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Heat pump not heating? Try these first.

Before you book a repair, a few quick checks fix a surprising number of "no heat" calls. Here's the homeowner checklist.

A heat pump that's stopped heating isn't always broken. Run through these safe checks first — then know when it's time to call us.

Quick checks you can do safely.

Start here before anything else:

Thermostat: set to Heat, with the target a few degrees above the room temperature

Filter: a clogged filter chokes airflow — check and replace if dirty

Breaker: make sure the heat pump's breaker hasn't tripped

Outdoor unit: clear snow, leaves and debris; keep 18" clear all around

Vents: confirm supply registers are open and unblocked

When "no heat" is actually normal.

If the outdoor unit is steaming and paused, it's running a normal defrost cycle — it'll resume in a few minutes. On very cold mornings you may also feel cooler air briefly as auxiliary heat catches up. Both are expected.

When to call a pro.

Book a repair if you see heavy ice buildup on the outdoor unit, no airflow at all, an error code on the thermostat, water pooling, or the system runs constantly without warming the home. These usually point to refrigerant, electrical or component issues that need a technician.

We cover the whole Island.

From Victoria to Parksville, our techs repair all brands — usually same-day or next-day. If the checklist above doesn't bring the heat back, give us a call and we'll sort it out.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my heat pump blowing cold air?

Often it's a normal defrost cycle or auxiliary heat catching up on a cold morning. If it persists, check the thermostat is set to Heat, the filter is clean, and the breaker hasn't tripped — then call for service.

Should I turn my heat pump off if it's not heating?

If you see heavy ice, water, or it's running constantly without heating, switch it off and book a repair to avoid further damage. For a brief defrost cycle, leave it — it'll resume on its own.

Thinking about a heat pump? Ask a human.

Free in-home assessment · honest, rebate-aware advice.

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or call 250-510-8888 — real humans, island-based

Related: Heat Pump Repair · Winter Efficiency Tips · Maintenance Plan