Defrost is normal
In winter the outdoor unit periodically melts its own frost. Steam, a pause and some cool air for a few minutes are expected.
Heat pump not heating, not cooling, iced over or leaking?
A heat pump heats and cools with the same outdoor unit, so one failure can take out both. Some ice and cool air during defrost are normal; constant ice or no heat is not. Check the thermostat and breakers, then call 833-877-1717. RepairNowUSA connects the request. An independent HVAC technician does the repair.
Am I in the right place?Yes for a heat pump that will not heat or cool, stays iced over, runs nonstop, or makes grinding or buzzing noises.
Is this urgent?Yes in very cold or very hot weather, or when vulnerable people are inside.
What do I do next?Check the items below, then call 833-877-1717 with the ZIP code and what the system is doing.
Not heating: heat pump not heating. Not cooling: heat pump not cooling. Ductless: mini-split repair.
RepairNowUSA editorial review · Last substantively reviewed October 13, 2026 · Review standards
What is normal and what is not
Thick ice is not
If the outdoor coil stays encased in ice, or ice builds on the top fan, turn the system to emergency heat if you have it and call. Do not chip the ice.
Basic checks
Thermostat in the right mode, both outdoor and indoor breakers on, filter clean, and nothing blocking the outdoor unit.
Leave the outdoor unit closed
Do not hit or chip ice from the coil, open the unit or touch wiring. The fins and refrigerant lines damage easily, and components hold electrical charge. If you smell burning, turn the system off.
Common heat pump problems
Blowing cold air in heat mode
Stuck in defrost, low refrigerant or a reversing valve problem. See heat pump not heating.
Iced-over outdoor unit
Defrost control, sensor, fan or refrigerant problems.
Running constantly
Undersized for the cold, low refrigerant, or backup heat not engaging.
Not turning on
Breakers, thermostat compatibility, or a failed capacitor or control board.
What to have ready when you call
- Property ZIP code, home or business
- Heating or cooling problem
- Whether the outdoor unit runs and whether it is iced
- Whether you have emergency or backup heat
- Indoor and outdoor temperature
- Brand and age, if known
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 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.
Is ice on my heat pump normal?
Light frost that clears during defrost is normal. A thick block of ice, or ice that does not clear, is not. Do not chip at it; switch to emergency heat if you have it and call.
What is emergency heat?
A backup heat source, usually electric strips, that heats without the outdoor unit. It costs more to run, so use it only until the repair.
Can I call for heat pump repair 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 Carrier, Trane, Lennox and other 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.