When the summer heat settles into Edmonton, families rely heavily on their heat pumps to keep indoor spaces cool and comfortable. A heat pump, unlike a traditional air conditioner, uses a reversing valve to switch between heating and cooling functions depending on the season. During the summer, that means it should be moving warm air out of your home and circulating cool air inside. But sometimes, that switch doesn’t happen as it should.
If your heat pump won’t shift into cooling mode, it can create serious discomfort, especially when temperatures rise. This problem can show up in more ways than one — maybe the air coming out feels warm, or maybe the unit seems like it’s running but not cooling anything down. Either way, ignoring the issue won’t make it go away. Understanding what might be going wrong helps get your home back to a comfortable state sooner.
Common Reasons Your Heat Pump Won’t Switch to Cooling Mode
A heat pump system that won’t cool often has one or more underlying issues. Some of these are simple wiring or setting problems, but others may need professional inspection. If your heat pump in Edmonton is blowing warm air instead of cool air, here are a few reasons that could be behind it:
1. Thermostat Error
The thermostat is the first thing to check. It may not be set to “cool” mode or could be reading the wrong temperature entirely. A miscommunication between the thermostat and the main system can stop the unit from making the seasonal switch.
2. Power Disconnection
Even a small lapse in power can cause the unit to stop responding. A tripped breaker or disconnected power to the outdoor unit could make it look like everything is on, while key components aren’t running.
3. Low or Leaking Refrigerant
Refrigerant is what carries heat energy in and out of the home. If there isn’t enough in the system, the pump can’t reject indoor heat properly during summer. Leaks in the refrigerant line are a common reason why this happens.
4. Faulty Sensors
Temperature sensors help the unit know when to cool or stop. A damaged sensor may send the wrong signal to the control board, preventing the system from turning on the cooling function.
Any of these problems can prevent your unit from working as it should during warm months. For example, a unit in southwest Edmonton once stopped cooling in the middle of July. After basic checks didn’t solve the issue, it came down to a failed temperature sensor, which had to be replaced. Once fixed, the system ran normally again.
Basic Troubleshooting Steps You Can Take at Home
Before calling for professional repairs, there are a few safe steps you can try at home. These quick checks might help uncover a simple issue that’s preventing your system from moving into cooling mode. Do not open any panels or attempt technical repairs on your own. These are just surface-level checks to rule out the basics.
Here’s a list of what to check:
– Make sure the thermostat is set to “cool” and the temperature is set low enough for the system to turn on.
– Check that the circuit breaker for the heat pump hasn’t tripped. If it has, reset it once and see if the system starts.
– Make sure the air filter isn’t dirty or clogged. A blocked filter can reduce air circulation and affect system performance.
– Walk around the indoor and outdoor parts of the unit. Look for debris, blockages near intake or exhaust vents, or ice forming on the coils.
– Listen for any unusual sounds like clicking, buzzing, or loud humming when the unit starts up.
If none of these steps bring results or if you notice clear damage, it’s time to stop troubleshooting and reach out for professional help. Many deeper issues, like electrical faults or refrigerant leaks, need to be handled with the right tools and training. If your heat pump still isn’t cooling after these checks, it’s best to get it looked at by one of our technicians. They can quickly identify the problem and carry out the proper fix.
When to Involve Our Technicians for Heat Pump Repair
If your cooling problems continue after trying the basic checks, that’s a sign the issue is beyond a filter or settings error. Heat pumps may seem straightforward on the surface, but the systems inside are complex. When cooling doesn’t kick in or something just feels off, getting help from our technicians helps prevent bigger problems down the line.
One common sign that needs immediate attention is if your unit makes strange sounds, such as loud buzzing, grinding, or clicking, especially when switching modes. This often means there’s a deeper electrical or mechanical fault. Likewise, if you start noticing sharp or musty odours from your registers, it could point to internal build-up or problems with wiring. These are both signs the heat pump isn’t operating safely. Calling our technicians is the right move at that point.
Leakage or visible moisture collecting near the unit is another red flag, especially if ice is forming on refrigerant lines in the middle of summer. That usually signals a refrigerant handling problem or airflow restriction, both of which need proper tools to fix. If these are ignored, the heat pump may end up working against itself and waste energy while still making your space uncomfortable.
For example, a family in Edmonton’s Mill Woods neighbourhood recently found their heat pump blowing warm air for days, even with the thermostat set low. After calling for help, it turned out they had a failed reversing valve that had locked the system in heating mode. Our technicians replaced the valve and checked refrigerant levels. The fix restored proper cooling and prevented damage to the compressor.
Our professionals handle these repairs quickly and safely. If you’re unsure why your system is behaving the way it is, it’s best not to guess. Heat pump cooling problems that return after a reset or checking the outdoor unit usually mean the system needs a full evaluation.
Maintaining a Healthy Heat Pump in Edmonton
Like any HVAC equipment, heat pumps benefit from regular check-ups. Seasonal maintenance is one of the most effective ways to keep your system cooling reliably in the summer months. That means taking care of simple tasks and having our technicians check the key parts of the system every year.
Here are a few ways maintenance helps:
– Reduces the risk of mid-season breakdowns when cooling is most important
– Keeps refrigerant levels balanced and in working range
– Removes dirt and debris from the coils for better heat transfer
– Checks electrical components for wear and damage
– Confirms the reversing valve and sensors are switching modes correctly
Skipping regular upkeep can lead to avoidable issues that get worse over time. Even something as small as a dirty outdoor coil can restrict how heat leaves your home, forcing the compressor to work harder. This stresses the system and drives up your energy use while still leaving each room feeling warm. Routine maintenance doesn’t just protect your equipment, it protects your comfort.
Scheduling maintenance early in the summer gives you peace of mind well before the hottest days arrive. Our technicians will inspect everything from the coils to the thermostat settings and recommend adjustments or repairs based on what they find. This slows down early wear and keeps your home cool without running the unit around the clock.
Reliable Cooling Starts with the Right Support
Dealing with a heat pump that won’t switch to cooling mode during an Edmonton summer isn’t just frustrating — it can disrupt your whole day. Whether it’s a dirty sensor, a broken valve, or a refrigerant issue, getting the problem addressed quickly can save you from further discomfort or costly damage.
Start by checking the basics around your thermostat, power supply, and airflow. If things still feel off or nothing responds, it’s time to get professional support. Consistent maintenance and prompt attention when things go wrong help your system stay reliable, year after year. When your heat pump is working as it should, you’ll spend less time adjusting the thermostat and more time enjoying the cool, quiet comfort of your home.
If your heat pump continues to struggle with switching modes despite basic checks, it may be time to have our technicians take a closer look each summer. Experiencing issues such as strange noises or blocked refrigerant flow can point to problems that need expert attention. Mobil Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. can step in to diagnose and resolve these faults quickly, ensuring your indoor space stays comfortable during the warmer days. Consider letting our professionals handle your heat pump repair in Edmonton to restore full functionality and efficiency. For a quick estimate or to book a service visit, please contact us today.