Marshall, IN Heat Pump Not Cooling? 5 Common HVAC Fixes

Estimated Read Time: 9 minutes

When a heat pump not cooling turns your living room into a sauna, you need answers fast. This guide explains the most common causes and what you can try before calling a pro. If your home in Crawfordsville or nearby towns feels warm even with the system running, use the steps below to diagnose safely and get your comfort back today.

1. The outdoor unit is blocked or dirty

Your heat pump has to dump heat outside during cooling. If the outdoor unit is clogged with grass, leaves, or cottonwood fluff, it cannot release heat. The system runs longer, your house stays warm, and energy costs climb.

What to check now:

1. Power off at the disconnect or breaker for safety.
2. Clear 2 to 3 feet of space around the unit. Remove weeds, mulch piles, and stored items.
3. Gently rinse the coil fins with a garden hose from the inside out. Do not use high pressure.
4. Make sure the fan spins freely and the top grille is debris‑free.

Local tip: In Montgomery County, late spring fluff and summer storms push debris against the unit. A quick rinse after mowing days prevents buildup that traps heat.

When to call: If the fan does not run, you see damaged fins, or the unit trips the breaker, schedule professional service. A certified tech can straighten fins, test the capacitor and fan motor, and verify proper airflow through the coil.

2. Thermostat settings or mode issues

Small setting errors cause big comfort problems. If the thermostat is set to Heat or set to Auto with a too‑high target temperature, the system may never cool correctly. Incorrect schedules or sensor placement can also mislead the system.

Quick fixes:

1. Set mode to Cool and fan to Auto.
2. Lower the setpoint at least 3 degrees below room temperature.
3. Disable schedules temporarily and run in Hold for testing.
4. Check that the thermostat is not in direct sunlight or near a lamp or TV.

If you use a dual‑fuel setup, confirm the balance point is not forcing furnace heat when outdoor temps are mild. Smart thermostats sometimes need a reconfiguration after power outages.

When to call: If the display is blank, short cycles persist, or the heat pump never engages, you may have a low‑voltage or sensor issue. A licensed technician can test control wiring, reconfigure advanced settings, and calibrate the thermostat.

3. Low refrigerant or incorrect charge

Your heat pump relies on precise refrigerant levels. Low charge from a leak or an incorrect charge after a past repair will reduce cooling capacity, lengthen run times, and can ice the indoor coil. You may notice warm air from vents or hissing near the line set.

Signs to watch:

1. Ice on the indoor coil or the small copper line.
2. Bubbling or oily residue at line connections.
3. Reduced airflow and a steady rise in indoor humidity.

Safety note: Do not try to add refrigerant yourself. EPA regulations require certified handling. Topping off without leak repair is a temporary fix that risks compressor damage.

What a pro does:

1. Perform a leak search, test pressures, and compare to manufacturer targets.
2. Repair the leak, evacuate, and weigh in the correct charge.
3. Verify superheat and subcool to ensure reliable operation.

Upgrade insight: Since 2023, new heat pumps must meet updated federal efficiency standards of at least 14.3 SEER2 for cooling and 7.5 HSPF2 for heating. If your older unit struggles with repeated leaks or poor efficiency, replacement can cut energy use and improve comfort.

4. Frozen indoor coil or airflow restrictions

A starved indoor coil cannot absorb heat. It will run cold and may freeze. Once iced, airflow drops to a trickle and rooms never cool.

Homeowner checks:

1. Replace or clean the air filter. If you cannot remember the date, it is time.
2. Open all supply and return vents. Do not close vents in rarely used rooms.
3. Inspect return grills for pet hair and dust buildup.
4. Look for obvious duct kinks or crushed flex duct in the attic or crawlspace.

If the coil is iced:

1. Turn the system off and let it thaw with the fan on for a few hours.
2. Put towels under the air handler to catch meltwater.
3. After thaw, restart in Cool and monitor.

When to call: Persistent freezing points to low refrigerant, blower motor issues, dirty evaporator coils, or duct design problems. A professional will measure static pressure, test blower performance, and clean the coil safely without flooding your furnace cabinet.

5. The system is undersized, oversized, or near end of life

Even a healthy system cannot overcome poor sizing or age. If your heat pump is too small, it runs nonstop and still falls behind on July afternoons. If oversized, it short cycles, leaving rooms clammy and uneven.

Clues you may have a sizing or age problem:

1. Frequent hot and cold spots between levels or rooms.
2. Short 5 to 7 minute cycles with high humidity.
3. Rising electric bills with no lifestyle change.
4. More than two repairs in the last two cooling seasons.

A right‑sized replacement begins with a proper load calculation. Pros measure the home, windows, insulation, and duct system. In older Crawfordsville homes with additions, we often see duct static pressure or return air limitations that force poor sizing choices. Correcting the ductwork plus a matched heat pump delivers better results than a bigger unit.

