Emergency Heat Pump Repairs: What You Need to Know

Check these first

1. Thermostat: is it set to heat, with the temperature above the current room temperature? Replace the batteries if it has them.
2. Power: check the breaker panel and the outdoor disconnect switch near the unit.
3. Filter: a badly clogged filter can stop airflow.
4. Outdoor unit: clear any snow or ice blocking it, by hand or with a soft brush. Do not chip at it.
5. Wait 15 minutes: the unit may be in a defrost cycle. Steam and a stopped fan are normal during defrost.

Call a technician right away if

• There is no heat at all and it is below freezing outside.
• The outdoor unit stays encased in ice for hours.
• The breaker trips again after you reset it.
• You smell burning, or hear grinding or loud banging.
• Water is leaking from an indoor unit.

Stay safe while you wait

• Switch to backup or emergency heat if your thermostat has that setting.
• Use space heaters with care. Keep them clear of curtains and bedding, and plug them straight into the wall.
• If your backup is a gas furnace, make sure your carbon monoxide alarms work.
• Do not open the unit or touch the refrigerant lines. Only certified technicians may handle refrigerant.

What to tell the technician

Have the make and model of the indoor and outdoor units ready (they are on the labels), describe what changed and when, and mention any error codes or flashing lights. Photos of the outdoor unit help.