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November 3, 2025

Clarks Summit Heat Pump Not Cooling? 5 Common HVAC Fixes

Estimated Read Time: 10 minutes

Your heat pump not cooling can turn a Scranton summer afternoon into a sleepless night. Do not panic. Most issues are simple to diagnose and fix when you know what to look for. Below are the five most common reasons a heat pump stops cooling, what you can check now, and when to call T.E. Spall & Son for fast, professional help. We also share a smart way to avoid surprise breakdowns.

Quick Snapshot: Why Heat Pumps Stop Cooling

If your home feels warm and your system runs nonstop, start here:

  1. Thermostat mode or settings are wrong.
  2. Dirty air filter or blocked return grilles reduce airflow.
  3. Low refrigerant from a leak or failed component.
  4. Outdoor unit blocked by debris or the fan is not running.
  5. Reversing valve or defrost control fault keeps the system in the wrong mode.

Handle steps 1 and 2 now. If that does not fix it, you likely need a pro.

Reason 1: Thermostat or Mode Settings

A small setting can create a big problem.

  • Confirm the thermostat is set to Cool, not Heat or Auto if Auto causes short cycling.
  • Set the temperature at least 3 degrees below room temperature.
  • Ensure the fan is on Auto, not On, if the air feels warm or muggy. Fan On can blow unconditioned air.
  • Check scheduling or app settings that may have changed overnight.

Smart thermostat tips:

  1. Update firmware in the app.
  2. Replace batteries if the screen is dim or unresponsive.
  3. Verify Wi-Fi schedules after a power outage.

If your heat pump runs and vents blow air but it is not cold, move to airflow and refrigerant checks.

Reason 2: Dirty Filters and Blocked Airflow

Restricted airflow is the number one cooling killer. Your system needs a steady stream of air across the indoor coil to move heat out of the house.

What to do now:

  1. Replace the filter if it looks gray, dusty, or bent.
  2. Use the correct size and MERV rating recommended by your installer.
  3. Open and clear all supply registers and return grilles. Do not close vents to force air to other rooms.
  4. Look for kinks in flexible duct near the air handler.

Warning signs of airflow issues:

  • Weak airflow at multiple vents.
  • Ice on the refrigerant lines or a frozen indoor coil.
  • Higher humidity even when the thermostat is set low.

In NEPA homes, we often find furniture blocking the large hallway return grille or a filter installed backward. The arrow on the filter should point toward the unit. Replace filters every 30 to 60 days in summer if you run the system often or have pets.

Reason 3: Low Refrigerant or a Leak

Your heat pump cools by moving heat with refrigerant. If the system is low, the coil gets too cold and can freeze. Cooling capacity drops, and energy use climbs.

Common causes:

  • Small leaks at brazed joints, service valves, or the indoor coil.
  • Rub-through from vibration over time.
  • Factory defects that appear after years of operation.

What you can check:

  1. Ice on the copper lines or indoor coil after 15 to 30 minutes of cooling.
  2. Hissing or bubbling near the outdoor unit when the system is off.
  3. A sudden drop in cooling performance and longer run times.

What not to do:

  • Do not add refrigerant without a leak check. It is a band-aid and can harm the compressor.
  • Do not chip ice from the coil. Turn the system off and set the fan to On to thaw.

What a pro will do:

  • Measure superheat and subcooling to confirm charge.
  • Perform electronic leak detection or nitrogen pressure testing.
  • Repair the leak, evacuate, and charge to manufacturer specs.

Our team services all brands and uses industry-standard methods to protect your compressor. Proper charging improves comfort and can lower energy use immediately.

Reason 4: Outdoor Unit Problems and Blocked Condenser

Your outdoor unit must release heat. If it is smothered by debris or the fan is not running, your home will stay warm.

Homeowner steps:

  1. Turn off power. Clear grass, leaves, and cottonwood fluff from the coil fins.
  2. Keep at least 18 inches of clearance on all sides and 5 feet above.
  3. Gently rinse the coil with a garden hose from the inside out. Avoid high pressure.
  4. Listen for the outdoor fan. If the compressor hums but the fan does not spin, shut the system off and call us.