Planning an upgrade: Many homeowners now choose dual‑fuel heat pumps for better efficiency across Indiana’s seasonal swings. Modern systems offer quieter operation and stronger warranties. Our clients also appreciate clear, upfront quotes and tidy job sites so there are no surprises on install day.

What professional maintenance includes and why it matters

A tuned heat pump runs cooler, quieter, and longer. Our certified technicians follow a thorough checklist during seasonal visits so you catch small issues before they become big expenses. Recommended frequency is two visits per year, typically before summer and winter.

Typical checklist items include:

1. Filter replacement or cleaning for optimal airflow
2. Inspection of electrical connections and wiring for safety
3. Checking and correcting refrigerant pressures
4. Calibration of your thermostat
5. Clearing debris from the outdoor unit
6. Lubricating all required moving parts
7. Comprehensive system performance checks

These steps restore capacity, protect the compressor, and keep warranty coverage in good standing. If our visit uncovers issues, you get clear options. For older units that need frequent repairs, we will help you decide whether a replacement is the smarter long‑term choice.

DIY fixes vs when to call Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling

Start with safe, simple steps:

1. Set the thermostat to Cool and lower the setpoint.
2. Replace the filter and open all vents.
3. Clear debris around the outdoor unit and rinse the coil.
4. Thaw any ice by turning the system off and running the fan.

Call a pro right away if you notice:

1. Tripped breakers, burnt smells, or buzzing at the outdoor unit.
2. Ice returning within 24 hours of a thaw.
3. Hissing, bubbling, or oily residue on refrigerant lines.
4. Repeated short cycling or the system will not start.

We offer 24/7 emergency response for urgent heat pump repairs. Trucks are stocked so most fixes happen on the first visit. You get honest pricing upfront and a detailed, no‑surprises quote if replacement makes more sense.

Serving Crawfordsville and nearby communities

Local homeowners trust our team because we understand Indiana humidity and storm‑blown debris that chokes outdoor units. We design, install, and service air‑source, ductless mini‑splits, and dual‑fuel systems to match real homes in:

• Crawfordsville
• Lafayette
• Lebanon
• Attica
• Rockville
• Veedersburg
• Westpoint
• Jamestown
• Thorntown
• Ladoga

After your new system is in place, our relationship does not end. Routine maintenance keeps your heat pump dependable, and you always get a clear explanation of your options with flexible financing and straightforward warranties on equipment and labor.

What Homeowners Are Saying

"Technician was very friendly very professional discovered that the old system was having problems that were not cost effective. Bought a new heat pump from them. The technician played out the options for me and guided me through the whole process. New equipment to be installed tomorrow. To me that's good service, will use them again in the future." –Tye M., Heat Pump Installation

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my heat pump running but not blowing cold air?

Check thermostat mode, replace the filter, and clear debris from the outdoor unit. If air is warm or weak after these steps, you may have low refrigerant or a blower issue. Schedule a diagnostic to prevent compressor damage.

Can a heat pump cool well during Indiana’s humid summers?

Yes. Properly sized and maintained systems cool efficiently in our climate. Keeping coils clean and ducts balanced is critical. Modern units with 14.3 SEER2 or better handle humidity and deliver steady comfort.

How often should I service my heat pump?

Twice per year. One visit before cooling season and one before heating season helps catch issues early and maintain efficiency, reliability, and warranty compliance.

Is a refrigerant leak dangerous?

Refrigerant is not flammable in common systems, but leaks reduce cooling, can ice the coil, and may harm the compressor. Handling refrigerant requires EPA‑certified service. Do not attempt DIY charging.

When should I replace instead of repair?

Consider replacement if your system is 12 to 15 years old, needs frequent repairs, has a failed compressor, or struggles to maintain temperature and humidity. A load calculation ensures the new unit is correctly sized.

Conclusion

If your heat pump not cooling has you sweating, start with simple fixes and call when signs point to a bigger issue. Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling serves Crawfordsville, Lafayette, Lebanon, and nearby with licensed techs, honest pricing, and 24/7 help. Ready to feel the difference?

Schedule Service Today

Call Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling at (765) 310-3070 or book online at https://www.summersphc.com/crawfordsville/. Get a same‑day diagnosis, upfront pricing, and expert repairs or a right‑sized replacement that fits your home and budget.

About Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling

For over 50 years, Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling has helped Indiana homeowners stay comfortable with licensed, background‑checked technicians and upfront pricing. We specialize in heat pump installation, repair, and maintenance, backed by dependable warranties and 24/7 emergency service. Local teams serve Crawfordsville, Lafayette, Lebanon, and nearby communities with clear communication, tidy job sites, and financing options that fit real budgets. We stand behind our work and treat your home with care.