Heat pumps run all year long, as they’re responsible for both heating and cooling a home. This means that when you switch from heating in the winter to cooling in the summer, your heat pump should flawlessly deliver cool temperatures to keep you comfortable.
But what happens when you crank up the thermostat and instead of refreshing cool air, your heat pump only blows warm air? We’ll discuss this relatively common issue in our blog post below.
How Do Heat Pumps Work?
In the Winter
Rather than generating warm air, heat pumps simply move heat from outside to inside. During the colder months, your heat pump absorbs heat from the outside air. This captured heat is then concentrated and transferred inside your home, providing a cozy atmosphere even when outdoor temperatures drop below freezing. Because of this simple operation, heat pumps typically use significantly less energy than traditional furnaces.
In the Summer
In the summer months, the process is simply reversed. Your heat pump will absorb warm air from inside the home and push it out, cooling down your home. A similar cooling process is used by central air conditioning systems.
What Can Cause a Heat Pump to Only Blow Warm Air?
Few things are as disruptive or as uncomfortable as a heat pump system that isn’t working properly. Thankfully, identifying the likely cause of the problem can help resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
The most common causes of a heat pump only blowing warm air include:
- Refrigerant Issues: Low refrigerant levels or refrigerant leaks can hinder the heat pump’s ability to cool the air effectively.
- Incorrect Thermostat Settings: Thermostat settings that need to be adjusted, such as being set to heating mode instead of cooling mode, can cause the heat pump to blow warm air.
- Airflow Restrictions: Blocked or dirty air filters, closed vents, or obstructed outdoor units can restrict airflow, leading to warm air being circulated.
- Faulty Components: Malfunctioning components such as the compressor, fan motor, or reversing valve can prevent the heat pump from properly cooling the air.
- System Size: An improperly sized heat pump for your home’s cooling needs can result in inadequate cooling and warm air blowing.
Consulting with a professional HVAC technician is ultimately the best way to determine the root cause of your heat pump trouble. Homeowners throughout the Quad Cities can call on Schebler for service.
Preventing Future Problems With Regular Maintenance
Heat pumps, unlike central AC systems and furnaces, should receive maintenance twice per year. This is because the system runs virtually all year long, providing both heating and cooling.
Ideally, your tune-ups should be scheduled before you’ve switched from cooling to heating and vice versa. This will allow your technician to inspect and adjust the system components for optimal performance based on the upcoming season.
During a maintenance visit, your technician can clean the coils, check refrigerant levels, inspect electrical connections, lubricate moving parts, and ensure that all components are functioning correctly. Addressing any potential issues proactively can prevent major breakdowns, improve energy efficiency, and extend the lifespan of your heat pump.
Contact Schebler Heating and Air for Reliable Heat Pump Repairs in the Quad Cities
Keep your home nice and comfortable all year long with heat pump repair, installation, replacement, and maintenance services from Schebler Heating and Air. No matter what issue is keeping your home from achieving consistently comfortable temperatures, Schebler will provide a thorough inspection and perform expert repairs to get your heat pump running efficiently again. With our experienced technicians and dedication to quality service, you can trust Schebler Heating and Air to keep your home’s heating and cooling system in top condition. Schedule your service today and enjoy reliable comfort throughout the seasons.