Heat Pump Not Working? Here Are the Most Common Problems and How to Fix Them

If your heat pump has stopped working or isn't performing as it should, you're not alone. Heat pump faults are one of the most common calls we receive at Reliable Renewables. The good news is that many issues have straightforward causes — and our NVQ Level 3 qualified engineers are on hand to diagnose and fix problems quickly across Nottingham, the East Midlands, Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and North England.

1. Heat Pump Not Producing Enough Heat

One of the most common complaints is a heat pump that runs but doesn't produce enough warmth. This is often caused by low refrigerant levels, dirty filters restricting airflow, or an undersized system for the property. In 2025, with energy costs still a concern for UK homeowners, a heat pump running inefficiently can significantly increase your bills. If your home isn't reaching the desired temperature, contact Reliable Renewables for a full diagnostic check.

2. Frozen Outdoor Unit

It's normal for the outdoor unit to frost up slightly in cold weather — heat pumps are designed to defrost automatically. However, if the unit is completely frozen and the defrost cycle isn't clearing it, this could indicate a refrigerant leak, a faulty defrost sensor, or poor airflow around the unit. Don't attempt to chip ice off the unit yourself. Call us and we'll assess the issue safely.

3. Strange Noises from Your Heat Pump

Unusual sounds such as grinding, rattling, or banging are a warning sign that something isn't right. Common causes include loose components, debris in the outdoor unit, or a failing compressor. Modern heat pumps should operate quietly — if yours is making unusual noises, it's worth getting it checked before a minor issue becomes a costly repair.

4. Heat Pump Keeps Turning Off

Short cycling — where the heat pump turns on and off repeatedly — is a sign of a problem. It could be caused by a refrigerant issue, a faulty thermostat, or the system overheating due to restricted airflow. Short cycling puts extra strain on the compressor and can shorten the lifespan of your system significantly if left unaddressed.

5. No Hot Water

If your heat pump is responsible for your hot water and it's running cold, the issue could be with the hot water cylinder, the diverter valve, or the heat pump controls. This is a common issue we see across Nottingham and the East Midlands, particularly in older installations.

6. Error Codes on the Display

Most modern heat pumps display error codes when something goes wrong. Common codes relate to refrigerant pressure faults, sensor failures, or communication errors between components. While your manual may explain what the code means, diagnosing and fixing the underlying cause requires a qualified engineer.

Contact Reliable Renewables for Heat Pump Repairs

If your heat pump isn't working as it should, don't wait for the problem to get worse. Reliable Renewables provides fast, professional heat pump repair and servicing across Nottingham, the East Midlands, Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and North England. With 25+ years of experience and over 2,000 projects completed, we'll get your system back up and running quickly. Call us on 07775071761 or email reliablerenewables@outlook.com today.

Heat pump not working — common problems and fixes by Reliable Renewables