Home is the one place where everything is set up to work around you. The fridge keeps your food cold, the washing machine takes care of the laundry, and the heat pump keeps your family comfortable year-round. But when something stops working — like your heat pump not turning on — it throws everything off. Suddenly, the house is cold, and frustration sets in.

If your heat pump won’t turn on, don’t panic. There are a few common reasons this happens, and most of them can be solved with some quick troubleshooting. Let’s go over the possible causes and what you can do to get things running again.

1. Check the Thermostat First

It might seem obvious, but the thermostat is one of the first places to look when your heat pump won’t turn on. If someone accidentally changed the settings or the batteries are dead, your heat pump system may not be getting the signal to start.

What to check:

• Make sure the thermostat is set to “heat” (or “cool” if using air conditioning).
• Increase the temperature a few degrees to see if the system kicks on.
• If your thermostat runs on batteries, replace them.
• If the display is blank, check your home’s power supply or circuit breaker.

If adjusting the settings doesn’t get the system running, keep reading — there could be another issue at play.

2. Check the Circuit Breaker

When you find your heat pump not turning on, the reason could be as simple as a tripped circuit breaker. A power surge or an overloaded circuit can cause the breaker to shut off power to the unit.

What to check:

• Locate your electrical panel and look for any tripped circuit breakers.
• If you find one, flip it all the way off, then back on.
• Try turning on the heat pump again.

If the breaker keeps tripping, that could be a sign of an electrical problem, and it’s best to call an HVAC technician to diagnose the issue.

3. Look at the Air Filter

A dirty air filter might not seem like a big deal, but it can restrict airflow, causing your heat pump system to overheat and shut down. If you can’t remember the last time you changed the filter, it’s time to check it.

What to check:

• Locate the air handler and remove the filter.
• If it’s clogged with dust and debris, replace it.
• Check if the system turns on after replacing the filter.

Keeping a clean filter improves energy efficiency and helps your HVAC system function properly.

4. Inspect the Outdoor Unit

If your heat pump won’t turn on, take a look outside. The outdoor unit can get covered in dirt, leaves, or even snow during colder months, which can cause problems.

What to check:

• Clear any debris around the outdoor unit.
• If snow or ice is covering the unit, gently remove it.
• Check for any visible damage or strange noises.

Keeping the outdoor unit clean helps your heating system run smoothly and can prevent more serious problems down the line.

5. Listen for Clicking or Buzzing Noises

Hearing a clicking noise but no action? This could mean the start capacitor or run capacitor is failing. These components help start and run the heat pump compressor, and when they wear out, the system won’t start properly.

What to check:

• If you hear clicking but the unit won’t start, call a qualified HVAC technician.
• A buzzing noise could indicate a blown fuse or electrical problems.

Capacitors and fuses should only be replaced by a professional to avoid further damage.

6. Check for a Faulty Reversing Valve

The reversing valve allows your heat pump to switch between heating and cooling modes. If it’s stuck, your system may not be able to provide heat.

What to check:

• If your unit is blowing cool air when it should be heating, the reversing valve might be stuck.
• If the unit doesn’t start at all, it could be another sign of a broken reversing valve.

A stuck reversing valve will need professional repairs.

7. Low Refrigerant Levels

If your heat pump won’t turn on, it might not have enough heat to transfer due to leaking refrigerant. Without enough refrigerant, the system won’t function properly.

Signs of low refrigerant:

• Weak or cool air coming from the vents when heating.
• Ice forming on the evaporator coils.
• The system runs but doesn’t provide heat.

A professional can check for leaks and add more refrigerant if needed.

Do You Need Professional Heat Pump Repair?

If you’ve gone through all the heat pump troubleshooting steps and your heat pump won’t turn on, it’s time to bring in a qualified HVAC technician. Some repairs, like replacing a run capacitor, fixing electrical problems, or adding more refrigerant, should always be handled by a professional.

Need expert help? Our team at Johnson & Johnson Heating and Air Conditioning provides heating repair services in Martinsburg, WV, Frederick, MD, and nearby areas. When cold weather hits, heat pump failure can be a real problem — so give us a call to avoid any disruptions.

Get Your Heat Pump Working Again

When you find your heating system isn’t working correctly, start with the basics — check the power supply, thermostat settings, and circuit breaker. A dirty air filter or blocked outdoor unit can also be why your heat pump won’t kick on. If the issue persists, there could be a problem with components like the reversing valve, compressor, or start capacitor.

If your heat pump won’t turn on, you don’t have to deal with the cold alone. At Johnson & Johnson Heating and Air Conditioning, we’re here to help you get your home warm and comfortable again.

Our team of expert HVAC contractors is ready to diagnose the root cause of the problem and get your system back to working properly. If your heating and cooling system is beyond repair, we also offer heat pump replacement in Frederick, MD, Martinsburg, WV, and the surrounding communities to keep your home comfortable. Contact us today to schedule your service!