3 Common Heat Pump Problems (And What Royal Palm Beach Homeowners Should Watch For)

Heat pumps are a smart, energy-efficient way to heat and cool your Florida home year-round. In places like Royal Palm Beach, Wellington, West Palm Beach, and Loxahatchee, many homeowners use heat pumps to handle the mild winters and hot, humid summers — all with a single system.

But like any piece of equipment, heat pumps can develop problems over time. At Pro-Tech Air, we help homeowners troubleshoot, maintain, and repair heat pumps to avoid breakdowns and keep your comfort system running at its best.

Here are 3 common heat pump issues to look out for — and when it’s time to call in the pros.

1. What If My Heat Pump Runs Constantly?

A heat pump that never shuts off can leave you sweating over your electric bill — or wondering if something’s seriously wrong.

Common causes include:

• Dirty air filters (restrict airflow)
  
  
  

• Incorrect thermostat settings
  
  

• Grimy outdoor coils that prevent heat exchange
  
  
  

• Low refrigerant levels
  
  

• System too small (or large) for your home’s layout
  
  
  

Quick fixes to try:

• Replace or clean your air filter
  
  
  

• Adjust your thermostat a few degrees lower (in summer) or higher (in winter)
  
  
  

• Check for obvious dirt or blockages around the outdoor unit
  
  
  

If it’s still running nonstop, it’s time for a professional inspection. Ed and the team at Pro-Tech Air can quickly diagnose whether it’s a calibration issue, bad contactor, refrigerant leak, or something more serious.

2. What If My Heat Pump Won’t Turn On?

If your heat pump won’t start at all, don’t panic — a few quick checks may save the day.

Check these first:

• Is the thermostat powered on and set correctly?
  
  
  

• Have you tripped a breaker in the fuse box?
  
  
  

• Is your filter clogged, blocking airflow?
  
  
  

• Are any vents or registers blocked?
  
  
  

If none of these quick fixes work, you may have a:

• Faulty reversing valve
  
  

• Broken starter capacitor
  
  

• Wiring issue or low-voltage short
  
  

These components require professional tools and experience to test — so give Pro-Tech Air a call to safely restore power and performance.

3. What If My Heat Pump Is Short-Cycling?

Short-cycling is when your heat pump turns on and off rapidly, often within just a few minutes. Not only is it annoying — it’s also a sign that something’s off.

Potential causes include:

• Frozen outdoor coils
  
  

• Blocked airflow
  
  

• System stuck in defrost mode
  
  

• Refrigerant issues
  
  

• Oversized equipment
  
  

Short-cycling reduces efficiency and puts strain on your system. If left untreated, it can cause compressor damage — which is one of the most expensive HVAC repairs.

Try these first:

• Replace your air filter
  
  
  

• Clear grass, leaves, or debris around the outdoor unit
  
  
  

• Give the system 10–15 minutes after cycling off before restarting
  
  
  

Still having issues? Call Ed at Pro-Tech Air — we’ll run a full diagnostic, check for defrost timing issues, and ensure your coils, refrigerant levels, and sensors are in top shape.

How Does a Heat Pump Work, Anyway?

Heat pumps don’t create heat — they move it.

In the summer, they pull heat from your home and release it outside. In the winter, they reverse the process and pull heat from the air outside (even when it’s chilly) to warm your indoor space.

The three main types are:

• Air Source Heat Pumps: Most common in South Florida — ideal for homes in Royal Palm Beach, Lake Worth, and Palm Beach Gardens
  
  

• Ground Source Heat Pumps (Geothermal): Rare due to higher installation cost, but ultra-efficient
  
  
  

• Water Source Heat Pumps: Least common; require a nearby water source like a lake or well
  
  
  

If you’re not sure what type you have — or whether it’s still the right fit for your home — just ask us during your next maintenance visit.

Let Pro-Tech Air Keep Your Heat Pump Working Year-Round

Whether your heat pump is constantly running, won’t start, or is short-cycling like crazy, we’ve seen it before — and we’ll get it sorted fast.

At Pro-Tech Air, we provide:

• Heat pump maintenance and seasonal tune-ups
  
  
  

• Fast repair service across Royal Palm Beach, Westlake, Boca Raton, and nearby areas
  
  
  

• Honest, pressure-free advice on whether to repair or replace
  
  
  

📞 Call Ed and the team at Pro-Tech Air today to schedule heat pump service and keep your home comfortable, efficient, and stress-free — no matter the season.