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Heat Pump Not Working or Keeping Up?
If you live in Pinehurst, Southern Pines or elsewhere in Moore County and your heat pump doesn’t seem to be keeping up lately, you’re not alone. We’ve been getting a lot of calls during this stretch of 30-degree weather and below from homeowners who are frustrated, uncomfortable, or worried something is wrong with their system.
In many cases, the heat pump isn’t actually “broken.” It’s reacting to cold conditions that push it outside its normal operating comfort zone.
That said, cold weather can also expose hidden issues that don’t show up during milder temperatures. Let’s walk through what’s happening, what’s normal, and when it’s time to have your system checked.
Heat Pumps Have a Cold-Weather Limit
Most heat pumps installed in Moore County are designed with a balance point around 30–35°F. That balance point is the outdoor temperature where the system can no longer produce enough heat on its own to keep your home comfortable without help.
When outdoor temperatures fall into the 20s or teens, several things happen:
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The system struggles to pull heat from the outdoor air
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The air coming from your vents feels cooler than expected
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Your home may lose heat faster than the system can replace it
This is often confusing for homeowners because the system is running, but the house still feels chilly.
“Why doesn’t my heat feel hot like a gas furnace?”
This is one of the most common questions we hear.
A heat pump typically delivers air around 90–100°F, which is warm enough to heat your home but feels lukewarm compared to a gas furnace that blows 120–140°F air. When it’s very cold outside, that difference becomes more noticeable, especially if your home has older insulation or air leaks.
Auxiliary Heat: The Backup System You May Not Realize You’re Using
Your heat pump has a built-in backup called auxiliary heat (sometimes labeled “AUX” or “EM HEAT” on the thermostat). In Moore County winters, this system is essential.
When auxiliary heat should turn on
Aux heat is designed to kick in automatically when:
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Outdoor temperatures drop too low
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Your indoor temperature falls 2–3 degrees below the thermostat setting
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The system goes into a defrost cycle
When it works properly, auxiliary heat helps your home stay comfortable during cold snaps.
When auxiliary heat causes problems
Homeowners often call us because they notice:
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Higher-than-normal power bills
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Air that feels very dry
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Rooms that feel hot one moment and cool the next
These can all be signs that auxiliary heat is running more than usual. Electric heat strips use significantly more energy than the heat pump itself, so extended cold weather can drive bills up quickly.
When auxiliary heat isn’t working at all
This is where comfort really drops.
If aux heat fails to engage, your home may never reach the thermostat setting, no matter how long the system runs. Common causes include:
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Burned-out heat strips
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Failed sequencers or contactors
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Thermostat wiring issues
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Incorrect lockout settings
When this happens, the unit is left to handle cold temperatures alone, which it simply isn’t designed to do.
Why Defrost Cycles Are More Noticeable in Moore County
Moore County’s cold, humid winter air creates ideal conditions for frost buildup on outdoor heat pump coils.
What a defrost cycle does
When frost builds up, your system temporarily switches into cooling mode to melt it off. During this process:
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The outdoor unit may steam or drip water
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Indoor air can feel cooler
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Auxiliary heat should turn on to balance the temperature
If everything is working correctly, you may barely notice the cycle.
When defrost feels uncomfortable
If auxiliary heat is weak or not working, defrost cycles become very noticeable. Homeowners often describe this as:
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Cool air blowing from vents
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Sudden temperature drops
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A system that feels inconsistent
This is especially common during early morning hours when temperatures are lowest.
When Defrost Stops Working Properly
In some cases, the defrost system itself is the problem.
Signs of defrost failure include:
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The outdoor unit covered in ice
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The system running constantly with little heat
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The unit getting stuck in defrost mode
Common causes are:
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A failed defrost control board
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Faulty temperature or coil sensors
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Electrical issues preventing proper switching
When this happens, the it loses efficiency quickly and can even shut down to protect itself.
When to Call for Heat Pump Service in Pinehurst, NC
Some cold-weather performance issues are normal. Others are not.
You should consider professional service if:
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Your home won’t reach the thermostat setting
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Auxiliary heat never turns on
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You see ice buildup that doesn’t clear
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Your power bill spikes suddenly
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The system runs nonstop without warming the house
Catching these issues early can prevent more expensive repairs and help your HVAC unit get through the rest of winter safely.
A Final Word for Moore County Homeowners
Heat pumps are efficient, reliable systems but they are still mechanical equipment that reacts to weather, humidity, and wear over time. Cold snaps like we’re seeing around Pinehurst tend to expose weaknesses that stay hidden during mild winters.
If your heat pump feels like it’s struggling, there’s usually a clear explanation and often a fix. Understanding how your system works in cold weather puts you in a much better position to know when to wait it out and when it’s time to call for help.