Heat Pump troubleshooting
Heat Pump Not Heating in Winter? Here's Why
A heat pump that won't heat usually has a refrigerant, defrost, or reversing-valve issue — but check the basics first.
Common causes
Thermostat or 'emergency heat' setting
You can checkWrong mode or a bumped setting can stop normal heating; verify it's set to HEAT.
Dirty filter or outdoor coil
You can checkRestricted airflow or an iced/blocked outdoor unit cuts heating capacity.
Stuck reversing valve
Pro repairThe valve that switches between heating and cooling can stick, leaving the unit stuck in cool mode.
Low refrigerant or defrost fault
Pro repairLow charge or a failed defrost board leaves the outdoor coil iced and heating weak.
What you can check yourself
- Set the thermostat to HEAT (not emergency heat unless needed) and raise it a few degrees.
- Replace the air filter.
- Clear snow, ice, and leaves from around the outdoor unit.
- Note whether the outdoor unit runs and whether it's heavily iced.
When to call a pro
If it's blowing cool air in heat mode or the outdoor unit stays iced, it's usually the reversing valve, refrigerant, or defrost system — call a tech.
Most heat pump repairs run $150–$1,200 — see our repair cost guide.
FAQ
Heat pump not heating — questions
A heat pump that won't heat usually has a refrigerant, defrost, or reversing-valve issue — but check the basics first. The most common causes are thermostat or 'emergency heat' setting, dirty filter or outdoor coil, stuck reversing valve.
You can safely check a few things first: Set the thermostat to HEAT (not emergency heat unless needed) and raise it a few degrees. Replace the air filter. Clear snow, ice, and leaves from around the outdoor unit. If it's blowing cool air in heat mode or the outdoor unit stays iced, it's usually the reversing valve, refrigerant, or defrost system — call a tech.
Most heat pump repairs run $150–$1,200 in the San Francisco Bay Area, parts and labor — you get a flat-rate quote before any work begins. See our repair cost guide for details.
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