As the chilly winds of winter sweep through our homes, we rely on our heating systems to keep us warm and cozy. For many homeowners, heat pumps have become the go-to solution, providing energy-efficient heating during the colder months. However, a common concern arises when your heat pump blows only cold air, leaving you perplexed and shivering in the icy breeze.
To compound the issue, you may have even switched to auxiliary heat or your furnace, only to find they are not delivering the expected warmth.
If you are wondering, “Why is my home furnace blowing cold air instead of warm?” or “Outside heat pump running but not blowing cold air,” don’t worry. We have the answers for you.
In this blog, Heat pump and furnace service experts in Phoenix will unravel the mysteries behind heat pump blowing cold air predicaments, delving into the reasons why your heat pump or furnace blows cold air and won’t shut off. We’ll also present the key to preventing such heating woes through proactive heat pump maintenance.
In fact, studies have shown that regular maintenance can significantly reduce the occurrence of heating system failures and ensure optimal performance.
So, let’s journey together and unlock the secrets to a cozy and worry-free winter!
How Heat Pumps Transfer Heat Vs. Create Heat
When you’re thinking about your home’s heating and cooling system, you probably think about how it transfers heat.
But what does that mean? How does it work? For example, when you put on a sweater, that heat is transferred from your body to the sweater. The same thing happens with your home’s heat pump: it uses electricity to transfer heat from the air outside into your home.
But here’s where things get interesting: a heat pump doesn’t actually create any new heat—it just moves it around. So if you have an air conditioner on during the summer and an electric heater during the winter, your home is still only using as much electricity as it needs to keep its temperature at 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsius).
How Do Heat Pumps Compare With Furnace And Ac?
Heat pumps, furnaces, and air conditioners are all common heating and cooling systems used in residential and commercial buildings. Each system has its own characteristics and advantages, and the choice between them depends on factors such as climate, energy costs, installation options, and personal preferences. Let’s compare these systems based on different aspects:
| Aspect | Heat Pumps | Furnaces | Air Conditioners |
| Heating Efficiency | Highly efficient, transfer heat from outdoors or ground | Efficient at generating heat directly through burning fuel or electric resistance | Not applicable. Provide cooling only |
| Cooling Efficiency | Efficient, work similar to air conditioners but with added heating capabilities | Not applicable, do not provide cooling | Efficient at cooling indoor spaces |
| Energy Efficiency | Highly energy-efficient, can produce more heating/cooling energy than consumed electrical energy | Efficient, but operating costs depend on fuel type | Efficient at cooling, but no heating capability |
| Climate Suitability | Best for moderate climates, may need supplemental heating in colder regions | Suitable for all climates | Best for warmer climates |
| Operating Costs | Generally lower operating costs, especially in moderate climates | Operating costs depend on fuel prices | Moderate operating costs for cooling |
| Installation Options | Ducted and ductless options are available | Ducted systems are common | Ducted and ductless options are available |
| Environmental Impact | Environmentally friendly, use electricity for heating/cooling | Emissions depend on the fuel type used | Using electricity and refrigerants may contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. |
| Year-round Functionality | Provides heating and cooling throughout the year | Provides heating only | Provides cooling only |
| Maintenance | Requires regular maintenance, including coil cleaning and refrigerant checks | Requires regular maintenance, such as filter replacement and burner inspection | Requires regular maintenance, including coil cleaning and refrigerant checks |
| Lifespan | Typically longer lifespan due to fewer mechanical components | Typically shorter lifespan than heat pumps | Similar lifespan to heat pumps |
| Initial Investment | May have higher upfront costs, but energy savings can offset them | Initial costs vary based on fuel type and system complexity | Generally more affordable upfront |
| Noise Level | Typically quieter operation compared to furnaces | Varies depending on the furnace type | It can be noisy, especially for older models |
| Dual Fuel Systems | It can be integrated with gas or oil furnaces for better efficiency in colder climates. | N/A | N/A |
Why Is My Heat Pump Blowing Cold Air. Changed To Auxiliary Heat?
If you’re a homeowner, you know that having an efficient heat pump is great for your home. It can keep your energy costs down and help you stay comfortable. But what happens if the heat pump isn’t working properly? What if it starts blowing cold air instead of warm?
Wondering what can be the reasons behind this?
So, here are some common reasons your heat pump is blowing cold air and what you can do about it:
Defrost Cycle
Your heat pump or heater blowing cold air because it’s in a defrost cycle, which occurs when the outdoor temperature falls below freezing or when there’s ice on your outdoor coil. Your heat pump will automatically start this cycle to remove the frost or ice from your outdoor coil to continue providing heat. This is a normal part of the operation of your heat pump and will not affect the performance of your system.
Incorrect Thermostat Settings
If your heat pump blowing cold air, it could be because your thermostat settings are incorrect. Make sure that the cooling setpoint is lower than the heating setpoint, and also ensure that “auto” is selected for both heat and cool modes if you have an auto-changeover system. If these aren’t set correctly, your heat pump will attempt to run in cooling mode instead of heating mode when it’s cold outside—and this can result in blowing cold air into your home!
