Why Is My Heat Pump Blowing Cold Air?

Bigger, Better

Heat pumps are designed to operate efficiently in a variety of weather conditions. While heat pumps are ideally suited to regions with moderate climates, the newer models are capable of handling extreme weather conditions and are increasingly versatile in terms of how they are used. According to ACHR News, heat pumps are gaining in popularity as a sensible alternative to traditional furnace and air conditioning units.

Did You Know?

Heat pumps are three to four times more energy efficient than electric furnaces because of how they transfer heat rather than trying to create it. They reduce carbon emissions, they require little maintenance, and one heat pump serves both your heating and cooling needs.

Good to Go

All heating and cooling systems require proper maintenance—and your heat pump is no exception. To start with, always clean or replace filters as needed. This inexpensive action maintains efficient airflow through the system and helps lower your utility bills.

Other home remedies include cleaning the outdoor coils and removing any vegetation that’s growing too close to your outdoor unit. Check your service manual for other preventative maintenance tips on how to get the best performance from your heat pump.

Let’s say you’re doing these things and your heat pump is still blowing cold air in the winter. Continue reading for a few more factors to consider.

Super Cold

Unlike a traditional furnace that generates its own heat, a heat pump transfers air from the outdoors and vice versa. During the winter, the pump’s compressor can capture and absorb outdoor heat and transfer it indoors. In the summer, a heat pump operates likes centralized air conditioning by extracting the warm indoor air and pushing it outdoors.

During the colder months, a heat pump will produce air that is approximately 55 degrees warmer than the outdoor air. That means if it’s 25 degrees Fahrenheit outside, the heat pump will crank air into your home that’s around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It seems pretty warm, but 80 degrees is much cooler than the average body temperature (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit) and could feel like cold air blowing into the home.

It’s Defrosting

To protect the outdoor coils from freezing up in the winter, heat pumps go through a defrosting period every hour or so in which they are truly blowing out cold air. This defrosting period only lasts a few minutes and should not affect the overall temperature of your home.

Check It Out

If your heat pump continues to blow cold air for more than a few minutes, and your home’s thermostat indicates the temperature is dropping, first try a little troubleshooting:

Check the air filter to be sure it’s clear.
Be sure the indoor vents aren’t blocked.
Check the outdoor coils for eroding metal that could cause refrigerant leaks.
Check the ductwork to be sure it’s properly connected.
Check your thermostat to be sure it’s properly set.

If everything seems to be in order, then it’s probably time to call AL-DON to have one of our trained technicians come out and take a look.

Give Us a Call Today

It’s always a good idea to have your heat pump inspected at least once a year to keep it from blowing cold air when you want heated air. Contact AL-DON here in St. Louis, MO, to schedule an appointment or if you are in need of a repair. We’d be happy address whatever heat pump issue you may be having. Call 314-567-5585 or request service online today.

Contact the experts!

AL-DON services St. Louis, Creve Coeur, St. Charles, Ballwin, Chesterfield, Clayton, Des Peres, Frontenac, Glencoe, Kirkwood, Ladue, O’Fallon, Olivette, Richmond Heights, St. Peters, Town and Country, University City, Webster Groves, Wildwood and the surrounding Missouri communities with their heating, air conditioning and indoor air quality needs. Visit our service area page for more coverage details, call us at 314-567-5585 or request service online today.