Heat Pumps in a Tennessee Valley Winter
Chattanooga winters are usually mild, which suits heat pumps, but a few days each year stay below freezing. Knowing what's normal saves worry and service calls.
Request an AC technicianWarm, not hot
Heat pump air feels mild compared with a gas furnace. That's normal.
Defrost
Steam from the outdoor unit and a short pause in warm air on cold, damp mornings is the defrost cycle.
Backup heat
On the coldest days, "Aux" heat helps. It costs more, so small, steady setbacks are better than big ones.
Emergency heat
Use it only if the heat pump has failed.
Snow and ice
After a rare snowfall, clear snow from around the outdoor unit so air can flow.
Wet months
November through March is a relatively wet period. Keep downspouts draining away from the outdoor unit's pad.
Fall check
A fall service checks defrost controls and backup heat.
More help
See heat pumps.
Noises
A whoosh when defrost starts or ends is normal. Grinding, banging or a fan that won't turn is not.
Ice that stays
Light frost that clears is fine. A block of ice that stays on the coil needs a technician.
Thermostat settings
Smart thermostats with heat pump settings can limit when backup heat comes on. Ask your technician to check the settings so you aren't paying for backup heat on mild mornings.
Power outages
After a winter outage, the system may start in backup heat while the house recovers. That's normal for the first hour or so.
When to book a visit
If the house won't reach the setting on ordinary winter days, or the outdoor unit stays caked in ice, book a check rather than leaning on emergency heat.
More air conditioning and heating guides
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