Signs Your Heat Pump Needs Professional Servicing This Season

Introduction

Your heat pump should keep you cozy in the winter and cool in the summer—but what if it starts blowing cold air in January, making strange noises, or suddenly stops altogether?

While some hiccups are easy DIY fixes, others are red flags that it’s time to call a professional.

This guide covers the most common warning signs that your heat pump needs servicing, based on Canadian homes, climates, and seasons.

Whether you’re in Quebec City, Kelowna, or Halifax, knowing when to bring in an HVAC expert can prevent costly breakdowns and keep your warranty intact.

It’s Blowing Cold Air in Heating Mode (Or Warm Air in Cooling Mode)

If your heat pump is delivering the wrong temperature:

Check your thermostat setting and mode (e.g. “heat” vs. “auto”)

Inspect your air filter (a clogged filter can restrict heat)

Look outside—if your outdoor unit is covered in snow or ice, it can’t extract heat

Canadian Winter Tip:
Outdoor coils can freeze even in mild weather.
If your unit isn’t defrosting properly, a technician may need to service the defrost sensor or fan.

In Manitoba, outdoor icing is a common winter callout—even at just –5°C when humidity is high.

You Hear Strange Sounds or Smell Something Off

Noises to watch for:

Buzzing or clicking = electrical issue or failing capacitor

Grinding = bad motor bearings

Squealing = belt issues (common in older systems)

Hissing = refrigerant leak

Smells to investigate:

Burning smell = possible electrical issue—shut it off immediately

Musty/mildew smell = mold in indoor unit or drain pan

If any of these symptoms persist for more than a day or two, call an HVAC professional.

Unusual smells and sounds are rarely DIY-friendly.

The System Keeps Turning On and Off (Short Cycling)

Short cycling happens when your heat pump repeatedly starts and stops without completing a full heating or cooling cycle.

Common causes:

Dirty filter

Oversized system

Faulty thermostat

Low refrigerant

Why it matters:

Wastes energy

Puts stress on components

Reduces system lifespan

Tip for Toronto homeowners:
A 2024 study by Enbridge found that 30% of short-cycling calls were caused by improperly programmed smart thermostats.

Your Energy Bills Are Higher Than Normal

If your usage habits haven’t changed but your utility bills have spiked, your heat pump could be struggling to work efficiently.

What to check first:

Dirty filters or coils

Thermostat settings (e.g. fan mode or emergency heat on)

Outdoor airflow obstructions (snow, leaves, clutter)

If you can’t pinpoint the problem and your unit is 5+ years old, schedule a tune-up.

BC homeowners:
High humidity and coastal salt can corrode coils faster—annual checks are key.

It’s Not Turning On at All

Before you panic, try these quick checks:

Breaker tripped? Reset your panel

Thermostat batteries dead?

Remote sensor obstructed?

Outdoor disconnect switch accidentally flipped?

If those don’t solve it, you may have an electrical issue or failed compressor—time to call a technician.

Solenery Tip:
Keep your unit’s make, model, and installation date on file.
This helps HVAC pros bring the right parts and check for warranty coverage.

Conclusion

A well-maintained heat pump is quiet, efficient, and reliable—but when something’s off, don’t wait too long to act.
Strange sounds, temperature swings, high bills, or performance issues are all signs that your system needs a checkup.
Calling in a pro early can save you from costly repairs down the road—and keep your home comfortable all year round.