When it’s late at night, and all you want to do is cozy up on your couch with some hot cocoa, the last thing you want to deal with is a lack of hot air from your heat pump. Instead of being caressed by the warm air, you’re left wondering why your heat pump isn’t pumping any hot air.
There could be several reasons why your heat pump isn’t blowing any hot air, and since 2007, we’ve helped diagnose these systems in homes across Los Angeles. At Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Air, we’ve seen how inconvenient it can be when a home feels cold during winter instead of warm and cozy.
We’re certified and knowledgeable on heat pump systems and have narrowed down the reasons why there’s a lack of hot air to these causes.
- Refrigerant issues
- Obstructed ventilation and airflow
- Heat pump mechanical failure
- Electrical problems
- Freezing ambient temperatures
By the end of this article, you will better understand why your heat pump isn’t producing any hot air. This information will help you understand and communicate with a technician as they explain what may be wrong with your heat pump system.
Why Don’t I Have Hot Air With My Heat Pump System?
Instead of generating heat using gas as a fuel source, heat pump systems rely on a combination of electricity and heat pump technology. If an issue occurs while the heat pump attempts to generate hot air, it may lead to a lack of hot air.
Heat pumps are whole-house systems, so it can be tricky for homeowners to pinpoint the exact location and part of a heat pump preventing it from generating hot heat. One of the first things a certified technician may inspect is the refrigerant inside the heat pump system.
Refrigerant Problem
An issue with refrigerant, such as a leak or low supply, can affect the heat pump’s ability to produce hot air. The special refrigerant within a heat pump system allows the transfer of heat from the outside to the warm airflow circulated throughout a home.
A refrigerant leak may be hard to detect, but it should be addressed by a certified technician immediately. The leak can spread to other heat pump parts and cause further damage. Heat pumps recycle refrigerant and do need refills unless there’s been a loss of refrigerant due to a leak or improper installation.
Some newer heat pump systems display an indicator light or error code to alert the homeowner that the refrigerant is low. Although a refrigerant sounds simple, it should be completed by a professional technician to avoid any accidental spills or damage to the heat pump. Even if the refrigerant is refilled, the heat pump may lack hot air due to obstructed airflow and ventilation.
Ventilation and Airflow Obstructed
Any restrictions with the airflow and ventilation of a heat pump system may prevent it from blowing hot air throughout a house. Heat pumps have a complex ductwork and airflow system that allows the transfer of hot air throughout different rooms in a home.
Heat pump systems have air filters that need to be cleaned and replaced periodically to prevent any airflow restrictions. Dust and debris can pile up inside the ductwork and venting, obstructing hot air from dispersing.
With biannual maintenance, homeowners can contract an HVAC technician to inspect the heat pump for airflow restrictions and remove debris. During these inspections, technicians can also check for any early part or component failures that may eventually cause a lack of hot air.
Mechanical Failure
A lack of hot air from your heat pump system may have been caused by a part broken down for various reasons. Heat pump technology comprises different components that work together with refrigerant to absorb heat from the ambient temperature and transfer it to create hot air for a home.
Here are some of the more critical parts of a heat pump that can cause a lack of hot air if they break down.
- Condenser coil
- Air handler
- Compressor
- Evaporator coil
- Reversing valve
Homeowners are not expected to know each one of these parts and where along the heat pump system they’re located. With a professional technician’s assistance, homeowners can have their heat pump system inspected to see if any failing part is causing a lack of hot air.
All the top heat pump brands have manufacturer warranties that cover any defective parts. So, if any faulty parts are causing a lack of hot air, homeowners can submit a claim to have that part replacement covered.
Even if all the parts are working correctly, a heat pump system will not provide any hot air at all if there are issues with the electrical source that provides it with power.
Electrical Issue
There could be an electrical issue causing a lack of power to the heat pump and rendering it unable to produce any hot air. Most heat pump systems need a 240-volt, 30-amp circuit to have enough energy to operate efficiently.
If there are outages with the electric grid or burnt circuit breakers, a heat pump will be inoperable until the electrical issues are resolved. Only a certified electrician can address any electrical issues affecting a heat pump system.
Heat pumps have built-in electrical coils that heat air if the outside temperature is too low. If these electrical heating elements cannot convert electricity for heating power for any reason, a professional HVAC technician will need to replace or repair them.
Aside from electricity, heat pumps need adequate surrounding temperatures to operate and provide hot air.
Cold Ambient Temperatures
If the ambient temperature around a heat pump system is too cold, it may not be able to have enough heat to provide hot air. On average, heat pump systems can pull in heat from ambient temperatures if it’s over 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything under that temperature and the heat pump system must rely more upon electricity to heat air.
Because of the temperature constraints, heat pumps aren’t suitable in areas where the temperature stays under 40 degrees for days on end. Luckily, a majority of Los Angeles and the surrounding areas don’t experience days and weeks of constant freezing weather.
Addressing Hot Air Issues With Heat Pump System
Ideally, homeowners expect a heat pump to provide warmth during colder weather. Sometimes, there could be a couple of reasons why no hot air is circulating. Now that you have gained insider knowledge on why there could be a lack of hot air, you can confidently speak with a technician about your issue to have it resolved.
At Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Air, we helped diagnose hundreds of heat pump systems experiencing a lack of hot air. Although each case differs from home to home, we’ve seen which issues will likely arise.
If you’re experiencing a lack of hot air from your heat pump system, contact us using one of the buttons below. You can also book an appointment through our online HVAC repair scheduler.
To help prepare you for a technician visit, check out this article on how much HVAC repair costs.
