How a Heat Pump Works
In summer, a heat pump works just like an air conditioner, moving heat out of your home. In winter, a reversing valve flips the flow of refrigerant so it pulls heat from the outdoor air and brings it inside. Backup electric heat strips help on the coldest mornings. Because a heat pump runs for much of the year in Florida, it sees a lot of wear.
Common Heat Pump Problems
- Not cooling in summer: the same causes as an AC, such as capacitors, fan motors, refrigerant leaks and dirty coils. See AC not cooling.
- Not heating in winter: a reversing valve, defrost control, sensor or heat strip problem.
- Stuck in one mode: often the reversing valve or its solenoid, or a thermostat set up for the wrong system type.
- Ice on the outdoor unit that doesn't clear: some frost in winter is normal, but a unit that stays iced over usually has a defrost problem.
- Running constantly with high electric bills: dirty coils, low refrigerant or backup heat running more than it should.
How We Repair Heat Pumps
We test the system in both cooling and heating modes, check the reversing valve, defrost controls, sensors and heat strips, measure refrigerant pressures and inspect the electrical components. Then you get a clear explanation and a flat-rate price before any work. A Davenport customer wrote that their "old heat pump is running like new after the repair."
Thermostats and Heat Pumps
A heat pump needs a thermostat configured for heat pump operation. A wrong setting or wiring can cause the system to blow cold air in heat mode or run backup heat constantly. We check that as part of every heat pump call. See thermostat repair.
Repair, Maintain or Replace
Most heat pump problems are repairable. Regular maintenance helps prevent them. If an older heat pump has a failed compressor or keeps breaking down, we'll explain your replacement options honestly.
Heat Pumps During a Florida Cold Snap
Most of the year, a Central Florida heat pump never heats at all. Then a cold front comes through in January, the temperature drops into the 30s overnight, and everyone turns on the heat at once. That's when problems that have been hiding all year show up: a reversing valve that won't shift, a defrost board that doesn't clear the ice, or backup heat strips that don't come on.
A few things are normal on those mornings. Steam rising off the outdoor unit during defrost is normal. So is a short burst of cool air while the system defrosts, and a dusty or burning smell the first time the heat strips run after months off. If the smell doesn't go away within a short time, or you see smoke, turn the system off and call us.
Auxiliary Heat and Emergency Heat
Your thermostat may show "Aux Heat" or "Emergency Heat". Auxiliary heat is the electric heat strip that kicks in automatically to help the heat pump on very cold mornings or when the house needs to warm up quickly. Emergency heat is a setting you choose that runs only the heat strips and shuts off the heat pump.
Heat strips use a lot more electricity than the heat pump itself. If your thermostat shows aux heat running constantly, or your winter bill jumped, the heat pump may not be doing its share. That's worth a diagnosis.
What a Davenport Customer Said
"Great experience from start to finish. Super fast response, clear communication, and reasonable rates. Our old heat pump is running like new after the repair." (John K., Davenport, FL)
Service Area
We repair heat pumps throughout Kissimmee and in nearby Davenport, Poinciana and Haines City. See all AC repair services.
We Also Serve These Areas
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my heat pump blowing cold air in heat mode?
It may be in a defrost cycle, which is normal for a few minutes. If it continues, the reversing valve, defrost control or thermostat setup may be the problem.
Is ice on my heat pump normal?
A light frost in cold weather is normal and should clear during defrost. A unit that stays covered in ice needs service.
Do you work on heat pumps and regular AC systems?
Yes, we repair and maintain both.
What does Emergency Heat on my thermostat mean?
It runs only the electric heat strips and turns off the heat pump. Use it only if the heat pump has failed and you need heat until it's repaired, because heat strips use much more electricity.
Why does the heat smell like burning the first time I turn it on?
Dust settles on the heat strips over the summer and burns off the first time they run. That's normal for a short time. If the smell lasts or you see smoke, turn the system off and call us.
Why is steam coming off my outdoor unit in winter?
That's usually the defrost cycle melting frost off the coil, and it's normal. A unit that stays covered in ice is not.
How do I know if I have a heat pump or a regular AC?
Check the label on the outdoor unit, or look at your thermostat: heat pump systems usually show an Aux or Emergency Heat setting. If you're not sure, we'll tell you on the first visit.
Why does my heat pump run constantly in winter?
On the coldest mornings, long run times are normal. If it runs all the time on mild days, or aux heat is always on, the system may be low on refrigerant, have a dirty coil or have a defrost or valve problem.