Reversing Valve Issue
If you install a reversing valve, you might notice it’s stuck in the “Off” position. This will cause your heat pump to blow cold air instead of the warm air that you’re expecting. To fix this, turn off the power to your thermostat and make sure that all electrical connections are secure. Next, turn on the power to the thermostat and wait for it to reset. Then, press “Auto” on the thermostat and wait for it to cycle through its settings until it reaches its normal setting (usually “Cool”). Once this happens, check to see if your system is blowing warm air again. If not, then repeat the process or call a heat pump repair expert.
Malfunctioning Components
Sometimes malfunctioning components can cause problems with your heat pump and make it seem like it isn’t working properly when it really is just a component failure. If this happens, Ideal Air Conditioning and Insulation team can help identify which component failed so you can get back up and running as quickly as possible!
Thermostat Sensor Issue
When a thermostat sensor is not working properly, it can cause your heat pump to blow cold air instead of warm air. In order to fix this problem, you will need to replace the thermostat sensor or clean it thoroughly so that it can function properly again. If you have already tried cleaning the sensor and it still isn’t working, it is likely time to replace it with a new one.
Clean Your Air Filters!
One of the most common issues with heat pumps is clogged air filters—and when they get clogged up with dust and debris from outside? It can cause big problems for your system! That’s why it’s important to regularly clean them out—especially during winter months when pollen counts tend to go up and make breathing more difficult (and therefore make sneezing more likely).
Low Refrigerant Levels
If your heat pump has low refrigerant levels, it will not be able to cool your home as efficiently as it should. This means it will take longer to cool down the air inside your house, resulting in colder temperatures than expected. The best way to fix this problem is by having a heat pump repair technician come out and perform a leak check on your system. The technician will go through a series of steps designed to find any leaks that may be present in the system (there may be a hole where the refrigerant is leaking out). Once identified, these leaks can be fixed using special tools available only to trained professionals like ours here at Ideal Air Conditioning and Insulation.
Outdoor Unit Obstruction
If your outdoor unit becomes blocked or obstructed by dirt or debris (such as leaves), then it may not be able to work properly anymore because its airflow has been compromised. If this happens, you will not be able to cool down your home without breaking down completely! If you suspect this might be happening, we recommend having your heat pump serviced once by experts.
Why Is My Home Furnace Blowing Cold Air?
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about your furnace? Does it bring warmth and comfort to your home? Or does it make you feel frustrated and confused?
Furnaces are a vital part of any home, regardless of the season. They are responsible for keeping us warm during the colder months and providing us with hot water on demand. However, despite their importance, many homeowners find themselves wondering, “Why is my electric furnace blowing cold air?”. While there may be several reasons why this might occur, here are some top reasons why your furnace not blowing hot air:
Thermostat Settings
If you are wondering, “Why is my gas furnace blowing cold air” then the reason might be the thermostat settings problem. It could be that the temperature setting on your thermostat is set too low, causing the furnace to turn on and off frequently. If this is the case, adjusting your thermostat to a higher temperature setting is best. Also, verify that the thermostat is functioning correctly and sending the proper signals to the furnace.
Pilot Light or Ignition Issues
If you recently replaced the pilot light on your gas furnace and heat pumps, it may not be lit properly or have gone out altogether. Check to see if there is any gas leaking from the exhaust pipe and fix it immediately before it becomes a bigger problem. You can also check to see if the pilot light has gone out by testing it with a lighter or match.
Gas Supply Issues
If you have gas heat in your home, then the problem could be related to a gas supply issue. Check the pressure regulator and make sure it’s set correctly. If there’s no pressure reading on the gauge, try turning up the pilot light and letting it burn for a few minutes before continuing to troubleshoot this issue further. If there is still no pressure reading on the gauge after turning up the pilot light, then call a professional before proceeding further down this list of possible causes for your problem at hand – because there could be something wrong with either your furnace itself (or its electric parts) or with your house’s gas line itself!
Dirty or Clogged Air Filter
A dirty or clogged air filter can be the reason your furnace blows cold air. If you can’t see through the filter, it’s time to replace it with a new one. Don’t forget to clean the filter you remove. If you don’t, dirt and dust will build up on it again soon.
Flame Sensor Problems
The flame sensor is a safety mechanism in your furnace that prevents it from overheating and causing a fire. When this sensor stops working properly, your furnace will blow cold air because it thinks the room is too hot. If you notice that my furnace is blowing cold air when the heat is on, there may be an issue with the flame sensor.
Blower Motor Issues
If you notice that your gas or electric furnace is blowing cold air but isn’t heating up at all, there may be an issue with the blower motor inside of it. The blower motor connects directly to the flame sensor, so if this part is broken or damaged, it could cause issues with how well your furnace functions overall.
Thermocouple Malfunction
A thermocouple is a device that detects the temperature of the gas coming through it and sends that information to your thermostat or control board. If the thermocouple fails, it can cause your furnace to run in “overheat” mode, where it runs constantly and only blows hot air. This can happen if there’s debris in the ducts or if one of the blower wheels has failed (and thus created an obstruction). This also means your house won’t get warm unless you manually turn off your system or adjust its settings through an app or remote control (which may not be possible if you’re away from home).
