Heat Pump Not Blowing Hot Air? Here's Why

Without a heat pump working hard for us every winter, staying comfortable would be a serious challenge. However, just like all machines out there, a heat pump can run into problems. When that happens, you and your family can be left in the cold!



While a number of things can go wrong with a heating system, a heat pump not heating is one of the leading concerns out there. When this issue happens, it can leave you frustrated and confused. Luckily, finding where the problem lies is usually pretty easy.

In this post, we’ll discuss a few reasons why you have a heat pump not blowing hot air, including how to fix the problem right away.

Outdoor system covered in snow or ice

Dirty unit

When there’s an abundance of leaves, dust, and other debris in and around your heat pump, it may have a hard time working properly. That’s because this debris can block the airflow going to and from the unit.

When heating, a heat pump’s outdoor system utilizes liquid refrigerant to absorb heat from the outside. That refrigerant is then moved inside your home to provide warm comfort. However, since the unit needs adequate airflow to work effectively, leaves and other debris can get in the way.



If you have a heat pump not blowing hot air, be sure to clean the outdoor unit. This is especially important after a storm or during the fall months. Also, never fence in your heat pump; that can trap leaves, dirt, and other debris.

Problems with auxiliary heat

Is your aux heat on but no heat? Or is your aux heat not working at all? If your heat pump isn’t blowing hot air, there may be issues with the auxiliary heat coil. This coil is needed to heat your home when outdoor temperatures are below 40 degrees. If your heat pump cools but does not heat, this could likely be the issue. Instead of hot air, you may feel cool or lukewarm air coming from your vents. If this seems to be the issue in your home, call a professional technician for a repair.

No power to heat pump

Another common heat pump problem is when the system doesn’t have any power. Just like all machines out there, a heat pump needs energy to work. And even if your heat pump doesn’t have power, the blower may still be running. This results in cool air blowing over the cool coil, which means no hot air in the home.



First things first, check the breaker box to see if the unit’s circuit breaker was tripped. If it was, reset it. But if everything looks fine, your best option is to call a professional.

Leak in ductwork

Many homes have a series of ducts used to transport air from one location to another. The return ductwork is a set of ducts that move cold air from your home to the heat pump. However, these ducts can have leaks, which can cause the system to lose heat. This often happens near the attic, where cold, dusty air moves through the system. This can lead to a heat pump not heating. The best way to repair the ductwork is to call an HVAC technician for assistance.

When the winter months bring chilly temperatures, you depend on your heat pump to perform. However, as the demand is high, these systems can deal with problems. If you suspect any system issue, be sure to call an HVAC technician ASAP.