Heat Pump Not Heating? Common Issues & Quick Fixes for NZ Homeowners

Winter in New Zealand brings with it a demand for reliable warmth indoors. For many Kiwi households, the humble heat pump is the hero that keeps homes cosy and comfortable through the colder months. But what happens when your trusty heat pump starts to act up, leaving you in the cold? It's a relatively uncommon scenario, but one that can quickly turn a pleasant winter evening into a shiver-inducing ordeal.

At OneAir, with technicians covering Auckland, Dunedin, Wellington, Waikato, and the Bay of Plenty, we understand the frustration of a malfunctioning heat pump. We've seen it all, from minor glitches to complete system failures. However both have the same outcome : a heat pump that does not work properly or at all when you need it most.

The good news is that many common heat pump problems have straightforward explanations, and sometimes, even simple solutions you can try yourself. This comprehensive guide is designed to empower you, the New Zealand homeowner, with the knowledge to troubleshoot your heat pump this winter. We’ll help you understand what might be going wrong and, crucially, when it's time to call in the experts at OneAir for professional heat pump repair or maintenance.

Let's dive into the most frequent "heat pump problems" that can leave you feeling chilly, and what you can do about them.

Your Heat Pump Isn't Blowing Warm Air (Or Any Air At All!)

This is perhaps the most common and frustrating issue: your heat pump is on, but there's no warm air, or perhaps no air movement whatsoever. 

1. Check the Remote Control Settings

It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how often this is the culprit. Is your thermostat set to "Heat" mode? Is the temperature set lower than the current room temperature? Sometimes, a family member - yes we include pets here - might have inadvertently changed the setting. Ensure it's not set to "Cool", “Dehumidify” or "Fan Only" modes, as either of these will not produce the warm air you will be looking for.

2. It’s still getting warmed up

A heat pump is not like a hair dryer that can produce instant heat. It takes several minutes after being turned on before it starts to blow warm air. 

3. Is the Air Filter Clogged?

A dirty air filter is a leading cause of reduced airflow and efficiency. When the filter is caked with dust and debris, it restricts the air that can pass through the system. This not only reduces the amount of warm air circulated but can also cause your heat pump to work harder, increasing energy consumption and potentially leading to system damage.

Quick Fix: Locate your indoor unit’s air filter (consult your owner’s manual if you're unsure). Carefully remove it and check its condition. If it’s visibly dirty, you can often clean it by gently vacuuming it or rinsing it with water (make sure it's completely dry before reinstalling). It's recommended to clean or replace your filter every 1 to 3 months, or more frequently if you have pets or allergies.

4. Check for Blocked Vents or Outdoor Unit Obstructions

Ensure that no furniture, curtains, or other objects are blocking the indoor unit. Restricted airflow inside your home can prevent heat from distributing properly.

Equally important, check your outdoor unit. It needs clear space around it to operate efficiently. Branches, leaves, or even overgrown grass can obstruct the airflow to the outdoor coil, significantly impacting its ability to transfer heat.

Quick Fix: Clear away any growth or debris from around the outdoor unit. Make sure there's at least 60cm of clear space around all sides.

5. Power Issues: Circuit Breakers and Fuses

Your heat pump requires a significant amount of electricity. If it suddenly stops working, a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse could be the problem.

Quick Fix: Go to your home's electrical panel. Look for a tripped breaker, which will often be in an "off" or middle position. Flip it completely to the "off" position, then firmly back to the "on" position. If the breaker trips again immediately, do not reset it; this indicates a more serious electrical issue and requires professional "heat pump repair New Zealand" assistance. For fuses, if you're comfortable, check and replace any blown ones, but again, repeated blowing indicates a deeper problem.

Heat Pump Common Issue and Quick Fixes to Strange Noises Coming From Your Heat Pump

Heat pumps typically operate quietly, with a gentle hum during normal operation. If you start hearing unusual sounds, it's a sign something might be amiss.

1. Squealing or Grinding Noises: These sounds often point to issues with the motor bearings in either the indoor or outdoor unit. Worn-out bearings can cause friction and lead to these distressing noises. Ignoring them can lead to motor failure.

2. Banging or Clanking Sounds: A banging or clanking noise could indicate a loose or broken part inside the unit, such as a fan blade hitting something or an unbalanced component. It might also signal an issue with the compressor.

