A lot of homes in Killeen, Belton, Temple and Georgetown heat with a heat pump. They’re a great fit for Central Texas because our winters are usually mild. But the first chilly mornings of the season also bring the same questions to our phones every year: “Why is my heat pump blowing cool air?” and “Is it supposed to have frost on it?”

Some of what you see is completely normal. Some of it means your system needs help. Here’s how to tell the difference.

Why heat pump air can feel “cool” even when it’s working

A heat pump moves heat from the outdoor air into your home instead of burning fuel to make it. The air coming out of your vents is warm, but it’s usually not as hot as air from a gas furnace. If you hold your hand to the vent, it can feel lukewarm compared to your body temperature, even while the system is heating the house just fine.

The real test is the thermostat. If the house is slowly reaching the temperature you set, your heat pump is most likely doing its job.

Frost and “steam” on the outdoor unit: the defrost cycle

On cold, damp mornings, a light layer of frost can build up on the outdoor coil. Your heat pump is designed to handle this. Every so often it runs a defrost cycle to melt the frost off. During defrost you may notice:

The outdoor fan stops for a few minutes
Steam or vapor rising from the outdoor unit
A whooshing sound when the cycle starts or ends
Air from the vents feeling cooler for a short time

That’s normal, and it should clear up on its own within a few minutes.

What’s not normal: a unit that stays covered in thick ice, a solid block of ice on the coil or top of the unit, or ice that never melts off between cycles. If you see that, turn the system to OFF (or to emergency heat if you need warmth) and call for service. Running a heat pump that’s iced over can damage it.

Quick checks you can do before you call

None of these need tools. If anything looks wrong, stop and give us a call.

Check the thermostat. Make sure it’s set to HEAT (not COOL or AUTO by mistake) and set a few degrees above room temperature. If it uses batteries, replace them.
Change the air filter. A clogged filter after a long summer of AC use restricts airflow and can make a heat pump struggle or ice up.
Look at the outdoor unit. Clear away leaves, mulch, and anything stacked against it. Make sure gutters aren’t dripping water directly onto the unit, which can make icing worse.
Check the breakers. Make sure the breakers for both the indoor and outdoor units are on. If a breaker keeps tripping, leave it off and call us.
Open the vents. Make sure supply and return vents aren’t blocked by furniture or rugs.

Emergency heat: what it’s for

Your thermostat’s “EM HEAT” or “AUX” setting uses backup electric heat. It’s meant for extreme cold or for when the heat pump isn’t working, not for everyday use, because it costs more to run.

If you need it to stay comfortable while you wait for a technician, that’s what it’s there for. We explain when to use it in our FAQ: When to Use Emergency Heat on a Heat Pump.

Signs your heat pump needs repair

Call for service if you notice:

The house won’t reach the temperature you set, even after running for a long time
Air from the vents stays cold, not just lukewarm
The outdoor unit stays covered in heavy ice
The outdoor fan isn’t running when the system is on (outside of a short defrost cycle)
Loud grinding, banging, or rattling noises
The system turns on and off quickly over and over
The thermostat shows emergency or auxiliary heat running most of the time
A breaker that keeps tripping
Electric bills climbing for no clear reason

Problems like a low refrigerant charge from a leak, a failed defrost control, a bad capacitor or a reversing valve that’s stuck can all cause these symptoms. These need a licensed technician to diagnose. Our team handles heat pump repair, including refrigerant leak repair, in Killeen, Belton, Temple, Georgetown and the surrounding area. Request service online or call the office nearest you below.

Repair or replace?

Sometimes a repair is the right answer. Other times, especially with an older system that keeps needing work, a new heat pump makes more sense. We install new heat pumps and ductless mini-split systems, and we’ll give you an honest recommendation either way. We sell service, not excuses.

If replacement is the right call, financing for new systems is available through Regions and Microf. Apply for Microf financing, or ask our team about options when you call.

Keep it running with Cool Club

The best way to avoid a heat pump problem on a cold night is to catch it early. Every Cool Club maintenance plan includes two visits a year: one in fall (September, October or November) to get your heating ready, and one in spring (February, March or April) before cooling season. Visits are built around our 21 Point Precision Checkup and Cleaning, and members get 10% off parts (labor not included). Plans are tiered, with more benefits on higher tiers. Call today and ask about our Cool Club membership tiers. Learn about Cool Club maintenance.

Honoring our heroes

We proudly support local military members and first responders with 10% off parts for repairs (labor not included) and 5% off full system replacements. This discount can’t be combined with Cool Club. Just let us know when you call.

Family-owned in Central Texas since 1988

Ellis Air Systems has served Central Texas families since 1988, and we’ve been Voted Best in Central Texas 2011–2026. Our promise is simple: “We sell service, not excuses.”

Call the office nearest you (all three offices are open Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM; limited after-hours slots available, call to check availability):

Killeen: (254) 526-5410, 3513 Florence Road, Killeen, TX 76542
Temple: (254) 598-2074, 6102 W Adams Ave #C, Temple, TX 76502
Georgetown: (512) 503-5407, 4887-2 Williams Dr, Suite 205, Georgetown, TX 78633

FAQ (for FAQ block / schema)

Why is my heat pump blowing cold air?
Heat pump air often feels lukewarm compared to a gas furnace, even when it’s working. If the air stays cold and the house won’t reach the set temperature, or it only happens briefly during a defrost cycle, that’s different. Steady cold air means it’s time to call for service.

Is it normal for my heat pump to have frost on it?
A light layer of frost on cold, damp days is normal, and the unit’s defrost cycle should melt it off. Heavy ice that doesn’t clear means something is wrong. Turn the system off or switch to emergency heat and call a technician.

Why is steam coming from my outdoor heat pump unit?
That’s usually the defrost cycle melting frost off the coil. It’s normal and should stop within a few minutes.

Should I use emergency heat?
Only in extreme cold or when the heat pump isn’t working. Emergency heat costs more to run. See our emergency heat FAQ for details.

Do you repair and replace heat pumps in Killeen, Belton, Temple and Georgetown?
Yes. We repair heat pumps, fix refrigerant leaks, and install new heat pumps and ductless mini-splits throughout the Killeen, Belton, Temple and Georgetown areas.

Do you offer after-hours heating service?
Limited after-hours slots available, call to check availability.

Do you offer a military or first-responder discount?
Yes. Military members and first responders get 10% off parts for repairs (labor not included) and 5% off full system replacements. It can’t be combined with Cool Club.