Troubleshooting Your Heat Pump: An HVAC Winter Repair Guide for Chesterfield, MO

December 30, 2025

Troubleshooting Your Heat Pump

A heat pump is your HVAC system’s hardworking, all-in-one solution for year-round comfort in Chesterfield, MO. In the summer, it cools your home. In the winter, it reverses its operation to provide efficient heat. But when winter arrives, a malfunctioning heat pump can be stressful. Before you assume the worst, there are a few simple troubleshooting steps you can take. This guide will help you identify what you can check yourself and when you need to call a professional.

Simple HVAC Troubleshooting for Your Chesterfield, MO Home

Check Your HVAC Thermostat Settings First

This is the most common cause of a “no heat” call. Your thermostat is the brain of your HVAC system. First, ensure it is set to “HEAT”, not “COOL” or “OFF”. Next, check the fan setting. If the fan is set to “ON”, the blower will run constantly, even between heating cycles, pushing cool air through your vents. Set the fan to “AUTO”. This ensures the fan only runs when the system is actively heating.

Inspect Your HVAC Air Filter

Your HVAC system’s air filter is critical for airflow. A severely clogged filter will choke your system. It restricts the movement of warm air, making your heat pump struggle to heat your home. This strain can cause the system to overheat and shut down, or it can cause the indoor coil to freeze. Check your filter; if it is visibly gray with dust, replace it.

Clear Your Chesterfield, MO Outdoor HVAC Unit

Your heat pump works by pulling heat from the outdoor air. To do this, it must be able to pull air through the outdoor unit. Go outside and check for obstructions. Remove any leaves, debris, or snow drifts that are packed against the unit. Also, look up; check that ice is not falling from your roofline and damaging the top of the unit.

Common HVAC Heat Pump Problems in Chesterfield, MO

Why Is My Chesterfield, MO HVAC Unit Blowing Cold Air?

This is a common, and confusing, complaint. The answer is often simple: your heat pump is in its “defrost cycle”. To absorb heat, the outdoor coils get very cold and can build up frost. Your HVAC system must periodically pause heating to melt this ice. It does this by reversing the cycle for 5-10 minutes. During this time, your auxiliary heat should engage, but you may feel cooler air. This is normal. If the air is always cold, you may have a refrigerant leak, which requires a professional.

Why Is My Outdoor HVAC Unit a Block of Ice?

A thin layer of white frost on the outdoor unit is normal. A thick, solid block of ice is a clear sign of a problem. This means the defrost cycle is not working. This can be caused by a bad defrost control board, a failing sensor, or a refrigerant leak. An iced-over unit cannot transfer heat. It will struggle to heat your home and run constantly, driving up your bills. This requires immediate Heat Pump Repair Chesterfield MO.

My HVAC System Runs Constantly But My Home is Still Cold

If your heat pump seems to run all the time, but your Chesterfield, MO home never gets comfortable, it is a sign of a serious issue. The system is not producing enough heat. This could be due to a low refrigerant charge or a failing compressor. As the heat pump struggles, your system will be forced to rely on its “AUX” or auxiliary heat. This is a much less efficient, more expensive electric-resistance heater. Your energy bills will skyrocket.

Why You Need a Professional HVAC Technician in Chesterfield, MO

The Dangers of DIY HVAC Heat Pump Repairs

A heat pump is not a simple appliance. It is a complex HVAC system that involves high-voltage electricity and high-pressure refrigerant. Attempting to repair it yourself is dangerous and can lead to electric shock or refrigerant burns. You can also cause further damage to the unit.

The Lolich “No Upsell” HVAC Philosophy

When your heat is out, you are in a vulnerable position. You need an HVAC company you can trust. At Lolich Heating and Cooling, we operate on a strict “no upsell” philosophy. Our certified technicians are honest problem solvers, not high-pressure salespeople. We will find the real reason for your HVAC problem and recommend the most practical, cost-effective solution to fix it.

Expert HVAC Diagnostics in Chesterfield, MO

A professional HVAC technician can accurately diagnose the root cause of the problem. We have the specialized tools to find refrigerant leaks, test electrical components, and check defrost controls. An expert diagnosis is the key to a fast, reliable, and lasting repair. This is why you call a professional for Heat Pump Repair Chesterfield MO.

Your Partner for Chesterfield, MO Heat Pump Service

A properly working heat pump is an efficient and reliable way to heat your Chesterfield, MO home. If you have run through the simple troubleshooting steps and your system is still struggling, do not wait for a complete breakdown. Contact the certified, honest team at Lolich Heating and Cooling. We are here to provide fast, reliable HVAC service.

Otto Lolich
Lolich Heating & Cooling
680 Crown Industrial Ct Suite K, Chesterfield, Missouri 63005
(636) 778-0378
https://lolichhvac.com
info@lolichhvac.com