Why is my heat pump not heating or cooling properly?

This could be due to low refrigerant levels, a dirty air filter or a malfunctioning thermostat. Start by checking your filter and thermostat settings. If those are fine, contact a technician for further inspection.

What does it mean if there's ice on my heat hump?

A light frost is normal, especially in winter. But a thick layer of ice could indicate a refrigerant issue or airflow problem—often caused by a dirty air filter or potentially a low refrigerant.

My heat pump is running but no air is coming out. What's wrong?

This often points to a failed blower motor in the furnace. Since the motor is responsible for circulating air, a replacement is usually required.

How do I know if my heat pump's circuit board has failed?

If your system won’t turn on or respond at all, a failed circuit board could be the cause. Power surges or wear and tear are common reasons. A technician can test and replace the board.

When should I call a professional for help?

If basic troubleshooting like changing filters or thermostat batteries doesn’t resolve the issue—or if the unit is making strange noises or not operating—it's best to <a class="Hyperlink SCXW251229505 BCX0" href="https://www.enercare.ca/cooling/heat-pump" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">call an Enercare technician</a>.

Common Heat Pump Problems

Key Takeaways

Heat pumps are an efficient way to heat and cool your home all year round.
Some troubleshooting tips can be taken care of quickly and easily.
An expert should address more complex problems.
Proper heat pump maintenance will keep your system running smoothly for years to come.

If you’re looking for a reliable, energy-efficient way to keep your home comfortable year-round, heat pumps are a smart choice.

By providing both heating and cooling from a single system, they are eco-friendly and reduce the dependence on fuel-based equipment. Thanks to this dual functionality, heat pumps are built to perform in all types of weather. However, like any home appliance, the system may experience occasional disruptions. To help you stay ahead of potential issues, we’ve put together a simple guide outlining the most common heat pump problems, along with troubleshooting tips. With the right info, you’ll know exactly what to check — and when it’s time to call an Enercare Expert.

Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant is the compound that carries energy to the coil to be cooled. As it circulates through the system, the refrigerant absorbs heat from one area and releases it into another, either warming or cooling the space. When refrigerant leaks occur, the system loses its capacity to transfer heat effectively, resulting in reduced performance

While some refrigerant leaks can be repaired, many cannot. The most common place to find a refrigerant leak is in the system’s indoor or outdoor coil. If the system was purchased within the last ten years, the part will probably still be under warranty. However, if you’re covered by Enercare Advantage^Ⓡ, your repairs are covered,* and a licensed technician can be there as soon as the same day if you call by 5p.m.**& to diagnose and resolve the issue.

Blower Motor Failure

Sometimes, the furnace blower motor stops working. Fixing it is rarely an option; the best solution is replacing the blower with a new one.

The blower fan is an essential part of the HVAC system because it distributes air through the home’s duct system. Without the blower fan, you won’t feel the heat (or cool air) the system generates

Circuit Board Failure

The small resistors and other components in the system’s circuit board might wear out over time. Another factor, such as power surges can cause circuit boards to fail. When this happens, the system usually won’t run at all.

The good news is boards can be replaced. Our HVAC team can diagnose any problems with your system, order the correct components from the manufacturer and make all appropriate connections to get your system running again.

Ice on the Outdoor Coil

It’s common for a thin layer of frost to form on the heat pump’s outdoor coil in winter, depending on the current outdoor dew point. When this happens, the system’s defrost cycle will turn on and quickly melt the ice or frost. During this defrost, the unit will operate louder than usual which is normal and the way the heat pump should work.

However, when a thick layer of ice starts forming on any of the heat pump components, you could have a bigger problem on your hands. This usually means that the refrigerant charge is off (this could be indicative of a refrigerant leak or other refrigerant component failures) or, more likely, that your air filter hasn’t been changed or cleaned in a very long time.

Dirty Air Filter

As your system runs, dust and debris gradually build up on the air filter, restricting air flow and reducing efficiency. Turn the system off and check whether your air filter needs to be replaced. If the filter is completely blocked with dust and debris, replace it right away. Compatible air filters are available here.

If the filter appears clean but the issue persists, contact a licensed HVAC technician to assess the problem and apply the best fix.

Thermostat Troubleshooting

Your heat pump might be working just fine: the problem could be your thermostat which is the control centre for your heat pump. A malfunctioning thermostat could make your heat pump do strange and unexpected things. The most common problem found is usually dead batteries. The best thing to do is to replace the batteries in the thermostat and see if this resolves the problem. If it persists, call an HVAC expert who can help diagnose the issue.

This could be due to low refrigerant levels, a dirty air filter or a malfunctioning thermostat. Start by checking your filter and thermostat settings. If those are fine, contact a technician for further inspection.
A light frost is normal, especially in winter. But a thick layer of ice could indicate a refrigerant issue or airflow problem—often caused by a dirty air filter or potentially a low refrigerant.
This often points to a failed blower motor in the furnace. Since the motor is responsible for circulating air, a replacement is usually required.
If your system won’t turn on or respond at all, a failed circuit board could be the cause. Power surges or wear and tear are common reasons. A technician can test and replace the board.
If basic troubleshooting like changing filters or thermostat batteries doesn’t resolve the issue—or if the unit is making strange noises or not operating—it’s best to call an Enercare technician.

Our experts are here for your year-round comfort

Even the most reliable heat pumps can experience occasional issues. Timely maintenance and repairs are key to keeping your system running smoothly and efficiently. If you’re experiencing any of the problems listed above—or something that doesn’t seem quite right—don’t wait.

Contact Enercare today to schedule a service appointment with one of our licensed HVAC professionals. We’ll diagnose the issue, provide expert repairs, and help you get back to enjoying year-round comfort in your home.

After all, the weather can be unpredictable. Your heat pump shouldn’t be. Stay in control of the ups and downs with a well-maintained HVAC system.

*Terms and conditions and certain exceptions apply. See rental agreement for details.

**Available to Enercare’s Heating/Cooling protection plan customers, rental water heater customers and/or rental HVAC customers whose equipment is not operational (for example – no heat, no cooling or no hot water). On average, Enercare attends to furnace/boiler, central air conditioner, or water heater non-operational calls 80% of the time the same day. Subject to exclusions in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable protection plan or rental agreement.