Heat Pump Blowing Cold Air in Heat Mode?

Is lukewarm air normal from a heat pump?

Yes. A gas furnace blows very hot air. A heat pump moves heat from outside air into the house, and its supply air is much milder. Rheem's heat pump owner's manual says the air from the registers will be only 15–30°F warmer than the air in your home, and that it can feel cool if it blows directly on you. Because your skin is warmer than that air, a lukewarm stream can feel chilly even though the system is heating.

The test is whether the house reaches and holds the setpoint, not how hot the vent air feels.

What is defrost mode?

On cold, damp mornings, frost can form on the outdoor coil. The heat pump clears it by briefly reversing into cooling. During defrost:

• The outdoor fan stops.
• You may see steam rising from the outdoor unit and hear a whoosh or hiss.
• Vent air can feel cooler for a few minutes, unless the system brings on the heat strips to temper it.

This is normal. Call if the outdoor unit becomes covered in thick, clear ice, or if it never seems to come out of defrost.

Why is my heat pump blowing cold air?

What is the difference between emergency heat and auxiliary heat?

Both use the electric heat strips in the air handler.

• Auxiliary heat comes on automatically when the heat pump needs help, such as in a cold snap or during defrost.
• Emergency heat is a thermostat setting that turns the heat pump off and heats only with the strips.

Electric strip heat costs much more to run than the heat pump. Use Emergency heat only if the heat pump has failed and you're waiting for a repair, then switch back.

What can I check safely?

1. Mode and setpoint: Heat, with a setpoint above room temperature.
2. Filter: replace it if it's dirty.
3. Outdoor unit: clear leaves and debris; don't chip at ice.
4. Breakers: the heat strips often have their own breaker. If it tripped, reset it once; if it trips again, leave it off.
5. Give it time: a heat pump warms the house gradually. Wait 30 minutes before deciding something's wrong.

What do fixes cost?

Estimates, not quotes. For full-system prices, see our guide to heat pump replacement cost.

When should I call?

Call if the house can't reach the setpoint, the air stays cold for more than a few minutes, the outdoor unit is iced solid, or you smell burning when the heat strips come on. Florida cold snaps are short, but they're hard on elderly residents, infants and pets. Our phone line is answered 24/7 at (727) 761-8873, and our $125 diagnostic is credited toward the repair if you go ahead.

Why Pinellas Park homeowners call Pinellas Cooling & Heating

• 10 years of AC and heat pump repair in Pinellas Park.
• All major brands of central AC, heat pumps and ductless mini splits.
• $125 diagnostic credited toward the repair if you go ahead.
• Licensed and insured, and a Duke Energy verified contractor.
• 24/7 phone service at (727) 761-8873.
• Free estimates on new systems and replacements, and GoodLeap financing on approved credit.

See heat pump service in Pinellas Park.

Sources: Rheem heat pump owner's information manual (supply air temperature and defrost cycle); Home Therapist, heat pump repair and heat strip pricing (callhometherapist.com); I Care Air Care, heat pump repair pricing page (icareaircare.com). Prices are market estimates, not quotes.