When “Heat” Isn’t Heating
There’s nothing more frustrating than switching on your heat pump on a cold Georgia morning — only to feel a blast of chilly air. While heat pumps are efficient and reliable, they can sometimes appear to malfunction when temperatures drop.
The good news: not every case of “cold air” means your system is broken. But knowing the difference between normal operation and a real issue can help you avoid unnecessary stress (and repair bills).
At All Airs Home Services, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing heat pumps and HVAC systems across Marietta, Kennesaw, Cartersville, and the greater Metro Atlanta area. Here’s how to tell what’s happening — and what to do next.
1. Your Heat Pump Might Be in Defrost Mode
When outdoor temperatures fall into the 30s or 40s, frost can form on your outdoor unit’s coils. To protect itself, your heat pump automatically switches into defrost mode, temporarily reversing airflow to melt the ice.
During this process, it may blow slightly cool or room-temperature air inside for a few minutes — this is normal. Once defrosting is complete, it will switch back to heating automatically.
If your system stays cold longer than 10–15 minutes, or if defrost cycles happen frequently, you should have a technician inspect it.
2. Low Refrigerant Levels Can Cause Weak Heat
Your heat pump uses refrigerant to transfer heat between indoors and outdoors. If refrigerant levels are low due to a leak, the system won’t be able to extract enough warmth — leaving you with lukewarm or cold air.
This isn’t something you can fix yourself. All Airs’ certified technicians use leak-detection tools to identify the problem, seal the leak, and recharge the system to manufacturer specifications.
3. The Outdoor Unit Could Be Dirty or Blocked
Leaves, grass, and debris can build up around your outdoor condenser, restricting airflow. When airflow is limited, the system struggles to absorb and move heat effectively.
Keep at least two feet of clearance around your outdoor unit, and remove debris regularly. If the coils are caked in dirt, schedule a professional cleaning and inspection to restore proper function.
4. Your Thermostat Might Be Misreading
A malfunctioning thermostat can cause your system to misinterpret temperature settings — cycling incorrectly or failing to switch between heating and cooling.
Try replacing the batteries, checking the mode (it should be set to “heat”), and ensuring the temperature setting is higher than the current room temp.
If issues persist, All Airs Home Services can recalibrate or replace your thermostat to ensure accurate performance.
5. Electrical or Reversing Valve Issues
Heat pumps rely on a reversing valve to switch between heating and cooling modes. If the valve or its control wiring malfunctions, your unit may get “stuck” in cooling mode, blowing cold air no matter what you do.
These repairs require professional service, as they involve high-voltage electrical components and refrigerant lines. Our licensed technicians can quickly identify the fault and get your system back to heating properly.
6. When to Call for Professional Help
If your system:
- Blows cold air for more than 15 minutes
- Runs continuously without heating the home
- Makes unusual noises or emits burning smells
- Trips the breaker repeatedly
…it’s time to call All Airs Home Services. Our experts diagnose and repair heat pumps the right way — without guesswork or unnecessary parts replacement.
Why Metro Atlanta Homeowners Trust All Airs
- Local, family-operated company with honest service values
- Licensed, insured HVAC professionals trained on all major brands
- No hidden fees — just straightforward solutions
- Fast, same-day appointments in Marietta, Kennesaw, Cartersville & beyond
We keep Georgia homes comfortable no matter what the weather brings.
Schedule Your Heat Pump Service Today
Don’t wait until the next cold snap to find out your system can’t keep up. Whether you need a quick repair or a full system check, All Airs Home Services is here to help.
Call or schedule online today to get fast, reliable heat pump repair in Metro Atlanta — and enjoy steady, comfortable warmth all season long.
