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What to Do When Your Heat Pump Stops Heating or Cooling

A heat pump that won’t heat or cool can disrupt your comfort fast. This guide explains simple troubleshooting steps, what to avoid, and when to call Pack-Timco’s experts for professional repair.

By
Pack-Timco
November 9, 2025
5 min. read

When Comfort Stops, Pack-Timco Starts Fixing It

When your heat pump stops heating or cooling, comfort comes to a standstill — and Pack-Timco is here to get it back fast.
Because heat pumps manage both your heating and cooling all year, even a small malfunction can throw off your entire home’s balance.

At Pack-Timco, we see this every season: systems that once worked quietly and efficiently begin to lose power, freeze over, or blow lukewarm air.
This guide explains how our team approaches these problems, what usually causes them, and how we restore performance with precision diagnostics and dependable service.

Understanding Why Heat Pumps Fail

A heat pump’s job is simple: move heat from one place to another. But the system behind that process is complex. It relies on refrigerant flow, air circulation, and accurate communication between indoor and outdoor units.

The most common causes of failure include:

  • Thermostat or control board errors
  • Low refrigerant levels or leaks
  • Frozen outdoor coils
  • Dirty filters or restricted airflow
  • Electrical faults or worn motors

At Pack-Timco, our Heat Pump Repair & Diagnostics process pinpoints which of these is behind the issue — fast and accurately.

Step 1: We Verify the System Controls

Many comfort issues start with miscommunication between your thermostat and your system.
Our technicians check thermostat settings, control boards, and sensors to make sure the system is reading temperatures correctly and switching between modes as intended.

If controls are misconfigured or wiring is damaged, we recalibrate or repair the system on-site so it responds precisely to your commands.

Step 2: We Restore Proper Airflow

Poor airflow forces a heat pump to work harder and use more energy.
Pack-Timco technicians inspect every air path — from the return vents to the blower and supply ducts — cleaning filters, straightening fins, and clearing obstructions.

Our HVAC Repair & Diagnostics division handles these tests with specialized pressure tools that reveal exactly where airflow is restricted.

Step 3: We Inspect and Service the Outdoor Unit

The outdoor condenser is where most mechanical stress occurs. When coils get dirty or blocked, or when defrost sensors fail, efficiency drops quickly.
During service, we:

  • Clear debris and dirt buildup
  • Inspect coils and refrigerant lines
  • Verify that defrost cycles run correctly
  • Ensure fans and motors operate smoothly

This process eliminates one of the most common causes of “no heat” or “no cool” calls Pack-Timco receives.

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Step 4: We Confirm Safe Electrical Performance

Every heat pump relies on steady voltage and precise electrical sequencing.
Our technicians test capacitors, relays, and circuit continuity to ensure the system operates safely and efficiently. If a breaker has tripped or wiring has degraded, we repair it immediately to prevent future failures.

Safety is always part of every Pack-Timco diagnostic — not just comfort.

Step 5: We Listen to What the System Is Telling Us

Unusual sounds are more than background noise — they’re early warnings.
Our team is trained to recognize the difference between minor vibration and serious mechanical failure:

  • Buzzing or humming → electrical issues
  • Grinding or squealing → worn bearings or motor trouble
  • Banging → broken fan blade or compressor stress

Instead of guessing, Pack-Timco investigates each sound with precision tools to protect major components and avoid unnecessary replacement.

Step 6: We Check for Ice or Refrigerant Problems

If we find ice buildup or refrigerant leaks, Pack-Timco technicians use advanced leak-detection and pressure testing to locate the problem.
Low refrigerant levels not only reduce comfort but can damage the compressor — the heart of your system.

Our EPA-certified team safely recovers and recharges refrigerant while ensuring your system meets performance standards.

For additional reading on how refrigerant systems affect efficiency, see the ENERGY STAR Heat Pump Guide.

Step 7: We Verify the Defrost Cycle

When a heat pump runs in heating mode, frost naturally forms on outdoor coils. The system enters a defrost cycle to melt it.
If that process fails, the unit can become encased in ice and stop working altogether.

Pack-Timco checks sensors, timers, and control boards to ensure the defrost sequence activates correctly and protects your system through winter.

Precision Diagnostics: The Pack-Timco Advantage

“A heat pump isn’t fixed until it’s understood,” says one of Pack-Timco’s lead service technicians. “We diagnose every detail so homeowners don’t have to guess or worry about the same problem twice.”

Our Seasonal Tune-Ups and Heat Pump Diagnostics use advanced instruments to measure refrigerant temperature, airflow velocity, and electrical current.
We don’t just find what’s broken — we optimize performance for the entire system.

Preventing Future Problems

The best way to avoid a breakdown is through routine care.
Regular maintenance keeps sensors calibrated, coils clean, and air moving freely. During a scheduled HVAC Tune-Up, Pack-Timco checks:

  • Refrigerant levels and pressure
  • Air filter condition
  • Electrical safety
  • Thermostat calibration
  • Condensate drainage
  • Overall system balance

We also pair maintenance with Indoor Air Quality Inspections to remove the hidden contaminants that make systems work harder than they should.

Why Homeowners Trust Pack-Timco

  • Rapid response for all repair and diagnostic calls
  • Certified technicians trained across all major heat pump brands
  • Honest recommendations — repair what’s needed, protect what’s working
  • Preventive maintenance options to reduce long-term costs
“Every visit is about restoring control and peace of mind,” says a Pack-Timco comfort specialist. “When the system runs right, the whole home feels right.”

Your Year-Round Comfort Partner

Pack-Timco is more than a repair service — we’re a comfort management team.
Whether your heat pump needs a quick fix or a full diagnostic, our approach ensures efficiency, safety, and reliability across every season.

If your system isn’t performing, Pack-Timco is ready to bring it back to life — quickly, professionally, and with lasting results.

Restore Year-Round Comfort

Schedule a professional Heat Pump Diagnostic with Pack-Timco and keep your system running efficiently through every season.

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