Why Is My Heat Pump Blowing Hot Air on the Cool Setting?

We at Scott Brothers hope you are enjoying the warm weather this season here in North Carolina. Although if you are reading this blog, you might just be a bit irritated by it. 

Do Not Lose Your Cool

It is another hot day, yet your heat pump does not want to cooperate and is actually circulating hot air throughout your house. If this is the case, you probably want to take care of it right away.

Here are five top reasons your heat pump might be blowing hot air while on the Cool setting:

1. Incorrect Thermostat Settings

Before calling one of our heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) professionals, the first thing you should do is take note of your thermostat settings. Be sure you have set your thermostat to Auto or On, as well as Cool. 

The Fan setting will not cool your house; it simply circulates air. Next, be sure you have adjusted the thermostat two to four degrees below the current room temperature.

2. Incorrect Thermostat Configuration

Sometimes, due to faulty wiring or a variety of other mishaps, your thermostat may not be correctly communicating with your heat pump. If this appears to be the case, one of our heating and cooling experts should come to your Fleetwood home and repair it.

3. Clogged Air Filter

When an air filter becomes clogged, this significantly hinders your heat pump’s ability to circulate cool air. Check your air filter. 

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) endorses changing your filter every 60 to 90 days. If you have pets or a smoker in your home, you may want to change it more often.

If your filter is dirty, replace or clean it (depending on the type of filter). Afterwards, you should quickly notice an improvement in your indoor air quality and temperature.

4. Refrigerant Leak

Refrigerant flows through the heat pump’s coils, harvesting hot air from your home and pushing it outside. If your refrigerant is low or empty, your heat pump can’t do its job. 

Refrigerant is continuously cycled through your heat pump, so the refrigerant does not regularly need to be replaced. However, if there is a leak anywhere in the system, you have a problem.

You should contact our HVAC team for this repair, as refrigerant is a substance requiring extra care when handled. Additionally, an internal problem with your heat pump may have caused the leak.

5. Duct Leak

Air ducts, especially older ones, are prone to leaking. When your ductwork springs a leak, it will not properly disperse the air through your vents. 

This might make your home feel hot in some spots. If you suspect you have leaky ducts, call Scott Brothers. We can perform a detailed analysis during which we will be able to spot the source of the leak and repair it. Finding the source of lost energy will save you money.

We Are Your Heat Pump Experts

Here in Fleetwood, NC, the summers can be scorching. Your heat pump is designed to keep you comfortable in both warm and cool weather. If it is not pulling its weight this sizzling season, call us at 336-877-1702 or request service online. Our Scott Brothers HVAC professionals are well versed when it comes to troubleshooting heat pumps. We will get yours working right, guaranteed.