Why Is My Heat Pump Blowing Cold Air in Heat Mode?

Heat pumps make up a large percentage of home comfort systems in use all across the Lehigh Valley. They’re strong, dependable, and one of the most efficient options on the market today. But, being a fairly unique system, they encounter some unique problems, too. Having trouble with a pump that is pushing cold air in heat mode? If so, the experts at Jack Lehr Heating, Cooling, and Electric can help!

Having a heat pump problem and in need of a heat pump solution in the Greater Lehigh Valley area? Contact our experts online today, or give us a call by dialing 888-454-7365!

Two Reasons Your Heat Pump Is Blowing Cold Air

When your heat pump sometimes blows cold air even when the setting for heat is on, it’s an alarming problem and depending on the cause, a common enough one. There are two possible routes here, one of which many homeowners who are new to heat pump systems encounter.

Possible Conclusion 1: It’s Not Blowing Cold Air

This can be a little bit confusing, so let’s clarify it carefully. Heat pump systems operate pretty differently than standard furnace systems. In a furnace, the heat being produced and blowing into your home starts out at upwards of 110 or more degrees, often much higher than that. A heat pump, however, generates a lower but more even 90ish or so.

This can make the air coming from your vents feel much cooler than you’d expect, especially since your body temperature is actually higher than that. Think of a heat pump as more of a steady stream of warm air, rather than a furnace’s power blast injection of heat.

Don’t worry! If this is the case, there’s no problem here. A heat pump system is more than capable of keeping up with our cold seasons, and in the event that the outside unit actually did fall behind, there’s a backup system in place that essentially operates like a furnace. This kicks on if your heat pump can’t handle things in its usual way.

Possible Conclusion 2: There’s a Problem that Needs Repair

If your heat pump is blowing some cold air, there are a few things that may be going wrong. Luckily, almost all of them are an easy fix for a certified heat pump repair team. These issues might include:

• Your heat pump has a failing reversing valve. The reversing valve is a vital component in heat pump systems. It is responsible for reversing the flow of refrigerant in your system, which for you means going from “heat” to “cool” and vice versa. If the valve is damaged or failing, your heat pump might not be changing modes correctly.
• Your heat pump has frozen. It’s not exactly a common problem, but it’s not unheard of, either. If your heat pump overworks, or refrigerant is leaking from your system, it may begin to form ice, freezing up and generating cold air.
• Your heat pump needs servicing. Healthy air flow is vital to a heat pump. If you haven’t had maintenance in a while, an air flow problem may have developed, which can alter the quality of your heat pump system’s heating and cooling power.

Heat Pump Service and Repair in Allentown, PA

Having an issue with your heat pump system and not sure where to turn? You can trust the specialists at Jack Lehr to bring you the quality solutions you need! We’ve been the name to know for heat pump service in Allentown and the surrounding areas for years, so feel free to give us a call or contact us online at any time!