Troubleshooting Guide: What to Do If Your Goodman Heat Pump Isn’t Cooling or Heating

When I installed my Goodman 3-Ton 15 SEER2 Heat Pump System, I quickly learned that no matter how efficient or well-built a system is, sooner or later you’ll face a day when it doesn’t heat or cool like it should.

The good news? Most of the time, it’s not a major failure. It’s usually something simple — a tripped breaker, a clogged filter, or even a thermostat glitch.

This step-by-step troubleshooting guide walks you through exactly what to check before calling a technician — based on my own hands-on experience maintaining a Goodman system in real-world conditions.

---

🏁 1. When Your Heat Pump Stops Doing Its Job

Imagine this: it’s the hottest afternoon of July, and your Goodman system is blowing warm air instead of cool. Or it’s a frosty January morning, and the heat pump just… won’t heat.

Your first instinct might be panic, but don’t worry — about 70% of these issues come down to simple fixes you can handle safely at home.

This guide covers:

• ✅ How to diagnose both no-cooling and no-heating problems.

• ✅ What’s safe for DIY troubleshooting.

• ✅ When to call in a certified HVAC technician.

Safety note:
Always turn off power at the breaker panel before removing any covers or working near electrical components.

---

⚙️ 2. How Your Goodman Heat Pump Works (In Plain English)

A heat pump isn’t magic — it’s a two-way air conditioner. In summer, it moves heat out of your home. In winter, it reverses the process and moves heat in.

Key Components

• Compressor: circulates refrigerant through the system.

• Reversing Valve: switches the refrigerant flow between heating and cooling modes.

• Condenser Coil (Outdoor Unit): releases or absorbs heat.

• Evaporator Coil (Indoor Unit): absorbs or releases heat depending on mode.

• Air Handler: blows air through your ducts.

• Thermostat: tells the system when to heat, cool, or rest.

If any of these components lose power, get blocked, or miscommunicate, your system won’t function correctly.

👉 For model diagrams and wiring layouts, check the Goodman Product Manual Library.

---

🧭 3. The Smart Way to Troubleshoot

Before you grab a wrench, remember Jake’s Three Rules of Heat Pump Troubleshooting:

1. Start with the basics. Check for power, thermostat settings, and airflow.

2. Observe behavior before acting. Note sounds, airflow, and lights.

3. Work from simple to complex. Fix small, obvious issues before assuming a major failure.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet to get oriented:

---

🔋 4. Step 1: Check Power and Breakers

You’d be amazed how often this is the culprit.

🧾 Checklist

• Confirm your thermostat display is lit — if not, replace batteries or check the air handler fuse.

• Check both indoor (air handler) and outdoor (condenser) breakers in your main electrical panel.

  • If tripped, reset them fully OFF → ON.

• Verify the disconnect switch near the outdoor unit is seated properly.

• Inspect nearby GFCI outlets — if tripped, press “Reset.”

After restoring power, wait at least 5 minutes before restarting the thermostat. Heat pumps have built-in delay protection for compressors.

---

🌡️ 5. Step 2: Confirm Thermostat Settings

Your thermostat is the brain of your system — but even smart brains need reminders.

🧭 Steps to Check

• Set the thermostat to HEAT (winter) or COOL (summer).

• Set the fan mode to “AUTO.” (“ON” will just circulate air, not condition it.)

• Lower or raise the setpoint by at least 3°F to trigger the system.

• Ensure no “HOLD” program is locking in an old schedule.

• For Wi-Fi thermostats, check app connectivity and power module.

Jake’s pro tip:

“A dead thermostat battery can mimic a total system failure. Replace those first — it’s a $5 fix.”

If the thermostat clicks but the unit doesn’t start, proceed to airflow checks next.

---

💨 6. Step 3: Inspect Airflow and Filters

Clogged filters and blocked vents are the number one reason for poor performance.

🧰 Steps:

1. Turn off the system.

2. Pull out the return filter and inspect it. If you can’t see light through it — it’s dirty.

3. Replace with a new MERV 8–10 pleated filter.

4. Check that all supply and return registers are open and unobstructed.

5. Inspect ducts for loose or disconnected joints.

If you hear the indoor blower but still feel weak airflow, remove the blower door and inspect the evaporator coil — if covered in dust or ice, clean it gently with coil cleaner or let it thaw.

Resource: EnergyStar Duct & Filter Maintenance Guide.

---

🧊 7. Step 4: Check the Outdoor Condenser (Cooling Issues)

If your Goodman unit runs but isn’t cooling, focus outside.

🧾 Checklist

• Listen for the compressor hum and fan movement.

  • No fan sound? Check for debris, sticks, or leaves lodged under the grille.

  • If the fan motor doesn’t spin freely, shut off power and try turning the blade by hand — stiffness indicates a bad bearing or capacitor.

• Clean the condenser coil fins using a gentle garden hose spray (no high pressure).

• Inspect refrigerant lines for frost buildup or oily residue (sign of a leak).

If the fan runs but the air from vents is warm, the issue may involve refrigerant or a faulty reversing valve — both require professional service.

---

🔁 8. Step 5: If the System Won’t Heat

During winter, your heat pump reverses operation. When it fails, follow this flow:

🧰 Quick Checks

1. Make sure it’s not in defrost cycle. During defrost, the unit temporarily blows cool air indoors while melting ice from the outdoor coil — this is normal and lasts 2–5 minutes.

2. Check thermostat mode: should read HEAT, not EMERGENCY HEAT.

3. Inspect outdoor coil for frost or ice accumulation.

4. If frozen, shut off system and allow ice to melt naturally.

5. Once clear, restart system and listen for compressor engagement.

If heat still won’t come on, possible causes include:

• Defrost sensor malfunction.

