Daleville, VA Heat Pump Not Cooling? 5 Top HVAC Fixes

Estimated Read Time: 9 minutes

Heat pump not cooling when you need it most? You are not alone. Roanoke summers bring heat and humidity that punish underperforming equipment. In this guide, you will learn the top causes, quick homeowner checks, and how our NATE‑certified team restores crisp, even cooling fast. If you want a pro to take it off your plate today, schedule service online or call (540) 234-2001.

1) The thermostat settings are working against you

A mis-set thermostat is the fastest way to create a heat pump not cooling problem. Start with the basics before assuming a costly repair.

What to check:

1. Mode and temperature
2. • Make sure the thermostat is set to Cool, not Heat or Auto.
   • Set the temperature at least 3 degrees below the current indoor temp to force a cooling call.
2. Fan setting
3. • Use Auto, not On. On runs the blower nonstop and can blow lukewarm air between cooling cycles.
3. Schedules and holds
4. • Disable vacation modes or smart setbacks during a heat wave.
4. Batteries and location
5. • Replace weak batteries. Avoid direct sun or heat sources that skew readings.

If you use a smart thermostat, confirm the app shows a cooling call and that Wi‑Fi automations are not overriding your settings.

Review callout: "Periodic maintenance to heat pumps. Professional, efficient and knowledgeable. Friendly service. Answered all questions."

2) Restricted airflow is starving the system

Heat pumps need steady airflow to pull heat out of your home. Restrictions cause poor cooling, longer run times, and high bills.

Common airflow killers:

1. Dirty filter
2. • Replace 1-inch filters every 30 to 60 days during summer. High‑MERV filters clog faster.
2. Closed or blocked vents
3. • Keep supply and return vents open and clear by at least 12 inches. Do not close vents in unused rooms.
3. Dirty indoor coil or blower
4. • Dust and biofilm reduce heat transfer. Professional cleaning restores capacity.
4. Duct issues
5. • Kinks, leaks, or undersized ducts limit airflow and comfort in rooms furthest from the air handler.

Quick test: Stand at a vent on a hot day. Weak airflow or air that is barely cooler than the room points to a filter, coil, or duct problem.

Review callout: "Ian came a few days ago for my fall heat pump inspection. He found an issue and needed to order a part. He returned within 48 hours and everything is fixed. Ian was very knowledgeable, professional, and efficient."

3) The outdoor unit is dirty or blocked

Your outdoor unit needs room to breathe. Dirt and yard debris trap heat and force the system to work harder, reducing cooling.

Homeowner steps:

1. Power off at the disconnect before any cleaning.
2. Clear leaves, vines, and grass clippings within a 2‑foot radius.
3. Gently rinse coil fins from the inside out using a garden hose. Do not use a pressure washer.
4. Keep pets and mulch away from the base to prevent corrosion and pest nests.

When to call a pro:

• Bent fins, heavy grime, or oil stains suggest deeper issues.
• If the fan runs but air inside is still warm after cleaning, you may have a refrigerant or control problem.

Review callout: "Nothing worse than heat pump issues in a holiday weekend. Thankful for the awesome folks at Wisler Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, and for Jared’s excellent skills to get us back up and running."

4) Refrigerant charge or leak issues

Low or incorrect refrigerant charge will make a heat pump blow lukewarm air. A leak can be small and still ruin performance.

Warning signs:

1. Long run times with little temperature drop.
2. Ice on the refrigerant lines or indoor coil.
3. Hissing at connections or oil stains on tubing.

Why this needs a pro:

• EPA regulations require licensed handling of refrigerants.
• Proper charge is set by superheat, subcooling, and manufacturer data, not by guesswork.

What we do:

• Perform a full diagnostic with pressure readings, temperature splits, and electrical tests.
• Find and fix leaks, then confirm charge to spec. Our team documents pressures and adjustments in a written report before we leave.

Review callout: "Jared was our technician today and repaired our old heat pump. He is a pleasant, skilled professional, answering all our questions as he brought our old system up to code."

5) Electrical or control failures

If your heat pump is not cooling at all, a small electrical fault might be the culprit.

Likely causes:

1. Tripped breaker or blown fuse at the outdoor unit.
2. Failed capacitor, contactor, or fan motor.
3. Thermostat wiring or control board issues.
4. Safety switches triggered by drain clogs.

Safe homeowner checks:

• Verify breakers are on. If a breaker trips again, call a pro.
• Check the condensate drain and pan. A backed‑up drain can shut cooling off to prevent water damage.

