Why Your Heat Pump Blows “Cool” Air in Winter: When It’s Actually a Problem

As soon as cold weather arrives, it’s time to bust out the sweaters and enjoy cozy nights with your loved ones. However, nothing ruins wintertime fun like needing unexpected heat pump repairs in Bandon, OR.

The good news is that, when a heat pump feels cold in winter, it’s often a normal symptom. We’ll cover common reasons why this might happen and when to schedule heat pump repair in Bandon, OR.

Schedule a same-day heat pump inspection and maintenance. We’ll verify temp rise, airflow, and settings.

First, the Confusing Truth: Heat Pumps Don’t Blow “Hot” Like a Furnace

If you’re concerned about a heat pump blowing cold air in Bandon, OR, it’s first important to understand how heat pumps work. While furnaces are known for producing high, powerful heat, heat pumps produce air that is between 90°F and 100°F. If you’re used to how hot a furnace blows, it may feel like your heat pump is not heating enough. In reality, the temperature is likely normal and warm enough for our mild, coastal winters.

When Cool Air Is Normal

To understand when cold air is a problem, let’s look at when cool air is normal.

Defrost Mode

Thanks to our coastal humidity, the defrost cycle is essential for preventing frozen coils. When the heat pump defrosts, it reverses direction to warm up the outdoor coils and melt off ice. You’ll likely notice steam outside, colder supply air, and a whooshing noise. Because there’s more humidity in our coastal climate, this defrost cycle may happen more frequently.

Thermostat or Fan Settings

Your thermostat settings for the heat pump in winter could also be responsible. If you have it set to “Fan On,” the unit will keep circulating air between cycles, making the air feel cold. Alternatively, your temperature setpoint or settings may be incorrect.

System Ramping and Airflow Timing

Similarly, you may notice cold air if your variable-speed system is ramping up. Lower supply temps and longer run times will still warm your home, but the air may feel cooler as they do so.

When “Cool” Air Is a Real Problem

A heat pump blowing cold air in Bandon, OR, may be an issue in a few situations.

It Runs Nonstop but Never Reaches the Temperature

This may be due to airflow issues with the heat pump, duct leaks, refrigerant problems, or an undersized system. From inspecting your ductwork to checking refrigerant levels, we can quickly diagnose the underlying cause.

Air Is Cold-Cold (Not Just Lukewarm)

Extremely cold air may be due to a problem with your defrost controls, refrigerant levels, or reversing valves.

Big Rooms Are Cold, but Others Are Fine

In this situation, you may be experiencing duct issues, problems with the airflow balance, a dirty filter, or blocked returns. With a temp rise test for heat pumps and similar tests, we can check for performance issues.

Heat Strips (Aux Heat) Never Come on When Needed

Meanwhile, issues with the heat pump’s auxiliary heat often indicate issues with the wiring, controls, or thermostat configuration.

Call now for heat pump repair in Bandon and the surrounding areas.

DIY Checks That Are Safe (And Fast)

To troubleshoot your heat pump, try the following steps.

• Make sure your thermostat mode is set to “Heat” mode.
• Inspect and replace your filter.
• Open vents and fix blocked returns.
• Pay attention to whether you see steam on the outdoor unit or not.
• Never chip away at ice on the unit or open any panels.

What We Do on a Same-Day Heat Pump Check

When you call for heat pump repairs in Bandon, OR, our expert technicians will carry out the following steps.

• Verify temperature rise.
• Measure your unit’s airflow and static pressure.
• Confirm your thermostat settings and staging.
• Make sure “Defrost” mode is working correctly.
• Check the outdoor coils.

Are you dealing with thick smoke or unusual odors? Give us a call right away for fast, same-day repairs and upfront pricing.

When To Call A Professional

Our team is here to help residents in North Bend, Port Orford, Coos Bay, Langlois, Coquille, Bend, and the surrounding areas. Call immediately for help if you notice the following issues.

• Cold air lasts more than 15 minutes after the heat pump finishes defrosting.
• Indoor temperatures keep falling, even though the heat pump is running for longer time periods.
• You noticed ice buildup, tripped breakers, or burning odors.
• There is a loud, grinding noise.

Book your same-day heat pump check today to ensure your temperature, airflow, and settings are in order.

FAQs

Why does my heat pump blow cold air during “Defrost” mode?

During a heat pump’s “Defrost” mode, cold air is normal. Your heat pump temporarily reverses direction to warm up the outdoor coils. Because all of the heat is directed outdoors, you may feel cold air while it is defrosting.

How long should “Defrost” mode last?

In most cases, “Defrost” mode should last around 5 to 15 minutes. Depending on the unit and the environmental conditions, this mode will normally kick back on every 30 to 90 minutes. If it lasts for longer than this or recurs more frequently, then you should schedule an HVAC inspection.

Should I switch to “Emergency Heat”?

No, you should not use “emergency heat” unless a true emergency exists. This mode is designed for times when your heat pump completely malfunctions and is unable to heat your home. For example, it can be used if your heat pump ices over and is unable to operate. Your heat pump is made to function in incredibly cold temperatures, so it isn’t necessary to use “Emergency Heat” unless there is a true emergency.

Why am I still cold if the system is running?

A typical furnace heats the air to a temperature of 120°F to 140°F. In comparison, heat pumps warm the air to between 90°F and 100°F. Because of this, it can take longer for heat pumps to heat your home. It might feel like your heat pump’s blowing cold air in Bandon, OR, but the room temperature will eventually reach the same level. If it doesn’t, schedule professional heat pump repairs.

Is lukewarm air normal with a heat pump?

If you’re experiencing the problem of it’s “running but still cold” with a heat pump, there are a few different things that could be happening. “Defrost” mode causes the unit to switch directions, temporarily producing cool air indoors and heat outdoors. Alternatively, it may just feel cold. Heat pumps only produce temperatures around 90°F to 100°F, so they spend longer reaching the same temperature than thermostats do.