You set the thermostat, wait for the familiar hum of your heat pump, and… nothing.
When your heat pump doesn't power on, it feels like your home has turned against you. The cause might be something as small as a tripped breaker, or it could signal a deeper issue that calls for heat pump repair in Oregon City, OR.
Knowing the difference saves time, stress, and money.
Check the Basics First
Before assuming something major has gone wrong, t’s worth looking at the simple fixes:
- Thermostat Settings: Heat pumps take their orders from the thermostat. If the display is blank, the batteries may be dead. If it’s on but set to the wrong mode (like “cool” instead of “heat”), the system may not kick on.
- Power Supply: A tripped breaker or blown fuse could be cutting off electricity. Head to your breaker panel and see if anything has flipped. Resetting the breaker can sometimes get things moving again.
- Resetting the System: Heat pumps occasionally just need a fresh start. Turning the unit off and back on at the main power switch may clear minor glitches.
If you’ve checked these basics and the system still won’t run, the issue is likely mechanical or electrical.
Common Mechanical or Electrical Issues
Heat pumps rely on a network of electrical parts that keep the system running. When one fails, the whole unit can shut down.
- Faulty Capacitors or Relays: They help deliver the electrical jolt your heat pump needs to start. Over time, they wear out and may leave the system unable to power on.
- Blown Fuses or Damaged Wiring: A fuse that has blown or wiring that has degraded will interrupt power to the unit. These problems can happen gradually or suddenly, and they require safe handling by a trained technician.
- Malfunctioning Contactor: This small but vital part acts as a switch to send electricity to the compressor and fan motor. If it fails, the system simply won’t start.
Because these parts involve live electrical connections, it’s best to leave troubleshooting and replacement to a professional.
Refrigerant or Sensor Problems
Heat pumps are designed with safety checks to prevent further damage if something is wrong inside the system.
- Low Refrigerant: If refrigerant levels drop too low, the system may refuse to turn on. Running without enough refrigerant can harm the compressor, so the unit protects itself by shutting down.
- Faulty Pressure Switch or Sensors: Sensors monitor the heat pump’s operation. If they detect unsafe conditions—like high pressure, overheating, or other irregularities—they can keep the system from starting.
Diagnosing these problems requires specialized gauges and tools. A licensed technician can confirm the issue and recharge, repair, or replace parts as needed.
Signs It’s Time to Call a Professional
If your heat pump won’t respond even after checking your thermostat and breaker, it’s time to schedule service. Other red flags include:
- Burning odors, buzzing, or other unusual noises.
- Breakers that keep tripping when the system tries to start.
- A system that’s 10–15 years old and increasingly unreliable.
Waiting too long can allow a small repair to snowball into an expensive breakdown, so acting quickly is always the smarter move.
Call A-TEMP for Trusted Heat Pump Repair in Oregon City, OR
Some problems can be solved with a quick reset, while others require expert repair. Either way, your heat pump won’t fix itself. Contact A-TEMP Heating, Cooling & Electrical today for professional heat pump installation, repair, and maintenance in Oregon City, OR.
With over 50 years of experience, background-checked technicians, upfront pricing, and industry-leading products, you can trust us to restore your comfort quickly!
5 Star Rated
Quality Service That Will Make You Smile
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A-TEMP Heating, Cooling & Electrical came recommended from a friend who is a current inspector. I've used them for years for furnace and AC maintenance. Their customer service is excellent—helpful, friendly, and persistent in scheduling my maintenance. I appreciate that they've never pushed to replace my old furnace but instead helped me decide when to repair or replace without being pushy about sales. Finding trustworthy repair folks is hard, and I highly recommend them. You won't be disappointed.
A-TEMP Heating, Cooling & Electrical goes above and beyond to take care of their customers. I've been a customer for years and am impressed with the technicians and office staff. The fact that this is a family business is also a plus. Thank you.
A-TEMP Heating, Cooling & Electrical did a wonderful job. They were on time, wore shoe coverings, and worked diligently. They replaced our air filter and an electrical part under warranty, explaining everything clearly. The work was clean and professional, and the team was congenial and pleasant.
Everyone we’ve dealt with has been polite, positive, and very courteous. A-TEMP Heating, Cooling & Electrical quickly replaced our furnace during the coldest part of a snowy winter. Other companies couldn’t get out for 1-2 weeks, but A-TEMP assessed it the same day and replaced it in 2 days. Can’t say enough great things about this company!
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