3. Hissing or Gurgling Sounds: A hissing sound often suggests a refrigerant leak, which is a serious issue that affects your heat pump’s ability to heat effectively. Gurgling can also be associated with refrigerant issues, possibly air in the lines.

4. Clicking Noises: While a slight click when the unit turns on or off is normal (relay switch), constant or loud clicking could indicate a problem with the fan motor, a faulty capacitor, or an electrical issue.

What to do: For any strange or persistent noises, it's always best to turn off your heat pump and call OneAir to book a repair. These noises often indicate mechanical issues that require expert diagnosis and specialised tools.

Your Heat Pump Is Constantly Running (Or Cycling On and Off Too Frequently)

An efficient heat pump should cycle on and off to maintain your desired temperature. If it's running non-stop or turning on and off too frequently (short cycling), it's a red flag.

1. Constantly Running

If your heat pump is running all the time, it might be struggling to reach the set temperature. This could be due to:

• Undersized system: The heat pump may not be powerful enough for your home's heating needs, especially if your insulation is poor or your home is larger than the system was designed for.

• Refrigerant leak: Low refrigerant levels severely hamper your heat pump's ability to transfer heat, causing it to run continuously in an attempt to compensate.

• Dirty coils: If the outdoor coils are covered in dirt and debris, they can't effectively absorb heat, making the system work harder and longer.

• Thermostat malfunction: A faulty thermostat might not be accurately reading the room temperature, causing the unit to constantly run.

2. Short Cycling

Short cycling means your heat pump turns on for a short period, then shuts off, and then turns on again quickly. This is inefficient, wastes energy, and puts undue stress on the compressor, significantly shortening its lifespan. Common causes include:

• Oversized system: If your heat pump is too large for your home, it can quickly heat the space to the set temperature and then shut off, only to turn on again soon after.

• Dirty air filter: As mentioned earlier, a clogged filter restricts airflow, causing the system to overheat and shut down prematurely.

• Refrigerant issues: Both too little or too much refrigerant can lead to short cycling.

• Electrical issues: Problems with the starting capacitor or other electrical components can cause the compressor to struggle and short cycle.

What to do: If your heat pump is constantly running or short cycling, it's crucial to address the issue promptly. While checking your air filter is a good first step, most of these problems require professional "heat pump repair New Zealand." OneAir technicians can diagnose the root cause and recommend the appropriate solution, whether it's a repair, a refrigerant recharge, or even advice on a more suitably sized system.

Ice Build-up on Your Outdoor Unit

A light layer of frost on your outdoor heat pump unit during winter is normal, as heat pumps extract heat from the cold outdoor air. Modern heat pumps have a defrost cycle that melts this frost. However, excessive ice build-up that doesn't clear during defrost cycles is a problem and often indicates a low refrigerant gas levels.

1. Faulty Defrost Cycle: The most common reason for excessive ice is a problem with the defrost cycle. This could be a malfunctioning defrost sensor, a faulty defrost board, or an issue with the reversing valve that switches the unit from heating to cooling mode to melt the ice.

2. Low Refrigerant Levels: If your heat pump is low on refrigerant, it will struggle to absorb heat from the outside air, causing the outdoor coil to get unusually cold and leading to excessive ice formation. This also significantly impacts its heating performance indoors.

3. Poor Airflow to the Outdoor Unit: As discussed earlier, obstructions like snow, leaves, or debris can restrict airflow to the outdoor coil, hindering the defrost process and promoting ice build-up.

4. Fan Motor Issues: If the outdoor fan motor isn't working correctly, it won't be able to draw enough air over the coils, leading to ice formation.

What to do: While you can gently remove light ice with lukewarm water, persistent or heavy ice build-up indicates a system malfunction. Do not chip away ice with sharp objects, as this can severely damage the coils. Turn off your heat pump and call OneAir to book a heat pump repair and inspection. Our technicians can diagnose the defrost cycle issue, check refrigerant levels, and ensure your system is operating safely and efficiently.

Your Heat Pump Smells Strange

Unusual odours emanating from your heat pump are never a good sign and shouldn't be ignored.

1. Musty or Mouldy Smell:

This is often caused by mould or mildew growth within the indoor unit, particularly on the evaporator coil or in the condensate system. This can happen if the condensate drain line is clogged, allowing moisture to accumulate and not safely disperse outside like it is meant to.

