refrigerant or other fluids from going into the wrong area of the system; it serves as a mechanism to switch between cooling and heating modes.
If your heat pump seems to be running in cooling mode even though it should be giving you warm air, then there is likely something wrong with the reversing valve, which makes fixing it a priority. It can be challenging to diagnose and resolve this issue on your own. It is best to find an experienced technician who can investigate and repair the problem quickly.
Leak in Refrigerant Line
When heat pumps blow out cold air, sometimes, it’s a sign that you may have a refrigerant line with a leak. It’s important to recognize the signs of this kind of problem, including short cycles where your system turns off and on more frequently than usual, and an increase in the household’s humidity levels. Another common symptom of the refrigerant line leak is the outdoor coils freezing up.
If this happens, your heat pump will need to work much harder, significantly increasing utility costs. For safety reasons and regulatory compliance, all leaking refrigerant lines should be handled by a qualified, certified specialist. Be cautious as dealing with refrigerants without proper training can be hazardous.
Dirty Outdoor Unit
Maintaining your outdoor heat pump unit is essential for optimal performance. If you notice a build-up of dirt, leaves, and other debris on the outdoor unit’s coils, this can significantly reduce the efficiency and effectiveness of your heat pump. This is because dirt, leaves, and debris can cause blockages and reduce the amount of warm air coming into your home.
Poorly maintained outdoor units can also impact air flow through air ducts leading to other parts of your home and potentially costly repairs. It’s important to have a professional inspect and clean your outdoor unit regularly to ensure it continues running efficiently and cost-effectively.
Old Age Unit
If your heat pump is over 15 years old, it may have reached the maximum lifespan, and even with maintenance, it can start showing signs of age and deterioration. In this case, your heat pump may release cold air instead of hot.
To help ensure you will not get surprised by sudden breakdowns or undesired heating outputs, consult an HVAC technical specialist about developing a repair and maintenance plan for your unit as soon as possible after installation. Proper maintenance will extend your heat pump’s life, ensuring your HVAC’s safe and healthy functioning.
Get Your Heat Pump Repaired By Haven Air Conditioning
When it comes to “why is my heat pump blowing cold air,” there are several possible culprits ranging from defective parts to poorly performing maintenance tasks. Regardless of the cause, it is important to identify and address the problem as soon as possible to keep your home comfortable and energy-efficient.
Professional heat pump repair is vital to ensuring the safety and performance of your home’s HVAC system. The team at Haven Air Conditioning in Orange County is licensed, insured, and certified to provide comprehensive repair services for all types of HVAC systems. Contact us today to get your heat pump back up and running properly.
Do you want to learn more about heat pumps? Read our article about the reasons why your heat pump is not heating.
