When your heat pump malfunction, a heating and cooling system that moves heat instead of generating it. Also known as air source heat pump, it works year-round to keep your home comfortable — but when it stops, you feel it fast. Unlike furnaces or AC units, heat pumps handle both heating and cooling with one system, so a breakdown means no heat in winter and no cool air in summer. That’s why a heat pump malfunction isn’t just inconvenient — it’s urgent.
Most heat pump problems start small. A frozen outdoor unit? That’s often low refrigerant or a dirty air filter. No heat but the fan runs? Could be a bad reversing valve or a failing compressor. If your heat pump cycles on and off too often, it’s usually a thermostat issue or a dirty sensor. These aren’t rare glitches — they’re the top reasons technicians in Northampton show up at doors every week. You don’t need to guess what’s wrong. Most fixes are simple if caught early.
Some people think heat pumps last forever, but they don’t. The average unit runs 10–15 years, and parts like capacitors, contactors, and fan motors wear out. If your heat pump is older than 12 years and you’re spending more on repairs than you would on a new one, it’s time to consider replacement. But before you do, check the basics: clean the filters, clear snow or leaves from the outdoor unit, and make sure the thermostat is set to heat — not emergency heat. These steps fix 40% of reported heat pump malfunction cases without a single tool.
And don’t confuse a heat pump with a boiler or furnace. They’re different systems. A boiler heats water. A furnace burns fuel. A heat pump moves air. If you’re searching for help, make sure you’re looking at the right thing. That’s why so many people call us after trying YouTube fixes that didn’t match their system. We’ve seen it all — from frozen coils caused by blocked airflow to control boards fried by power surges. Each fix is different, but the first step is always the same: stop guessing and start diagnosing.
Below, you’ll find real fixes from actual repair jobs in Northampton. No theory. No fluff. Just what works when your heat pump stops working — whether it’s a simple reset, a part swap, or knowing when to walk away and replace it.
Learn the 7 clear signs your heat pump is malfunctioning-from strange noises to ice buildup and high bills. Know when to call a pro and how to prevent costly repairs.
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