The usual suspects
Defrost mode (temporary)
Every hour or two the system briefly runs cooling to thaw the outdoor coil — vents go cool for a few minutes. Normal.
Low refrigerant
Not enough working fluid = not enough heat moved inside. The persistent-cold classic.
A stuck reversing valve
Heat being pumped OUT of your house in winter — the full air-conditioner-in-January experience.
Aux heat not stepping in
On cold snaps the backup strips should assist; a failed sequencer leaves supply air tepid exactly when you need it most.
Know in one visit.
Charge, valve or defrost — the gauge readings separate them in minutes. You approve the price before any fix.
Book My Same-Day Visit60 seconds online · or call (206) 486-6373
Worth trying first (5 minutes, free)
- 1
Time it: cold for 5–10 minutes then warm again = defrost, normal.
- 2
Thermostat on HEAT, not COOL, not fan-ON.
- 3
Check the outdoor unit’s state: iced, silent, or running — note which.
- 4
Persistent cold? Switch to emergency heat to stay warm, and book same-day.
Still not working? Then it’s a technician job — and the sooner it’s booked, the sooner the house is comfortable again. Book the visit →
Stop and book a pro if…
- Cold air continuously for 30+ minutes in heat mode.
- The outdoor unit never runs while the indoor blows.
- Ice that never clears outside.
- Electric bill spiking — you may be on backup strips full-time.
Why homeowners hand it to us
- You approve the price first. Upfront quote before a single screw turns.
- Same-day service. Book in a minute, hear from a tech within 1 business hour.
- 500+ jobs done by 4.9★ rated, professional technicians.
- Fixed right, guaranteed. If it’s not right, we make it right.
Quick answers
How do I tell defrost from a real fault?
Defrost is brief, periodic, and often comes with steam outside. A fault is constant. Ten minutes with a clock answers it — and if it’s constant, book the visit.
Why is the air never as hot as my old furnace?
Heat pumps deliver steadier, milder air by design — 85–105°F versus a furnace’s 120°F+. Rooms hold temperature just as well; hands just notice the difference.
What if it’s the reversing valve?
A real but routine repair — we quote it upfront, and on older units we’ll tell you honestly whether the money is better spent forward.
Done guessing?
Living under blankets isn’t a heating plan. Book the visit today.
Book My Same-Day Visit60 seconds online · or call (206) 486-6373
More: all problems · heating service · AC service · 24/7 emergency