Heat pump problems, lifespan and upkeep
A heat pump moves heat rather than making it: it pulls warmth from outdoor air into your home in winter and reverses to cool in summer. That's why it can stop heating or seem to be blowing cold air when it's actually just defrosting. Most trouble comes from airflow, the thermostat, ice on the outdoor unit, or refrigerant. Refrigerant and electrical work always belongs to a licensed pro.
- Heat pump not heating?The heat pump runs but the house stays cold, which is usually thermostat settings, a clogged filter, or an iced-over outdoor unit.
- Heat pump blowing cold air?Cool air from the vents is normal for a few minutes during defrost; if it persists, look at the thermostat, filter or a refrigerant fault.
Typical lifespan: about 10–15 years
Signs it is near the end:
- Repairs are getting frequent, or a single repair costs a large share of a new system.
- The house heats unevenly, or the system leans on Aux (backup) heat more than it used to.
- Rising energy bills with no change in how you use it.
- Loud grinding, rattling or squealing from the outdoor unit, or ice that builds up often.
- A system running on older R-22 refrigerant, which is costly to top up.
- Replace or clean the air filter every 1–3 months.
- Keep the outdoor unit clear of leaves, snow and debris, with about two feet of space around it.
- Keep supply vents and return grilles unblocked.
- Have a technician service the system once a year, ideally before winter.
- If the thermostat shows Em Heat, someone switched it to backup heat by hand, so switch it back to Heat. If it shows Aux, the backup is helping on its own, which is normal in very cold weather; call a pro if Aux stays on in mild weather.
- FurnaceFall
The furnace runs but the house stays cold, which is usually a clogged filter, a thermostat setting, or an ignition fault.
- Washer
Water is left in the drum after the cycle, which is usually a clogged pump filter or a kinked drain hose.
- Fridge
The fridge section is warm or warming. The cause depends on whether the freezer is still cold, and the first fix is often free.
- Washer
The drum fills and washes but won't spin, which is usually an unbalanced load, the lid switch, or a drain problem.
Diagnose your heat pump in seconds, for free
No account, no phone number. Fixology’s AI reads your photo and tells you what’s likely wrong, how worried to be, and whether it’s a DIY fix.
Snap one of these:
- the thermostat display, including any Em Heat or Aux setting
- the outdoor unit, especially any ice on the coil or fan
- the model label on the side of the unit
Add a note or more photos next. Nobody calls you.
Fixology helps you understand your home — it isn't a substitute for a licensed pro on serious gas, electrical, or structural work.