When Winter Strikes Your Heat Pump: Navigating Cold Weather Challenges and Knowing When to Call the Pros
Winter brings unique challenges for heat pump owners, and understanding these seasonal issues can mean the difference between staying warm and facing an unexpected breakdown. While heat pumps are incredibly efficient heating systems, they can handle winter weather even in very cold climates, with air-source heat pumps performing well below temperatures of -13 degrees Fahrenheit, and some newer models handling temperatures as low as -22 degrees. However, certain winter-specific problems can still arise that require attention.
The Most Common Winter Heat Pump Problems
Frozen Outdoor Unit
During winter, it’s normal for a little frost to develop on the outdoor coil, but a coating of ice indicates an issue. If your outdoor condensing unit is iced up, airflow will be severely restricted, resulting in a struggling unit that may end up causing severe damage. Snow around the outside unit and debris inside the unit blocks airflow and heat absorption, causing the refrigerant in the coil to become too cold and ice over.
Defrost Cycle Issues
The most common solution to a frozen heat pump is running the defrost cycle, which normally turns on automatically at timed intervals or when the unit detects frost. During cold weather, heat pumps run through a defrost cycle to remove ice that may form on the outdoor coil, and if this cycle fails, ice can build up which reduces heating efficiency and can lead to system damage.
Cold Air from Vents
If you are feeling cold air blowing from the vents, the heat pump could be in defrost mode, which is normal if you don’t have a supplemental heating system such as heat strips, with defrost cycles normally lasting around 10-15 minutes before the heat kicks back on.
Insufficient Heating
Heat pumps often don’t work well during extremely cold weather, and due to the difficulty in extracting heat from very cold outdoor environments, some heat pump owners need a supplemental heating system, with many people supplementing heat pumps with space heaters or some sort of adapted furnace, boiler, or oil burner system.
Simple Troubleshooting Steps You Can Try
Before calling for professional help, there are several steps homeowners can take:
- Check Your Thermostat: Double check that the system didn’t accidentally get set for cooling and check your fan control settings
- Clear Snow and Debris: If your system is not heating effectively or running constantly, check the outdoor unit for excessive debris such as leaves or snow blockages, and if the unit is blocked or obstructed in any way, remove the source of the blockage
- Keep Vents Open: Make sure all of your vents are open to allow proper air movement, as it’s never a good idea to close vents and registers in the home to try and keep the heat in one area, which can create unwanted pressure within the system and cause duct leaks, system failure, and other problems
- Check Air Filters: If your air filter is dirty or clogged up with dust, this can lead to problems with your heat pump in the winter months when air quality is typically low, and any kind of blockage in your air filter could lead to poor performance from your HVAC system
When to Call for Professional Heat Pump Repair
While some issues can be resolved with basic troubleshooting, certain situations require immediate professional attention. You should contact a qualified technician when you notice:
- There is a problem with refrigerant flow (you may have a leak) or ice/frost remains on the unit for over half a day
- Unusual noises from your heat pump, such as squealing and grinding
- A sudden rise in energy bills despite not changing your usage, which may require a professional HVAC technician if a simple air filter replacement doesn’t solve the issue
- Short cycling, when a heat pump turns on and off more frequently than usual, which can be caused by an oversized or undersized heat pump, a faulty thermostat, blocked airflow, refrigerant leaks, or issues with the compressor
- Ice buildup on the unit that doesn’t melt away, which could indicate issues with the defrost cycle or refrigerant levels and can lead to damage and reduced efficiency
Professional heat pump repair becomes essential when these problems persist despite basic troubleshooting efforts. You should have a professional technician service your heat pump at least once a year, and virtually all manufacturers recommend annual heat pump maintenance to keep the system running at peak performance and efficiency, and if you don’t get professional maintenance done, you may lose your warranty, meaning you’ll need to pay more for heat pump repairs or part replacements if a breakdown occurs.
Why Choose Fellowship HVAC for Your Winter Heat Pump Needs
For residents in Charleston, West Virginia and surrounding Kanawha County areas, Fellowship Heating, Cooling, and Refrigeration stands ready to address your winter heat pump challenges. Fellowship HVAC Company in Charleston, WV, delivers expert heating, cooling, & refrigeration services with upfront pricing & efficient home comfort solutions.
What sets Fellowship apart is their commitment to the community and transparent service approach. They offer 10% off for military, veterans, first responders & community organizations, and with Fellowship, you’re promised expert heating and cooling services with no hidden fees and results that last. They’ve built their reputation on straight talk, fair pricing, and showing up when they say they will, and when you call them, you’re working with a local company that’s invested in this community where they live, work, and stand behind every job they complete.
Fellowship understands West Virginia’s climate challenges and what it takes to keep HVAC systems running efficiently through hot, humid summers and cold winters, with technicians who are licensed, insured, and trained on all major HVAC brands.
Prevention is Key
The best approach to winter heat pump problems is prevention through regular maintenance. Schedule professional heat pump maintenance at the beginning of every heating season, preferably in early autumn. Proper maintenance is key to efficient operation, with the difference between the energy consumption of a well-maintained heat pump and a severely neglected one ranging from 10% to 25%.
Remember, while heat pumps are remarkably resilient in cold weather, they’re complex systems that benefit from professional attention. When winter weather tests your heat pump’s limits, knowing when to troubleshoot yourself and when to call professionals like Fellowship HVAC can save you time, money, and ensure your family stays warm throughout the coldest months.