Wasco, IL Heat Pump Not Blowing Hot Air? HVAC Fixes

Estimated Read Time: 9 minutes

When a heat pump is not blowing hot air, comfort drops fast. This guide walks you through safe steps to troubleshoot a heat pump not blowing hot air, what is normal in cold Midwest weather, and when to call a pro. If you are in Glendale Heights or nearby, our team can get your system heating again today, with 24/7 service and honest, upfront pricing.

Start Here: Quick Safety and Power Checks

Before you open panels or adjust settings, take a minute for these simple checks. Many no-heat calls start with a tripped breaker or an incorrect thermostat mode.

1. Thermostat mode and setpoint
2. • Heat mode selected, not cool or auto. Increase the setpoint at least 3 degrees above room temperature. Verify the fan is set to Auto.
2. Breakers and disconnects
3. • Check your electrical panel for tripped breakers. Reset once. Confirm any outdoor disconnect is fully seated.
3. Airflow basics
4. • Replace a dirty filter. Confirm all supply registers are open and return grilles are not blocked by furniture or rugs.
4. Outdoor unit access
5. • Clear snow, leaves, and lint from the outdoor coil. Maintain at least 18 inches of open space around the cabinet.

Local tip: In Glendale Heights, wind-driven snow can pack into the outdoor fan guard during lake-effect bursts. A soft brush clears it safely. Never chip ice with tools that can bend fins.

Hard fact: As of January 1, 2023, new heat pumps use SEER2 and HSPF2 efficiency ratings under U.S. Department of Energy test standards. If you upgraded recently, your thermostat and airflow must be set correctly to realize the efficiency you paid for.

How Heat Pumps Make Heat in Cold Weather

Heat pumps move heat rather than create it. In winter, they absorb heat from outdoor air and release it indoors. The outdoor coil gets cold, and the indoor coil gets warm.

Key behaviors that may seem odd but are normal:

• Defrost cycle: In freezing weather, frost forms on the outdoor coil. The unit will shift to cooling for a short period to melt the ice, then switch back to heating. You may feel cooler air during defrost, and you might see steam from the outdoor unit. That is normal.
• Auxiliary or emergency heat: During very cold snaps, electric heat strips or a furnace in a dual-fuel system may assist the heat pump. If aux heat never comes on when it is very cold, your thermostat settings or outdoor sensor may need attention.
• Longer run times: In Illinois winters, longer, steady cycles are more efficient than frequent starts. Constant short cycling can indicate a control, airflow, or refrigerant issue.

Pro tip: Expect felt supply air temperatures around 85 to 95 degrees in mild weather. That can feel less hot than a gas furnace, but rooms still heat to the setpoint.

Top Reasons a Heat Pump Is Not Blowing Hot Air

When rooms feel cool or the air feels room temp, start with the common causes below.

• Thermostat or settings error
• • Wrong mode, schedule, or temperature offset. Batteries dead on certain models.
• Dirty filter or blocked coil
• • Restricted airflow prevents heat transfer, causes frosting, and lowers discharge air temp.
• Outdoor unit frozen solid
• • Defrost failed, drain path blocked, or sensors out of spec. Thick ice will stop heating.
• Tripped breaker or blown fuse
• • Outdoor unit may be off while the indoor blower runs, sending lukewarm air.
• Reversing valve stuck
• • System remains in cool mode. Air feels cool even with heat selected.
• Low refrigerant charge or leak
• • Coil cannot absorb or release heat properly. Icing and poor heating follow.
• Faulty outdoor sensor or control board
• • Defrost timing and aux heat logic fail, leading to cool air.

Remember, short bursts of cool air during defrost are normal. Continuous cool air is not.

Step-by-Step DIY Troubleshooting You Can Do Safely

Use this sequence to narrow the issue before you call. Stop if you see exposed wiring, significant ice, or smell burning.