Typical failures we see in Wilkes Barre and Carbondale:

  • Failed capacitor or contactor.
  • Fan motor failure.
  • Rodent damage to low-voltage wiring.

Many Goodman and similar units include louvered coil guards and high-capacity discharge mufflers that protect vital parts and reduce noise. Still, they need seasonal cleaning to maintain performance.

Reason 5: Reversing Valve or Defrost Control Fault

Your heat pump switches between heating and cooling using a reversing valve and a control board. If either fails, the system can get stuck in the wrong mode or act confused during defrost cycles.

Symptoms:

  • Lukewarm supply air in cooling mode.
  • Short cooling cycles with no temperature drop.
  • Outdoor unit stops and starts during summer with no clear pattern.

Professional fixes include:

  • Testing coil voltages to confirm a failing reversing valve solenoid.
  • Inspecting sensors and the defrost control board logic.
  • Replacing the valve, which requires refrigerant recovery and precise brazing.

These repairs should be handled by a certified technician with proper recovery equipment and training.

Ductless Mini-Split Specific Issues

Ductless heat pumps are great for bonus rooms, lake homes near Lake Wallenpaupack, and homes without ductwork. They have unique cooling problems:

  • Clogged mini-split filters behind the front panel.
  • Dirty blower wheel causing low airflow and noise.
  • Blocked condensate drain leading to water leaks and shutdowns.
  • Communication errors between indoor and outdoor boards.

Clean the panel filters monthly during heavy use. If you see a flashing error code, note the pattern and call. As an authorized Mitsubishi dealer, we service and install ductless systems with factory-supported diagnostics.

Repair or Replace: How to Decide

A careful assessment saves money and frustration. Use these guidelines:

Consider repair when:

  1. The system is under 10 years old and well maintained.
  2. The repair is minor, such as a capacitor, contactor, or simple leak repair.
  3. Your energy bills and comfort were good before the failure.

Consider replacement when:

  1. The system is 12 to 15 years old with recurring issues.
  2. Major parts like the compressor or reversing valve fail out of warranty.
  3. You want higher efficiency, better humidity control, or quieter operation.

Hard facts to weigh:

  • Geothermal heat pumps are eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit, and ground loops typically last 50 years or more. Many indoor components exceed 20 years.
  • New systems can return up to 5 dollars in heating value for every 1 dollar spent on electricity under the right conditions.

We provide free, no-pressure installation estimates and right-size every system for your home.

What Our Diagnostic Visit Includes

When you call T.E. Spall & Son, here is what our NATE-certified technician will do:

  1. Listen to the symptoms you noticed and review thermostat settings.
  2. Inspect filters, returns, and supply airflow.
  3. Test electrical components, including capacitors and contactors.
  4. Measure refrigerant pressures, superheat, and subcooling.
  5. Evaluate the outdoor coil, fan motor, and compressor operation.
  6. Check the indoor coil, drain, and blower wheel.
  7. Provide a clear, written estimate before work begins.

We follow National Comfort Institute best practices, including airside measurements when needed. That means we fix root causes, not just symptoms.

Preventive Maintenance to Stop Cooling Problems

Annual maintenance prevents most breakdowns and keeps energy use in check. Our heat pump maintenance plans include:

  • Cleaning, lubrication, and testing of all working parts.
  • Coil cleaning and drain treatment to prevent clogs.
  • Electrical inspection and tightening.
  • Refrigerant performance check.

Benefits you will notice:

  1. Energy savings from a clean, well-tuned system.
  2. Fewer surprise repairs and discounted rates when you do need service.
  3. Warranty protection by following manufacturer maintenance requirements.
  4. Peace of mind before peak summer heat.

Our comprehensive plans are built for NEPA homes and weather. Ask about scheduling before Memorial Day for best availability.

