Heat Pump Problems: Common Issues and How to Fix Them

When your heat pump, a device that moves heat from one place to another to warm or cool your building. Also known as air source heat pump, it works year-round but can break down in surprising ways. stops heating your space in winter, or won’t cool properly in summer, it’s not always a sign of a total failure. More often, it’s something simple—like a dirty filter, a faulty thermostat, or a refrigerant leak—that’s causing the trouble. Heat pumps are designed to be efficient, but they still rely on clean components and proper airflow to do their job. If you notice your system running nonstop, blowing cold air when it should be warm, or making loud grinding noises, you’re not alone. These are some of the most common heat pump problems businesses and homes face in the Birmingham area.

Many of these issues tie back to three core parts: the thermostat, the control unit that tells the heat pump when to turn on or off, the compressor, the heart of the system that circulates refrigerant, and the air filter, the first line of defense against dust and debris. A misconfigured thermostat can make your heat pump think it’s already reached the set temperature, so it shuts off too early. A failing compressor might hum but not move any heat. And a clogged filter? That’s the #1 reason for reduced airflow and overheating. These aren’t just technical terms—they’re real, fixable problems. You don’t always need to replace the whole unit. Often, cleaning, resetting, or replacing one part brings it back to life.

What you find in the posts below are real fixes from people who’ve been there. From diagnosing why a heat pump won’t switch from heating to cooling mode, to spotting the subtle signs of refrigerant loss before it costs hundreds, these guides cut through the noise. You’ll see how to test your thermostat, check for ice buildup on outdoor coils, and even reset a tripped safety switch. No fluff. No jargon. Just clear steps that match what our technicians see every day in Birmingham restaurants, hotels, and offices. Whether your heat pump is five years old or fifteen, this collection gives you the tools to understand what’s wrong—and whether you can fix it yourself before calling in a pro.