When Your Heat Pump Stops Heating: A Knoxville Homeowner’s Guide
Heating and Air Conditioning | Knoxville | Heating and Air Conditioning in Knoxville
Imagine waking up on a crisp Knoxville morning only to find your home is chilly and your five-year-old heat pump isn’t blowing warm air. That’s exactly what happened when a homeowner called our team for help. In this article, we’ll walk you through how our HEP technician quickly diagnosed the issue and share practical tips to keep your system running smoothly.
Identifying the Issue
When the HEP technician arrived, the thermostat was completely dark and no air was coming through the vents. After tracing power to the air handler, it became clear the system’s safety switches had tripped due to excess condensation.
How It Was Fixed
A closer look revealed two faulty float switches inside the air handler—these are designed to shut off the blower if water builds up. Our HEP technician replaced both switches, restoring power and warm airflow in just a short visit.
Quick Recap:
- Thermostat showed no power.
- Float switches in the air handler had tripped.
- Both switches were swapped with new ones.
- Heat pump kicked on and began heating again.
Tips for Homeowners
1. Keep Drain Lines Clear
Clogged drain lines can cause water to back up and trip float switches. Periodically pour a cup of vinegar or water mixed with mild detergent down the drain to help prevent blockages.
This neat breaker panel shows the importance of clear labeling and surge protection. A tidy electrical panel helps technicians work safely and efficiently.
2. Inspect Your Outdoor Unit
Debris around the outdoor condenser can restrict airflow and reduce efficiency. Trim plants, sweep away leaves, and keep at least two feet of clearance on all sides.
Knowing your unit’s model and refrigerant type (shown on the label) speeds up any service call.
3. Watch Your Coil Condition
Dirty or bent fins on coils make your system work harder and can lead to ice buildup or poor heating. A professional cleaning once a year keeps coils in top shape.
Pristine coil fins like these mean better airflow and energy savings.
4. Rely on Professional Diagnostics
Tools like a clamp meter help pinpoint electrical or performance issues before they escalate. When our HEP technician measures current draw, it ensures each component is running safely.
Accurate readings help catch minor faults early—saving you time and money.
By staying proactive with simple checks and annual tune-ups by a qualified HEP technician, you can extend the life of your heat pump and avoid surprise breakdowns. If you ever need support with your home’s climate comfort in Knoxville, our team is ready to help!
Published on November 10, 2025