1. Confirm thermostat and schedule
2. • Set to Heat, Fan Auto, and raise the setpoint 3 to 5 degrees. Disable holds or eco modes for the test. Replace thermostat batteries if used.
2. Reset power once
3. • Turn the heat pump breaker off for 60 seconds, then on. Do the same for the air handler or furnace breaker. Wait 5 minutes to allow the compressor’s internal timer to reset.
3. Change the air filter
4. • Install a new filter with the arrow toward the unit. For pets or allergy concerns, inspect monthly. Good airflow is essential for warm supply air.
4. Inspect the outdoor unit visually
5. • Clear snow and debris. If it is lightly frosted, let it run, it may defrost on its own. If it is encased in thick ice, turn the system off and call a pro.
5. Check supply temperatures
6. • After 10 to 15 minutes of run time, feel the air at a register. Warmer than room temp suggests progress. If air is still cool, move on.
6. Verify auxiliary heat
7. • If your system has heat strips, engage a higher setpoint to trigger aux heat. If nothing changes, the strip heat may be offline, or a breaker is tripped.
7. Listen for the outdoor fan and compressor
8. • Indoor blower running, but silence outside, usually means the outdoor unit lost power or control.

Do not open electrical panels or handle refrigerant lines. That is for licensed technicians only.

What Counts as “Normal” in a Midwest Cold Snap

Glendale Heights sees temperature swings, freezing rain, and lake-effect cold. During single-digit days, expect:

• Longer cycles and more frequent defrost events.
• Auxiliary heat to engage more often.
• Lower supply air temperatures that still heat the home steadily.

If rooms will not reach setpoint, or ice does not clear from the outdoor coil within 15 to 30 minutes of defrost, schedule service. Continuous ice and short cycling signal a problem, not normal winter behavior.

Maintenance that Prevents No-Heat Calls

Biannual maintenance is essential because heat pumps run most of the year. Your system needs care before cooling season and again before heating hits.

Summers PHC tune-ups include these tasks, quoted from our checklist:

• "Removing dirt and debris from coils to keep airflow strong"
• "Checking refrigerant levels and watching for potential leaks"
• "Adjusting and testing the thermostat for accuracy"
• "Reviewing wiring and electrical parts for safety"
• "Lubricating moving components to prevent wear"
• "Flushing the condensate drain to stop water buildup"
• "Verifying the defrost cycle and reversing valve functions"
• "Cleaning or changing air filters to improve indoor air quality"

The site also reminds homeowners that heat pumps run almost year-round, so it is best to schedule maintenance twice a year. Book early spring and again in the fall.

Ductless and Dual-Fuel Considerations

• Ductless mini-splits
• • Clean washable filters monthly in heavy use. Keep wall cassettes free of dust. If the outdoor unit ices up or indoor coils stay cool, professional service is needed.
• Dual-fuel systems
• • A gas furnace may handle the coldest hours. If the furnace does not engage at low outdoor temps, thermostat balance points or outdoor sensors may be mis-set.

We install, service, and replace both ductless and dual-fuel heat pump systems, and we right-size equipment for your home.

When to Call a Pro in Glendale Heights

Call if you notice any of the following:

• Outdoor unit iced over and not clearing during defrost.
• Breakers trip again after a single reset.
• Burning smells, buzzing relays, or visible arcing.
• Reversing valve chatter and continuous cool air in Heat mode.
• No aux heat when it is very cold.
• Repeated short cycling, under 5 minutes per cycle.

Our certified technicians provide honest recommendations and transparent pricing. We explain what is happening, walk you through options, and get your approval before work begins. Emergency service is available day or night, weekends and holidays.

Repair, Replace, or Upgrade for Efficiency

If your heat pump is over 12 to 15 years old, frequent repairs may outpace the value of a replacement. Modern systems offer higher SEER2 and HSPF2 ratings, quieter operation, and improved cold climate performance.

