Winter Is Coming: Why You Need to Schedule Your Heat Pump Tune-Up Now

If your home feels cold even though your heat pump is running, you’re not imagining things. Heat pumps are efficient, but in freezing weather, they have limitations, and small issues can quickly escalate into significant problems.

Here’s what might be going on.

It’s Too Cold for Your Heat Pump to Keep Up

Unlike a furnace that generates heat by burning fuel or using electric resistance, a heat pump transfers heat from the outside air into your home. Even when it's cold outside, there’s still heat in the air, and your heat pump captures it using a refrigerant cycle.

Here’s how it works in heating mode:

1. The system pulls in outside air and uses refrigerant to absorb the heat energy.
2. A compressor increases the temperature of the refrigerant.
3. The warm refrigerant moves through an indoor coil.
4. A fan blows air over that coil, circulating warm air into your home.

But when outdoor temperatures fall into the low 20s or below, there’s less heat in the air to pull. Your heat pump has to run longer and work harder to maintain the temperature you’ve set.

The Outdoor Unit Might Be Iced Over

Your heat pump’s outdoor unit is exposed to winter weather — wind, freezing rain, snow, and cold temperatures. In these conditions, it’s normal for a light layer of frost to form on the coils while the unit is in heating mode.

That’s where the defrost cycle comes in. Heat pumps are designed to periodically reverse operation to melt frost or ice from the outdoor coil, allowing proper airflow and efficient heat transfer.

However, if the defrost cycle isn't working correctly, ice can accumulate and block the system’s ability to operate.

Small Issues Add Up

Clogged filters, low refrigerant levels, or dirty coils can reduce airflow and prevent your system from functioning properly. Even high-efficiency, modern heat pumps can underperform. A system that’s the wrong size for your home, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a failed backup heat source can all lead to cold air and hurt your system’s energy efficiency.

Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs

If your system is blowing cold air, running continuously, or struggling to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home, it’s time to have it inspected. The longer you wait, the harder your heat pump works, the higher your electricity bills can climb, and the more damage it can cause.

We’re Here to Help

Atlas Butler offers 24/7 heat pump service with no after-hours fees. Call 1-800-FURNACE to schedule a service.

What Our Customers are Saying:

“I have been a customer of Atlas Butler for over 20 years, and they never disappoint. I was in need of an entirely new HVAC system… met with their sales team and installed the very next day. Their entire install team was professional, courteous, and respectful of my new home. They were meticulous in their cleanup and even courteous and helpful to a neighbor who needed some muscle power on her back deck while they were installing my A/C unit. I will continue my association with Atlas Butler now and in the future.” - Alva T.

“Jose was absolutely outstanding on my annual check-up for the furnace. This is year 2 of owning this beast, and it’s so nice to have someone actually know what they are doing, caring for such an expensive item in the house. He was clean, communicated incredibly well and efficient.” - Esther A.