Short defrost is normal
The outdoor unit pauses, may steam, and indoor air can feel cool for a few minutes.
Heat pump running but not heating or blowing cold air?
Heat pumps blow cool air briefly during defrost, which is normal. Cold air that continues, a unit encased in ice, or no heat at all needs a technician. Switch to emergency heat if you have it, then call 833-877-1717. RepairNowUSA connects the request. An independent HVAC technician does the repair.
Am I in the right place?Yes for cold air that lasts longer than a short defrost, thick ice on the outdoor unit, or no heat.
Is this urgent?Yes in cold weather, with vulnerable people inside, or when pipes could freeze.
What do I do next?Set the thermostat to emergency or auxiliary heat if available, then call 833-877-1717.
Not cooling in summer: heat pump not cooling. Whole building cold: no heat.
RepairNowUSA editorial review · Last substantively reviewed October 13, 2026 · Review standards
What is normal and what is not
Use emergency heat
Most heat pumps have backup heat. It costs more to run, so use it until the repair.
Check breakers
The outdoor unit and indoor air handler usually have separate breakers.
Do not chip ice
Hitting ice off the coil damages fins and refrigerant lines. If ice does not clear, switch to emergency heat and call.
Common causes
Stuck in defrost
Defrost board or sensor failure.
Low refrigerant
Weak heat and icing.
Reversing valve
Stuck in cooling mode.
Backup heat failure
Heat strips not working. See air handler.
What to have ready when you call
- Property ZIP code, home or business
- How long cold air lasts
- Ice on the outdoor unit
- Whether emergency heat works
- Indoor and outdoor temperature
- Brand and age
What happens when you call RepairNowUSA
- Describe what is happening in plain words and give the property ZIP code. You do not need to know which trade to ask for.
- RepairNowUSA checks for a participating independent provider who handles heat pump repair in that area.
- If one is available, you are connected. The provider confirms timing, access, scope and price with you before any work.
- The provider, not RepairNowUSA, diagnoses and performs the repair.
RepairNowUSA is a referral and connection service. Provider availability and response times vary by location, time and demand, and are not guaranteed. Before you approve work, ask what was found, the price, the timing and what is not included.
Call 833-877-1717Heat pump heating questions
Why is my heat pump blowing cold air in winter?
A heat pump in defrost mode can blow cool air for a few minutes, which is normal. If cold air continues, the system may be stuck in defrost, low on refrigerant, or have a failed reversing valve or outdoor fan. Call if it lasts more than about 15 minutes.
What is emergency heat?
A backup heat source, usually electric strips, that heats without the outdoor unit. Use it only until the repair because it costs more to run.
Can I call at night?
Yes. You can call 833-877-1717 at any time, including nights, weekends and holidays. Whether an independent provider can come out right away depends on your ZIP code, the time and provider capacity, so availability is not guaranteed.
Do providers work on all heat pump brands?
Independent HVAC providers commonly work on major brands such as Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Rheem, Goodman, Bryant and York. Tell RepairNowUSA the brand on the call. RepairNowUSA is not affiliated with or authorized by any manufacturer, and warranty work may need the manufacturer’s own network.
Authoritative references
These public sources give general safety context. They do not replace an on-site evaluation, and RepairNowUSA does not perform the work.