When winter hits Arlington and your heat pump decides to stop heating, it can make for a pretty uncomfortable day. The air gets chilly fast, and suddenly you’re left wondering what happened and how to get it fixed. Whether your system won’t turn on at all or just isn’t doing its job, it helps to know what might be causing it.
Some heat pump problems have simple explanations, while others need a trained professional to take a closer look. If you’re trying to figure out when to call for heat pump repair in Arlington, this guide breaks it down in a way that’s easy to follow.
Check the Thermostat First
Before assuming the heat pump itself is broken, it’s always smart to take a look at the thermostat. Even small setting changes can keep your system from kicking on correctly. Start by making sure it’s actually set to “heat” and that the target temperature is higher than the room temperature.
Some things to check on the thermostat include:
• A blank screen, which could point to low batteries or a wiring issue
• Settings that accidentally switched to “cool,” “fan only,” or “off”
• Scheduling or programmable features that may be delaying heat kick-on
If it’s a smart thermostat, it may update automatically or have features that interfere with normal operation. Resetting the thermostat or checking its power source might get things running again. If nothing changes, the issue could be with the heat pump, not the thermostat.
Look for Common Power Issues
Heat pumps need steady power to work, and it only takes one tripped breaker to bring things to a stop. Arlington winters can bring bursts of cold weather, and when systems are working overtime, sometimes that can cause small electrical hiccups.
Here are some simple power-related areas to check:
• Look at your main electrical panel for any flipped breakers or blown fuses
• Make sure the outdoor unit hasn’t been shut off at the disconnect switch
• Listen to see if your unit sounds completely silent or dead, which might point to a power loss
If the unit hasn’t made a sound or shown lights for a while, it’s likely not getting power. When that’s the case, it usually needs more than a simple reset, and professional repair is probably the next step.
Unusual Sounds or Frost on the Unit
Heat pumps are pretty quiet when they’re working right. So when loud noises or visible frost show up, that’s usually a sign something’s off. During Arlington’s colder weeks, it’s not unusual to see frost on the coils, but too much ice can stop your system from blowing warm air.
Here are a few warning signs that pop up with sounds or ice buildup:
• Loud clicking, buzzing, or grinding noises when the system tries to start
• Frost covering the outdoor coil for long periods without cycling off
• The system switching repeatedly into defrost mode without warming the house
A small amount of frost is normal, and most systems handle it by switching to defrost on their own. But if you’re seeing thick ice layers or hearing strange sounds for the first time, that’s often a sign of a problem inside the system. These warning signs shouldn’t be ignored for long.
When It’s Time to Call for Professional Help
Sometimes all the settings check out, the unit has power, and there’s no frost in sight, but you’re still cold. That’s when it’s time to move past the simple steps and call in someone who can dig deeper. Calling for heat pump repair in Arlington isn’t just about fixing it quickly. It’s about getting to the root of the issue so it doesn’t come back.
Here are a few signs the problem may be something more complicated:
• The heat pump runs but doesn’t produce heat
• The backup heat mode turns on too often
• You’ve already tried restarting the system with no results
Heat pumps are made up of compressors, sensors, coils, and refrigerant lines. When any one of those parts isn’t working right, your system won’t heat the way it should. It takes testing, tools, and the right knowledge to pinpoint those deeper problems. We offer 24/7 emergency HVAC service in Arlington and throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area, so you have trained technicians ready to respond when your heat pump suddenly stops heating.
Keep It Heating: Preventing Future Problems
A little planning can go a long way in helping your heat pump stay reliable through winter. Most of the heating problems that show up in January could have been spotted earlier with seasonal maintenance. We provide HVAC maintenance options that include routine inspections and tune ups for systems in Arlington, Texas, which can uncover worn parts or airflow issues before they affect comfort. We’ve seen many cases where a clogged filter or dirty coil slowly reduces heating until it stops completely.
Here are a few habits that help keep your system ready all season:
• Change air filters every one to three months during winter
• Clear leaves or ice buildup around the outdoor unit
• Get a trusted check-up service each year before cold weather hits
These steps may sound simple, but doing them regularly gives your system a better shot at running without trouble. It also means smaller problems are caught early before they cause a full stop.
Stay Warm and Comfortable With Less Stress
When your heat pump stops doing its job, it’s easy to feel stuck. But by checking the thermostat, confirming power, listening for strange sounds, and looking for visible signs like ice, you’ll often get a better sense of what’s wrong. That way, you’re not left guessing or waiting too long in a cold house.
If heating still won’t kick in, it’s best to leave the rest to professionals who handle these issues every day. With the right help and a little routine care, your heat pump can keep your home warm through every cold snap in Arlington. We serve both residential and commercial properties in Arlington and the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area, so local homeowners and business owners have a single HVAC provider to call when they need heat pump repair.
When your system is still giving you trouble and the cold just won’t let up, we are here to help you find the right fix. Whether it’s a deeper wiring issue, a failing part, or something less obvious, we can take a closer look to get you back up and running. Don’t wait too long in the cold when reliable support is needed. We handle all kinds of issues related to heat pump repair in Arlington and work to restore comfort as quickly as possible. Call NewRise Heating & Cooling today and let us take care of your heating needs.