2. Burning Smell

A burning smell could indicate an electrical issue, such as an overheating motor, burning wires, or a faulty component. This is a serious concern and requires immediate action like turning off the system at the isolator and or turning off the breaker at the distribution board..

3. Electrical or Ozone Smell

A sharp, electrical, or ozone-like smell can sometimes be a sign of an overheating electrical component or even issues with the fan motor.

4. Dirty Sock Syndrome

This unpleasant odour is distinct and often described as a smell similar to dirty socks. It's caused by bacteria and fungi growing on the indoor coil, particularly when the unit is used intermittently or in humid conditions.

What to do: For this heat pump common issue - any persistent or strong odours, especially burning smells, turn off your heat pump immediately. While a simple filter change might sometimes help with musty smells, most odour issues require professional cleaning and inspection. OneAir can provide thorough cleaning services and address any underlying issues, ensuring your indoor air quality is safe and pleasant.

Water Leaking from Your Heat Pump

Finding puddles of water around your indoor heat pump unit is a clear sign something is wrong.

1. Clogged Condensate Drain Line: During the heating (and cooling) process, your heat pump produces condensation. This water collects in a drain pan and flows out through a condensate drain line. If this line gets clogged with algae, dirt, or debris, the water will back up and overflow, leading to leaks.

2. Frozen Evaporator Coil: If the indoor evaporator coil freezes due to restricted airflow (dirty filter) or low refrigerant, the melting ice can cause an overflow when the system attempts to defrost.

3. Cracked Drain Pan: Less commonly, the drain pan itself can crack leading to leaks.

What to do: While you might be able to clear a simple clog with a wet/dry vacuum, if the leak persists or you suspect a more serious issue, turn off your heat pump to prevent further water damage. Call OneAir for "heat pump repair New Zealand." We can clear blockages, inspect the entire drain system, and address any other issues causing the leak.

When to Call the Professionals at OneAir

While some of these "heat pump problems" have simple troubleshooting steps, many require the expertise of a qualified technician. Attempting complex repairs yourself can be dangerous and may void your warranty.

It's time to call OneAir for heat pump repair or maintenance if:

• The problem persists after basic troubleshooting.

• You hear unusual or loud noises.

• You smell burning or strong electrical odours.

• There is excessive ice build-up on the outdoor unit that doesn't clear.

• Water is consistently leaking from the indoor unit.

• Your heat pump is not heating your home effectively, despite correct settings.

• Your energy bills are suddenly much higher than usual, without a change in usage.

Proactive Care: The Best Defence Against Winter Heat Pump Problems

The best way to avoid "heat pump problems" this winter is through regular, professional maintenance. Just like your car, your heat pump needs routine check-ups to ensure it's running at peak efficiency and to catch potential issues before they become major breakdowns.

At OneAir, we offer comprehensive "heat pump repair New Zealand" and maintenance services across Auckland, Dunedin, Wellington, Waikato, and the Bay of Plenty. Our experienced technicians can:

• Thoroughly inspect your entire system, both indoor and outdoor units.

• Clean coils, fans, and other components.

• Check refrigerant levels and look for leaks.

• Inspect electrical connections and components for wear and tear.

• Test thermostat accuracy and system controls.

• Identify and address any potential issues before they leave you in the cold.

Regular maintenance not only helps prevent inconvenient breakdowns but also prolongs the life of your heat pump, improves its energy efficiency, and ensures it continues to provide reliable, cost-effective warmth for your New Zealand home.

Don't Let Winter Catch You Cold!

This winter, don't let a malfunctioning heat pump leave your family shivering. Understanding these common "heat pump problems" and knowing when to seek professional help is key to maintaining a warm and comfortable home.

If you’re experiencing any of the issues discussed, or if your heat pump simply isn't performing as it should, don’t hesitate to contact the trusted experts at OneAir. Whether you need urgent "heat pump repair New Zealand," routine maintenance to prepare for the chilly months ahead, or are considering a new, energy-efficient heat pump installation, our friendly and experienced team is ready to help.

We’re committed to keeping New Zealand homes warm and comfortable, offering reliable service and peace of mind. Give us a call or visit our website today to schedule a service, request a quote for a new system, and ensure your home stays toasty warm all winter long!