Stay Warm: Troubleshooting Your Heat Pump When It Won’t Heat
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## Introduction
[IMAGE] of a homeowner looking concerned at their thermostat in a chilly-looking room; Heat pump problems; Cold house; Frustration; Signs of a problem; Blowing cold air
[INFOGRAPHIC] explaining the basic heat pump heating cycle: heat absorption from outside, compression, and heat release inside
## First, Understand How Your Heat Pump Heats
Heat transfer vs. heat creation; Refrigeration cycle; Lukewarm air is normal; Air temperature 85-93°F; Body temperature 98.6°F; [How a heat pump works explained by Energy Star](https://www.energystar.gov/products/ask-the-experts/how-does-a-heat-pump-work); [The Average Homeowner’s Guide to Understand Residential Heat Pumps](https://www.accutemp.pro/the-average-homeowners-guide-to-understand-residential-heat-pumps/)
### What is the Defrost Mode?
Normal operation; Temporary cold air; Ice on outdoor coils; Whooshing sound; Automatic cycle; [Why Heat Pumps Blow Lukewarm Air](https://www.accutemp.pro/why-heat-pumps-blow-lukewarm-air/)
### What is a Reversing Valve?
Switching heating and cooling; Refrigerant flow direction; Core component; [Should I Get an AC or Heat Pump?](https://www.accutemp.pro/advantages-of-heat-pump-systems/)
## Simple DIY Checks Before You Call for Help
[IMAGE] of a homeowner checking their circuit breaker panel; Homeowner troubleshooting; Easy fixes; Save money; [Expert Tips for Troubleshooting Heat Pump Issues](https://www.accutemp.pro/expert-tips-for-troubleshooting-heat-pump-issues/)
## 1. Check Your Thermostat Settings
Set to HEAT; Fan on AUTO; Temperature setting; Dead batteries; Faulty thermostat; [Incorrect thermostat settings can cause issues](https://www.accutemp.pro/blog/why-does-our-heat-pump-blow-cold-air-in-the-winter)
## 2. Inspect the Air Filter
[IMAGE] of a clean air filter next to a dirty, clogged one; Restricted airflow; Overheating; Reduced efficiency; [Clogged air filters reduce efficiency](https://www.accutemp.pro/heat-pump-maintenance-guide/); [Heat Pump Maintenance Guide](https://www.accutemp.pro/heat-pump-maintenance-guide/)
## 3. Check for Tripped Breakers or Blown Fuses
Power loss; Indoor unit breaker; Outdoor unit breaker; Resetting a breaker; Electrical issues
## 4. Examine the Outdoor Unit
[IMAGE] of a heat pump outdoor unit covered in ice and snow; Debris and leaves; Ice buildup; Snow drifts; Proper clearance; [A dirty outdoor unit hinders performance](https://www.accutemp.pro/heat-pump-blowing-cold-air/); Frozen coils
## Why Your Heat Pump is Not Heating: Common Causes Requiring a Pro
[IMAGE] of a professional HVAC technician inspecting an outdoor heat pump unit; Professional diagnosis; Complex repairs; Safety; [Expert Heat Pump Repair](https://www.accutemp.pro/expert-heat-pump-repair/)
### Advanced Issues Causing a Heat Pump Not Heating Problem
[LIST] of potential repair costs for common issues; Reversing valve failure; Compressor issues; Capacitor or motor failure; Control board problems; [Troubleshoot Common Heat Pump Errors](https://www.accutemp.pro/troubleshoot-common-heat-pump-errors/)
### Signs of a Refrigerant Leak
Hissing sounds; Frozen refrigerant lines; Reduced heating capacity; Oily residue; [Common Heat Pump Refrigerant Issues](https://www.accutemp.pro/common-heat-pump-refrigerant-issues/); [A refrigerant leak requires a professional](https://www.accutemp.pro/service-maintenance/air-conditioning-repair/)
### Malfunctioning Auxiliary Heat Strips
Emergency heat; Extreme cold; No backup heat; Electrical failure; [Why Heat Pump Won’t Stop Running](https://www.accutemp.pro/why-heat-pump-wont-stop-running/)
## Frequently Asked Questions About Heat Pump Heating Issues
### Why is my heat pump blowing cold air when the heat is on?
Defrost cycle; Incorrect thermostat setting; Low refrigerant; [A failing reversing valve can be the culprit](https://www.accutemp.pro/blog/heat-pump-blowing-cold-air/); [Heat Pump Short Cycling: Top Causes](https://www.accutemp.pro/heat-pump-short-cycling-top-causes/)
### Can a heat pump work in very cold Florida weather?
Florida climate; High efficiency; Supplemental heat; Below freezing performance; System sizing
### How can I prevent my heat pump from breaking down in the winter?
Regular maintenance; Filter changes; Keeping outdoor unit clear; Professional tune-ups; [Regular Heat Pump Service Benefits](https://www.accutemp.pro/regular-heat-pump-service-benefits/)
## Stay Warm with Preventative Care and Expert Repair
Troubleshooting summary; DIY first; When to call a professional; Importance of maintenance; Accu-Temp Heating & Air Conditioning; [For expert heat pump and AC repair in Palm Coast, FL, contact us today!](https://www.accutemp.pro/air-conditioning-landing-page/ac-repair-palm-coast-fl/); [Heat Pump Maintenance Lasting Performance](https://www.accutemp.pro/heat-pump-maintenance-lasting-performance/)
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Is your heat pump not heating? Discover why & troubleshoot common issues to restore warmth. Get expert tips & know when to call a pro.