Check for Electrical Problems
If the thermocouple isn’t causing the issue, then check all of the electrical connections in your electric furnace and any circuit breakers or fuses that might be tripped or blown out. If any of these are damaged or broken, they need to be replaced immediately to avoid further damage to your furnace system and other parts of your home’s electrical system.
Ductwork Problems
If your furnace is blowing cold air, it could be a problem with your ductwork. Ductwork problems can include collapsed ducts, which can allow outside air to enter your home and cause the furnace to overheat and start blowing cold air.
Blocked Vents
If there’s something blocking vents coming from outside (like snow), then this could also cause your furnace to blow cold air instead of heat because there’s not enough oxygen getting into the system. When this happens, make sure there aren’t any objects blocking vents coming from outside so that they’re clear before calling a heat pump and furnace repair professional!
How Will Heat Pump Maintenance Help You Avoid Problems?
Heat pumps are a great way to heat and cool your home, but they must be properly maintained and serviced to ensure they’re operating at their peak performance. If you don’t take care of your heat pump, it can end up costing you more money and even shorten the life of your unit.
Here are several ways that regular maintenance will help you avoid problems down the line:
Enhanced Performance and Energy Efficiency
Regular heat pump maintenance ensures your system operates at its peak performance, delivering efficient cooling and heating while minimizing energy consumption. Clean coils, properly lubricated parts, and calibrated settings allow the heat pump to transfer heat effectively, resulting in substantial energy savings on your utility bills.
Prolonged Lifespan and Reduced Repairs
By entrusting your heat pump to professional heat pump maintenance experts in Phoenix, you’ll protect your investment and extend its lifespan. Routine inspections and timely repairs of minor issues prevent them from escalating into major breakdowns, reducing the need for costly emergency repairs and ensuring long-term durability.
Optimal Air Conditioning for Sweltering Summers
In the scorching heat of Phoenix summers, a well-maintained heat pump provides consistent and efficient cooling, maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. A heat pump and furnace maintenance check-up before the peak summer season can identify and address potential cooling issues, ensuring uninterrupted comfort during the hottest days.
Energy Savings
Heat pumps use a lot of energy, which means you can save big bucks by keeping them running at peak efficiency. In fact, a well-maintained heat pump can save you a maximum of 35% on your heating and cooling costs!
Enhanced Indoor Air Quality
If your heat pump isn’t working properly, it can significantly impact the indoor air quality of your home. Proper maintenance will help ensure that your HVAC system works efficiently and provides clean and comfortable indoor air quality.
Efficient Insulation During Chilly Winters
As temperatures drop during Phoenix winters, your heat pump becomes a reliable heating source. With regular heat pump maintenance, your system will deliver consistent warmth, keeping you cozy indoors and eliminating the risk of cold air blowing from the vents.
Warranty Compliance
Regular heat pump maintenance ensures that your manufacturer warranty is in full force, which means they’ll cover any repairs or replacements during the warranty period. If your highest rated heat pumps for furnace and air conditioner break down without having been maintained, your warranty may be voided, and you’ll be responsible for all repairs or replacement costs.
Trusted Furnace Service Experts
In addition to heat pump maintenance, reputable HVAC companies in Phoenix, like Ideal Air Conditioning and Insulation, offer expert furnace services to keep your heating system in top shape. From highest rated heat pumps, furnace, and air conditioner repairs to seasonal check-ups, these professionals ensure your furnace operates safely and efficiently, providing you peace of mind throughout the winter season.
Call the Heating Experts in Phoenix, AZ!
It’s been a rough week for you. You’ve been trying to keep your home comfortable despite the heat, but it just isn’t working out. You’re tired of waking up in the middle of the night to check on your air conditioning and even more tired of feeling like you’re constantly wearing a sweater when you’re home.
You need the best heating and cooling technicians in Phoenix, AZ, and that’s where Ideal Air Conditioning and Insulation come in. We can help you get back to enjoying your life instead of worrying about whether or not your house is going to be comfortable for another hour—or even another day!
Whether you have an older heat pump and furnace or need a new one installed, we have all the expertise and equipment necessary to bring your system up-to-date with modern efficiency standards while maintaining its original charm. And if you want an air conditioner that will keep up with the demands of this brutal summer heat? Well…we have those too!
We’re Ideal Air Conditioning and Insulation, and we’ve been helping Phoenix homeowners keep their HVAC systems running smoothly for many years now! We offer comprehensive and cost-effective Heating Solutions in Phoenix, including:
- Heat Pump Installation
- Heat Pump Repair
- Heat Pump Maintenance
- Furnace Repair
- Furnace Maintenance
- Furnace Installation
- Air Conditioning Repair & Maintenance
- Installation of new ductwork for your home or business to increase efficiency and improve indoor air quality (IAQ)
- 24*7 emergency services
- Customized service plans to fit your needs and budget
- And many more…
So, whether you need your furnace fixed or your air conditioner repaired, we’ve got you covered. Our certified and expert HVAC technicians can handle any issue quickly and efficiently, so don’t hesitate to call us at 480-591-4085 today.