• Repair makes sense when
• • The unit is under 10 years old, repairs are minor, and the refrigerant circuit is sound.
• Replace or upgrade when
• • Major components fail, energy bills climb, comfort suffers, or the unit uses obsolete refrigerant.

Our specialists focus on options with excellent SEER2 and HSPF ratings and help you compare operating costs. Financing and local specials can soften the upfront cost so you can capture long-term savings sooner.

Membership Benefits for Worry-Free Comfort

For busy homeowners, our maintenance plan keeps your system ready for every season. As our materials state, "Two professional A/C and heating tune-ups every year, Priority booking for any necessary repairs or emergencies, Member discounts on parts and services, Peace of mind that your HVAC is ready for every weather shift in Glendale Heights."

Scheduling tip: Book a tune-up in early spring for cooling, and again in fall before winter. That timing catches issues before peak demand and helps prevent no-heat calls on the first cold night.

Local Insight: Homes We See in DuPage County

Many split-level and ranch homes in Glendale Heights, Carol Stream, and Lombard have limited return air. Improving return pathways and sealing attic bypasses often raises supply temperatures and reduces run time. Trimming shrubs around the outdoor unit and keeping downspouts from icing the pad can prevent freeze-ups that look like “no heat.”

What Homeowners Are Saying

"Top service/ immediate & professional. Heat back on in critical weather"
–Jonathan B., Glendale Heights

"Efrain did a very thorough maintenance on the furnace and come through with some solid recommendations and suggestions to prolong the equipments life and overall home air quality. Professional and knowledgeable as well. Cheers!"
–Ryan M., Heating Service

"Service was quick, and my house is warm again!"
–Daniel L., Heating Repair

"Efrain is great! Extremely knowledgeable... We have Summer's annual service plan, so there was no charge for reattachment. Amazing!"
–Michael H., Annual Service Plan

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my heat pump blowing cool air in winter?

Short defrost cycles can send cool air briefly, which is normal. Continuous cool air points to thermostat errors, airflow issues, a stuck reversing valve, or the outdoor unit losing power. If ice does not clear within 15 to 30 minutes, call a pro.

How often should a heat pump be serviced?

Twice a year. Heat pumps work in heating and cooling seasons, so biannual tune-ups catch issues before peak weather. Early spring and fall visits are ideal for Glendale Heights homes.

Will auxiliary heat raise my bills a lot?

Aux heat costs more than heat pump heating, but it keeps you warm in extreme cold. Proper settings, clean filters, and a tuned system reduce aux run time and manage costs.

What temperature should the supply air be?

Expect around 85 to 95 degrees in mild winter conditions. It can feel less hot than a gas furnace but still warms rooms to the setpoint.

When should I consider replacing my heat pump?

Consider replacement if your unit is 12 to 15 years old, has major failures, uses obsolete refrigerant, or fails to meet comfort and efficiency needs even after repairs.

Conclusion

A heat pump not blowing hot air often comes down to settings, airflow, frost, or a control issue. Start with the safe checks above, then schedule expert service if comfort does not improve. For fast, transparent help with heat pump not blowing hot air in Glendale Heights and nearby suburbs, call us.

Call, Schedule, or Chat

• Call: (331) 294-8710
• Book online: https://summersphc.com/glendale-heights/
• Ask about current local specials and financing. Our team is available 24/7 to restore your heat today.

Ready to restore steady heat and lower your bills? Call (331) 294-8710 or schedule at https://summersphc.com/glendale-heights/. Ask about our maintenance membership with two tune-ups per year, priority booking, and member discounts.

About Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling

Locally owned and serving Glendale Heights and nearby suburbs, we provide full-service HVAC with licensed, background-checked technicians. Homeowners choose us for upfront pricing, free second opinions, and 24/7 emergency help. We install, repair, and maintain heat pumps, including ductless systems. Our trucks arrive stocked for fast fixes, and we stand behind our work with a price-match guarantee. Ask about financing and our maintenance membership for biannual tune-ups and priority service.