As temperatures drop, your home’s comfort depends on a dependable, efficient heat pump. When your heat pump begins to act up during winter, knowing the basics of troubleshooting is essential before you call for professional heating and air support. Below, explore common wintertime issues, practical solutions you can try at home, and guidance on when to contact American Refrigeration Heating and Air Conditioning Co., Inc. for expert help.
Checking Thermostat and Power Issues
The first step in troubleshooting any heat pump scenario is double-checking your thermostat. A surprising number of winter complaints stem from a thermostat accidentally left in cooling mode or set too low. Make sure your thermostat is:
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Set to heat mode
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Set at least two degrees above the current room temperature
If your system still doesn’t activate, inspect your home’s circuit breaker panel. It’s not uncommon, especially after severe weather in Olive Branch, for a breaker to trip and cut power to your heat pump. Reset the breaker if needed—but if it continues to trip, this may indicate a deeper electrical issue that calls for professional heating service.
Addressing Constantly Running Heat Pumps
In Olive Branch’s mild winters, your heat pump should not run continuously unless temperatures drop significantly. If it seems like your system never shuts off, review these troubleshooting steps:
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Ensure the thermostat is set appropriately, not unreasonably high.
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Inspect the air filter; a clogged filter can decrease airflow, forcing the heat pump to work harder.
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Make sure the outdoor unit isn’t obstructed by leaves, debris, or ice. This is a common issue when wind blows fallen leaves against the unit or after a freezing rainstorm.
Persistent running often points to issues like low refrigerant, dirty coils, or a malfunctioning compressor—problems that require air conditioning service from trained technicians.
Identifying Ice or Frost on the Outdoor Unit
A light frost on the outdoor coil is normal and is usually resolved by the defrost cycle. However, after an ice storm or snowfall in Olive Branch, your unit may develop thicker, persistent ice. If the exterior is iced over:
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Turn the unit off
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Gently clear away snow or debris
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Do not use sharp tools on ice buildup
Ongoing icing often signals a failing defrost timer, low refrigerant, or a faulty fan. These issues require prompt attention to avoid severe system damage.
Troubleshooting Weak Airflow or No Air from Vents
If your heat pump is running but produces little or no airflow, the issue may be with the indoor air handler. Start by checking:
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Circuit breakers for the indoor air handler and the outdoor unit
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The air filter for clogs
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The thermostat fan setting (auto or run)
If airflow remains weak, the cause may be a damaged blower motor or faulty wiring. These are best handled by qualified HVAC professionals.
When to Call for Professional Help
While many winter heat pump issues can be addressed with basic troubleshooting, more complex problems—such as electrical failures, refrigerant leaks, or persistent ice accumulation—require professional assistance. Prompt service prevents further damage and helps maintain system efficiency.
Schedule Winter Heat Pump Service in Olive Branch, MS
If troubleshooting doesn’t solve the issue, trust American Refrigeration Heating and Air Conditioning Co., Inc. for reliable heating and air solutions. With extensive experience handling the unique climate demands of Olive Branch, MS, our team delivers comprehensive heating and air conditioning service to keep your home comfortable all winter. Give us a call at (662) 895-7204 or fill out our online form to get started.
