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Furnace Not Kicking In? Troubleshoot Your Heat Pump's Emergency Heat Now

As temperatures start to dip below freezing, you expect your heat pump's emergency heat to seamlessly kick in and keep your home warm. But this winter, you realize something's wrong when you wake up shivering because your furnace never came on overnight even though your thermostat was set to emergency heat mode. Don't reach for an extra blanket just yet - this common issue likely has a quick fix if you know where to start troubleshooting.

Before calling in the pros, there are ways you can get to the bottom of why your emergency heat isn't coming on and get your home warm again. Read on to understand what causes your heat pump's backup heating system to fail so you can determine the best solution.

Recognizing You Have a Problem

During normal operation, your heat pump can typically maintain comfortable indoor temperatures down to around 30degF outside. Below this, moisture condensation and freezing can prevent the heat pump from effectively collecting heat. That's where emergency heat comes in - it's a secondary heating system that runs when it's too cold for your heat pump alone. Here are some signs that your emergency heat may not be kicking on like it should:

heat pump emergency heat not working

Don't ignore these warning signs that your emergency heat needs attention. Prolonged issues can lead to burst pipes, sky-high energy bills, damage to your heat pump, and uncomfortable cold conditions indoors.

Why Your Backup Heating System Fails

To get your emergency heating running again, you first need to understand what causes it to stop working in the first place. Some of the most common culprits include:

Frozen Heat Pump Coils

When temperatures remain below freezing for extended periods, moisture can condense and freeze on your heat pump's outdoor coils. This ice buildup prevents proper airflow, causing the heat pump to shut down. You may see large icicles or frost on the coils if this is the issue. Thawing the coils or running emergency heat temporarily may get your system working again.

Heat Pump Compressor Failure

The compressor is the heart of your heat pump - when it fails, the entire system can't operate. Common symptoms include strange noises when it tries to turn on, oil leaks around the compressor, or high operating pressures. You'll need a professional to diagnose and replace a bad compressor.

Electrical or Control System Issues

Problems with your HVAC system's electrical connections or control board can prevent emergency heat from coming on. Check for any blown fuses, tripped breakers, faulty wiring, or a thermostat malfunction. Reset electrical components and test your thermostat to see if normal operation resumes.

Problems with Backup Heat Source

Emergency heating systems like electric coils, a gas furnace, or oil burner can also fail. The emergency heat source may lack power, have a clogged filter or fuel line, faulty igniter or blower fan, or other age-related issues. Inspecting and testing components can help identify problems.

Getting Emergency Heat Working Again

In many cases, you may be able to resolve emergency heating problems through some DIY troubleshooting before calling in a professional:

Reset and Test the Heat Pump

As a first step, shut off power to your heat pump, wait a minute, and turn it back on. This basic reset can clear any error codes and get a malfunctioning system running again. Set your thermostat to emergency heat and see if it engages within a few minutes.

Thaw a Frozen Heat Pump

On a warmer sunny day, use a hair dryer on low setting to gently thaw ice on the outdoor coils. Consider a heat tape or cover to prevent it from freezing up again. Make sure drainage around the unit flows away properly.

Repair Any Issues

If your heat pump requires compressor repairs or your emergency heat source is malfunctioning, hire an HVAC technician to properly diagnose and fix the problem. They can get your system up and running reliably again.

Add Temporary Emergency Heat

While waiting for repairs, use space heaters in occupied rooms for emergency heat. But do not leave them unattended due to fire risks. Also avoid using your gas oven for heating due to carbon monoxide poisoning dangers.

Prevent Future Emergency Heat Problems

With some simple maintenance, you can avoid repeat issues with your emergency heating:

By understanding the typical causes of emergency heat failure and how to get it working again, you can stay warm even during the coldest snaps of winter. But don't hesitate to call in a professional if needed to safely diagnose and resolve any underlying issues with your heat pump or backup heating system.

Dealing with a non-functioning emergency heat system can be stressful when freezing temperatures hit. But in many cases, common issues like coil freezing or electrical faults can be identified and remedied before calling in an HVAC technician. Knowing what signs to look for and quick DIY troubleshooting steps you can try allows you to quickly get your backup heating running so your home stays comfortably warm even during bitter cold outside.