We rely on HVAC systems as our primary source of indoor comfort year-round. When your AC unit and heat pump function optimally, they provide necessary relief from seasonal temperature extremes.
However, many types of damage can occur to your HVAC systems, bringing frustration, discomfort, and sometimes costly repairs. It can be especially challenging to deal with heat pump issues during cooler seasons. Some homeowners ask, “Why is my heat pump blowing cold air?”
A heat pump may be blowing cold air for various reasons. To pinpoint the issue, it’s best to call heating and cooling services in Lubbock from On the Double! Heating & Cooling. Our expert technicians can diagnose and repair any heat pump or outdoor unit issues.
How Heat Pumps Produce Warm and Cool Air
To understand why your heat pump is blowing cold air, knowing how these systems provide temperature control can prove helpful. Unlike gas furnaces and wood stoves that produce heat through a concentrated heat source, heat pumps extract warmth from outdoor air to make your home more comfortable.
These systems work in reverse while cooling your home. Heat pumps remove warmth from the air inside your home during cooling cycles.
As a result, heat pumps can blow both cold and warm air. Cold air blowing during heating mode doesn’t necessarily mean a breakdown.
Factors Impacting Heat Pump Air Temperature
To answer the question, “Why is my heat pump blowing cold air?”, it’s essential to understand factors that impact heat pump functioning and air temperature. Learning these conditions can help you troubleshoot your systems and assist HVAC professionals in servicing your system.
Extremely Cold Outdoor Temperatures
Because of their heating method, heat pumps tend to warm outdoor air up to 55°F above the current temperature. A winter day with a temperature of 20°F may mean indoor air of only 75°F blows through your unit.
While heat pump systems adeptly maintain warm indoor environments, some temperature levels may be challenging, even for the newest heat pumps. When temperatures dip below 0°F, the air coming through your system may feel cold or lukewarm. Instead of suggesting a problem, this air merely confirms the frigid outdoor temperatures.
Outdoor Unit Is in Defrost Mode
Outdoor coils within heat pump units have the necessary protections to remain optimally functional during even the most extreme winter weather. Their composition includes warming measures to reduce the impact of ice and frost on the unit’s coils.
During defrost mode, your heat pump expels the ice caked upon its surface. Melting ice within the system usually releases through vents as cold air. These defrost periods should only last a few minutes, though.
Blocked Vents and Filters
Blocked air vents and filters can wreak havoc on your system. Since these openings are crucial to cycling and cleaning your air, blocking them with furniture or other objects can decrease your system’s efficiency and reliability. Keeping outdoor units away from obstructive furniture or landscaping is equally vital to ensuring good airflow.
When winter months add snow and ice to outdoor features, these elements can affect the air blowing through your heat pump. Prevent your heat pump from blowing cold air during the winter by clearing your outdoor and indoor HVAC features of any blockages.
Also, ensure you replace your air filters before winter. You will have cleaner warm air that will increase your body temperature without triggering allergies.
Maintenance Issues and Repair Needs
While cold air blowing through your heat pump doesn’t always indicate a maintenance issue, it may signify a deeper problem requiring professional assistance. Heat pumps are complex mechanisms that can break down for various reasons. From expired coils to broken motors, your heat pump may need help from On the Double! Heating & Cooling professionals if it blows cold air for longer than a few minutes.
Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant compromises the primary cooling agent for HVAC units, enabling them to bring warm air from outdoors and distribute it through your home as cool, refreshing AC. While refrigerant is likely out of operation during the winter months, leaking refrigerant can adversely interact with your heat pump. If your refrigerant leaks, you’ll probably notice cold air blowing from your heat pump.
Hire Professional HVAC Maintenance and Repairs from On the Double! Heating & Cooling
For more answers to the question, “Why is my heat pump blowing cold air?”, turn to On the Double! Heating & Cooling. Call (806) 203-6528 to schedule heat pump repair in Lubbock, TX.
