If your heat pump is on but not blowing hot air, it could be due to a dirty air filter, low refrigerant levels, or a malfunctioning thermostat. The outdoor unit may also be iced over, or the reversing valve may not be working properly. Contact a professional for further inspection.
If you find yourself using heating and AC in one day, use auto. If not. Stick to heat or cool and allow the system to maintain temperature. Don't let the temperature get so low or high to where the home has a huge delta and has to work overtime to get the home and everything in it to the desired set point.
The lower the speed, the more efficient they are. Don't assume that they cost you more just because they run a lot—it's actually the opposite! Pro tip! Turn the fan up to a higher speed in cold weather to deliver more heat and improve efficiency.
Heat pump airflow can be increased by cleaning your heating and cooling system's evaporator coil, which is usually taken care of during routine maintenance visits from your contractor. Your technician may also adjust the heat pump's fan speed during preventive maintenance to improve air circulation.
While furnaces can stop operating for complicated reasons, home owners should check a few usual suspects first behind a lack of hot blowing air: Electrical problems causing a loss of power. Blocked air vents and ducts restricting airflow. Improperly configured thermostat settings.
First, make sure that the heat pump's air filter is clean. If it's heavily clogged, change it for a fresh one and then see if the heating returns to normal. (Change the filter regularly, every 1 to 3 months.) As for other possibilities: The issue could involve thermostat malfunctions.
Temperature Settings: Keep your home between 68°F to 72°F during the day and lower to 62°F to 66°F at night or when away. Mode Selection: Use Heat mode over Auto to avoid unnecessary energy use and system strain.
Lastly, while we do not recommend using “Auto” mode for the heating and cooling function, we do recommend using “Auto Fan” mode to control air circulation as it tends to be the most efficient setting for that function.
Heat pumps do not operate as efficiently when temperatures drop to between 25 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit for most systems. A heat pump works best when the temperature is above 40. Once outdoor temperatures drop to 40 degrees, heat pumps start losing efficiency, and they consume more energy to do their jobs.
The Advantages of “Auto”
Lower Utility Bills — Since the blower only runs when heat is needed when your heater is set to “AUTO,” it requires less energy than if it were set to “ON.” This can lead to lower utility bills if you can put up with slightly cooler temperatures.
Furnace Not Blowing Hard Enough
If the furnace blowers are generating heat in insufficient quantities, the issue is likely due to either a dirty motor or a loose blower belt.
Make sure the thermostat is set to “AUTO” and not “ON.” When switched to “ON,” the fan will continue to run even when your heat pump is not heating anything. This might give the impression that cool air is blowing out of your vents.
Low Refrigerant Charge
A low refrigerant level will prevent the heat pump from bringing enough heat to warm your house adequately. While you may be able to change your air filter on your own, you should avoid tampering with your refrigerant without the help of a skilled heating technician.
Heat pumps are designed to run continuously. A good starting temperature to set is 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
Understanding the Fan Mode
It activates the unit's fan to circulate the existing air in the room without engaging the cooling mechanism.
Try changing the filter and cleaning the outside unit first. If that does not work, you most likely need a technician's help. While low refrigerant may be the issue, it could be other technical issues as well, like a malfunctioning compressor or reversing valve.
There are several reasons your vents are not putting out the amount of air they should. These include: Dirty or clogged air filters. Blockage in the vents.
This problem often points to inadequate circulation of warm air. It could be due to blocked vents, a failing HVAC fan, or issues with the furnace itself. Ensure that furniture or drapes are not blocking your vents. Also, check if your furnace's filter is clean, as a dirty filter can restrict airflow.
Install More Return Vents
Supply air and return air need to be balanced, but there's no such thing as too much return air. By installing more return vents throughout your home, they can trap the air and remove it, improving air circulation.