What we do:

• Run-load and microfarad tests on capacitors and motors.
• Check voltage drops and tighten connections.
• Restore safe operation to manufacturer specifications.

Review callout: "We had to get a whole new system for our heat pump/ac. The heat went out in December. They arrived early, handled the warranty, and came back fast with the part. Very professional and respectful."

Quick troubleshooting checklist before you call

Use this to save time and describe symptoms clearly when you schedule:

1. Thermostat is set to Cool, Fan Auto, and a lower setpoint than room temp.
2. Filter is clean and all vents are open and unblocked.
3. Outdoor unit is clear and running.
4. No ice on lines or indoor coil. If you see ice, switch to Fan and call.
5. Breakers are on. Any repeat tripping needs a professional.

Pro tip: Take note of the temperature at a supply vent and at a return grille. A healthy system often shows a 15 to 20 degree difference.

Why maintenance matters in Roanoke’s summer humidity

Our local valley heat and afternoon storms push heat pumps hard. Regular tune-ups prevent breakdowns and restore efficiency.

What our Without Worry Comfort Check includes:

1. Detailed inspection, cleaning, and adjustments.
2. A written report card with system pressures, what we cleaned, and what we adjusted before we leave.
3. Safety checks that protect your home and equipment.

Real benefits you will feel:

• Lower energy use, more even temperatures, and fewer surprise repairs.
• Cleaner indoor air and better dehumidification during peak humidity.

Local note: Homes near Smith Mountain Lake and along the Blue Ridge Parkway often see extra pollen and debris on outdoor units. A light rinse between professional visits helps.

Repair or replace: how to decide

Sometimes the smartest money move is a targeted repair. Other times, replacement wins on comfort and cost.

Consider replacement when:

1. Your heat pump is 12 to 15 years old and needs a major repair like a compressor.
2. You have repeated refrigerant leaks or obsolete refrigerant.
3. Rooms never cool evenly, even after duct fixes.

Why homeowners choose us for installs:

• We size systems correctly to your home to eliminate hot spots and wasted energy.
• NATE‑certified installers connect to ducts the right way for even airflow.
• Financing options are available, including some 0% no‑interest periods through GoodLeap on approved jobs.

Make every service dollar go further with Diamond Club

If you like priority treatment and predictable costs, our Diamond Club membership helps you stay ahead of breakdowns.

Membership perks:

1. Up to three complimentary Comfort Checks per year across plumbing, heating, and cooling.
2. Prioritized scheduling during heat waves.
3. 10% discount on HVAC repairs and plumbing services.
4. Reduced service fee from $99 to $69.

Result: Fewer surprises, safer operation, and a longer equipment life with documented maintenance history for your records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my heat pump running but not blowing cold air?

A dirty filter, blocked outdoor coil, low refrigerant, or a failed capacitor are common. Start by setting the thermostat to Cool, replace the filter, clear debris, and call if airflow is weak or you see ice.

Should the fan be set to Auto or On for cooling?

Use Auto. On runs the blower nonstop and can push warm, humid air between cycles. Auto helps the system dehumidify and keeps vents from blowing lukewarm air.

Is ice on my heat pump normal in summer?

No. Ice in cooling season points to low airflow or low refrigerant. Turn the thermostat to Off and the fan to On to melt ice, then call for service to prevent damage.

How often should I service my heat pump?

At least once before summer and once before winter. Our Comfort Checks include cleaning, adjustments, and a written report card with pressures and recommendations.

When should I replace instead of repair?

Consider replacement if the unit is 12 to 15 years old with a major failure, has repeated leaks, or struggles to cool rooms evenly after duct and control fixes.

A heat pump not cooling rarely means you need a brand‑new system right away. Most fixes start with airflow, clean coils, and accurate refrigerant charge. In the Roanoke area, our NATE‑certified team documents pressures, cleaning, and adjustments so you know exactly what was done. Ready for reliable, even cooling today?

Call Wisler Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric at (540) 234-2001 or schedule at https://callwisler.com/ to book your Comfort Check or repair. Ask about Diamond Club priority service and current financing options for replacements.

Wisler Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric has served the Roanoke area since 1986. Our NATE‑certified technicians receive weekly technical training and follow strict background checks. Homeowners choose us for straightforward pricing, a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, and BBB accreditation. We offer 24/7 emergency service, financing options including some 0% periods through GoodLeap on approved jobs, and our Diamond Club for priority scheduling and discounts. From precise heat pump diagnostics to clean installations, we deliver trusted results across Roanoke, Salem, Vinton, Cave Spring, and nearby communities.