• Faulty reversing valve.

• Low refrigerant charge.

👉 Refer to EnergyStar’s Cold Climate Heat Pump Guide for details on winter operation.

---

⚠️ 9. Step 6: Decode Goodman’s Error Lights or Codes

Most Goodman air handlers have small diagnostic LEDs visible through the panel.

If you see steady flashing + no response, it could be a low-voltage issue — check thermostat wiring and fuses.

Model-specific codes are in Goodman’s Product Technical Manuals.

---

🧠 10. Step 7: Test Auxiliary / Emergency Heat

When temps dip below 25°F, the auxiliary heat strips inside the air handler automatically help your system maintain comfort.

To test:

• Set thermostat 3–4°F above current temp.

• “AUX HEAT” or “EMERGENCY HEAT” should display.

• If the blower runs but air remains cool:

  • Check the air handler breaker.

  • Ensure control board wiring (W2 or E terminals) is intact.

  • If heat still fails, the strip element or relay may need replacement.

Jake’s note:

“Aux heat is your backup quarterback. If it’s playing every down, something else is off — usually refrigerant or defrost control.”

---

🧊 11. Step 8: Dealing with a Frozen Outdoor Unit

Frozen coils are one of the most common cold-weather calls.

🧊 What to Do

1. Turn off your system immediately — running while iced can damage the compressor.

2. Allow the ice to thaw naturally (don’t use sharp tools or pour hot water).

3. Once thawed, clear debris around the base and ensure at least 24 inches of clearance for airflow.

4. Restart and observe operation — defrost should kick in as needed.

If icing repeats within 24 hours, call a pro. It could signal:

• Defective defrost sensor.

• Stuck reversing valve.

• Low refrigerant pressure.

---

🔋 12. Step 9: System Running Constantly or Short Cycling

Constant Running

If your Goodman heat pump runs nonstop:

• Check for dirty coils, clogged filters, or open windows.

• Verify thermostat placement (not near lamps or vents).

• Confirm refrigerant line insulation is intact.

Short Cycling

If your system turns on/off every few minutes:

• Check for low refrigerant (pro job).

• Ensure condensate drain isn’t backed up (float switch may cut power).

• Replace thermostat batteries and recalibrate.

Frequent short cycling wears down compressors fast — if this persists, call a technician for diagnosis.

---

⚡ 13. Step 10: Know When to Call a Professional

Some problems are safe to diagnose; others require specialized tools and EPA certification.

Call a licensed HVAC technician if:

• You see ice on refrigerant lines.

• Breakers trip repeatedly.

• You smell burning plastic or ozone.

• The compressor hums but never starts.

• The unit blows warm air in both modes.

To find certified help, visit EnergyStar’s HVAC Contractor Locator or contact a Goodman-authorized dealer.

---

🧾 14. Preventative Maintenance Checklist

Keeping your Goodman system running smoothly is 90% maintenance, 10% luck.

Jake’s mantra:

“Good maintenance costs a few minutes now — bad maintenance costs hundreds later.”

---

🧩 15. Quick-Reference Troubleshooting Chart

---

🧠 16. Pro Tips to Prevent Future Issues

After years of maintaining my own Goodman unit, I’ve developed a list of “HVAC survival habits.”

1. Keep clearance clear. Maintain 2–3 feet around outdoor unit — no bushes, mulch, or fences.

2. Install a surge protector. Voltage spikes during storms can fry circuit boards.

3. Inspect insulation annually. Bare refrigerant lines waste efficiency.

4. Don’t constantly adjust thermostat. Every degree change forces more cycles.

5. Upgrade filters before heat season. Clean filters equal better heating performance.

6. Test system twice a year. Run it briefly in both modes before each season.

---

🧰 17. When DIY Goes Too Far: Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s great to be hands-on — until it isn’t. Here are the most frequent homeowner missteps I’ve seen:

• Overcharging refrigerant. Without proper gauges, you’ll damage the compressor.

• Powering on during defrost. Never override a defrost cycle — it’s there for protection.

• Ignoring airflow balance. Closing too many vents leads to coil freezing.

• Skipping annual service. Even “maintenance-free” systems need inspection.

• Using incorrect filters. High MERV filters restrict airflow in systems not designed for them.

Jake’s advice:

“If you’re not sure whether it’s safe to fix — don’t. But if you can change a filter or check a breaker, do it now, not later.”

---

🧮 18. The Cost of Ignoring Problems

Neglecting small issues doesn’t just hurt performance — it hits your wallet.

A little attention now can extend your Goodman’s lifespan from 10 years to 15–20+.

---

🌍 19. Goodman’s Durability Advantage

Here’s why I stick with Goodman:

• Heavy-duty compressor protection: Built-in overload and delay relay.

• SmartFrame™ cabinet design: Reduces vibration, noise, and frost impact.

• Advanced defrost logic: Minimizes unnecessary energy waste.

Even with occasional hiccups, Goodman systems are engineered for homeowners who want reliability without luxury-brand prices.

Just remember — even the best system needs airflow, maintenance, and a little attention to keep working flawlessly.

---

🏁 20. Jake’s Final Thoughts: Stay Calm, Stay Smart

“Heat pump issues always seem to happen on the hottest or coldest day of the year — but that doesn’t mean your system’s toast.”

In most cases, a Goodman heat pump not cooling or heating just needs:

• A reset breaker.

• A clean filter.

• A thermostat check.

If you follow the steps in this guide, you’ll solve most issues yourself and know exactly when to call a pro for the rest.

The more you understand your Goodman system, the less you’ll stress when something goes wrong — and the more efficiently it’ll keep your home comfortable all year long.

In the next topic we will know more about: Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Goodman 3-Ton System Running Like New