In many cases, the cool air coming from your heat pump is actually the correct temperature to warm the air in your home. There’s a slight adjustment period when converting your home from a furnace to a cold-weather heat pump, and it’s important to understand when everything’s working as designed or when to call a technician for help.
Here are the reasons why your heat pump might not feel so hot.
A Heat Pump Doesn’t Run as Hot as a Furnace
Heat pumps work gradually, and the air coming from your vents or ductless wall unit will usually be noticeably lower than the air temperature from a furnace. It can take some time to adjust to this fact, and you might initially think that your heat pump isn’t working. However, if the target temperature is set and it’s not blowing true cold air, then it’s probably running correctly to gradually improve indoor temperatures.
- A heat pump usually operates at around 88°F in heating mode.
- A furnace can blow air as high as 140°F.
Notice the significant difference in operating temperature? This is a common reason why a heat pump initially feels cool, even when it’s correctly working to heat a room.
How to Troubleshoot a Heat Pump That Feels Too Cold
If you have considered the fact that a heat pump runs cooler than a furnace, and you still find that the air is actually cold, you can start to troubleshoot some basic heat pump functions to see if everything’s configured.
- Check That Your Heat Pump is on Heating Mode: Heat pumps work both ways, meaning that your system can heat your home in the winter and cool it in the summer. It effectively turns into an air conditioner when it runs in reverse. Check that your heat pump is set to heating mode as the first step of troubleshooting.
- Check the Target Temperature: If you’re using a ductless mini-split system, then you can control the temperature directly on the unit using its remote control. Set the system to your ideal temperature, and wait 5 to 15 minutes for it to warm the room. Note that the actual temperature coming out of the system might be cooler than expected at first, but it should still be warmer than the ambient air. The ideal target temperature for a comfortable home is 68°F. This is a good baseline for comfort and lower energy consumption.
- Check Your Filters: Clogged filters will reduce heating efficiency. Your Heat pump filters should be replaced every three months. Check that your filters aren’t due for replacement. If they’re dirty and clogged, swap them out for new ones. If you have reusable filters, you can simply wash them in water with detergent and allow them to fully dry before reseating them and turning the system on.
- Set the Fan to Auto: If you have manually set the heat pump fan rather than leaving it on auto, it might produce some unexpected results. Manual modes mean that air is blowing even when the system isn’t in its heating cycle, which means bursts of cooler-than-expected air. Set your system to auto and let it manage itself for the most efficient winter heating.
These simple steps are enough to overcome many heat pump problems. You can also refer to your owner’s manual for model-specific information and troubleshooting steps.
Expert Home heating Contractors are Ready to Help
Have you exhausted all the troubleshooting steps, and you still don’t feel comfortable in your home? You might need heat pump cleaning, a seasonal tune-up, or even repairs.
Soundview HVAC is a trusted local heating and cooling contractor in Suffolk County. We have helped families stay comfortable since 2000, and we’re available for any of your heating needs this Fall and Winter. Talk to our team at 631-209-1744 and get friendly support and service from licensed HVAC pros near you.