Service Area and Fast Response

We serve Scranton, Wilkes Barre, Kingston, Lake Ariel, Pittston, Carbondale, Old Forge, Archbald, Taylor, and Moosic. Same-day appointments are often available for no-cooling calls. With straightforward pricing and fully stocked vans, most repairs are completed on the first visit.

When to Call Right Away

Turn your system off and call if you notice:

  • Ice on the refrigerant lines or coil.
  • Burning odors or frequent breaker trips.
  • The outdoor fan is not spinning while the compressor hums.

These conditions can damage the compressor. Quick action protects your investment and often lowers the repair cost.

Special Offer: Only $99/Month on a Ductless Heat Pump

Upgrade stubborn hot rooms or add cooling to new spaces with an efficient ductless heat pump for only $99 per month. Some restrictions apply. Subject to credit approval. May not be combined with other offers. Expires 10/31/2025. Redeem by calling (570) 230-8821 or visiting thecomfortdoctors.com. Ask for the “$99/Month Ductless Heat Pump” offer from T.E. Spall & Son.

What Homeowners Are Saying

"I have used TE Spall & Son for a number of years now on my older furnace and air conditioning system. It was time for a new system and Gordon is the Comfort Advisor that came out going over our options. We were very happy with Gordon and the process, no BS. We chose a dual system, 3 ton heat pump with at 60k BTU Propane furnace. Install is in about 3-4 weeks. Will update with the installation once that is done." –Russell C., Heat Pump Upgrade Consultation
"I just met with Steve to talk about a heat pump installation. He explained to me in detail what we could expect and it turns out it wasn't the right option for us. He didn't try to pressure us or make wild promises. I greatly appreciate his honestly and understanding when we decided not to move forward. He even offered some additional advice on energy efficiency for our home." –Amy P., Heat Pump Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Start with the basics. Confirm Cool mode, temperature set several degrees lower, and fan set to Auto. Replace a dirty filter and clear return grilles. If airflow is fine, you may have a refrigerant or reversing valve issue that needs a pro.

Should I turn off my heat pump if I see ice on the lines?

Yes. Turn the system off and switch the fan to On to thaw the coil. Running while frozen can damage the compressor. Once thawed, call for service to check airflow, refrigerant charge, and the defrost control.

How often should I change my heat pump filter in summer?

Check monthly and replace every 30 to 60 days during heavy use. Homes with pets or construction dust may need more frequent changes. Always match the correct size and MERV rating for your unit.

Can a heat pump cool my home during 95 degree days in NEPA?

Yes, if it is sized and installed correctly. Keep the outdoor unit clean, maintain proper airflow, and use shades during peak sun. If it struggles, schedule a performance check to verify refrigerant charge and ductwork.

Are geothermal heat pumps really eligible for a 30 percent tax credit?

Yes. Qualifying geothermal heat pump installations receive a 30 percent federal tax credit. Ground loop systems have long lifespans, often 50 years or more, which increases the value of the investment.

Final Takeaway

A heat pump not cooling usually comes down to settings, airflow, refrigerant, the outdoor unit, or a control fault. Fix what you can safely, then call T.E. Spall & Son for fast, trusted service across Scranton and NEPA. Ready to get comfortable today? Call (570) 230-8821, visit https://www.thecomfortdoctors.com/, or ask about our $99/Month Ductless Heat Pump offer before 10/31/2025.

Schedule Service Now

Fast diagnostics, straightforward pricing, and certified experts on every job. Get your cooling back today.

About T.E. Spall & Son

Serving Northeastern Pennsylvania since 1985, T.E. Spall & Son is known as The Comfort Doctors. Our NATE-certified technicians hold 100% NCI certification in carbon monoxide safety and combustion analysis. We offer straightforward pricing, free installation estimates, and service all major brands, including Mitsubishi ductless. Awards include Angie’s List Super Service Award and multiple National Comfort Institute honors. We stand behind our work with clear warranties and respectful, clean job sites.

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