Troubleshooting Your Goodman Heat Pump: Common Issues & Fixes

❄️ “When It’s Cold Outside and Your System Says Nope”

It always happens at the worst possible time.

Last January, I woke up to a 50°F house in the middle of an Ohio cold snap. My Goodman heat pump was quiet, my thermostat was flashing “AUX HEAT,” and my first thought was: please don’t be the compressor.

👉 Learn more about your system and get official parts at The Furnace Outlet’s Goodman 2.5 Ton 14.5 SEER2 Heat Pump System page.

As it turns out, it wasn’t a disaster — just a tripped breaker and a dirty air filter that caused the system to overwork.

That little scare made me realize something: most heat pump “failures” are really just symptoms of small, fixable issues.

If your Goodman system isn’t heating, cooling, or sounds like it’s working too hard, don’t panic. In this guide, I’ll walk you through real-world steps — what to check first, how to fix simple problems safely, and when to call a pro before things get worse.

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🔍 How a Goodman Heat Pump Works (Quick Refresher)

Before you dive into troubleshooting, it helps to understand what’s going on behind those humming panels.

A heat pump is basically a refrigerant loop that moves heat instead of generating it.

• In summer, it pulls heat out of your home and dumps it outside.

• In winter, it absorbs heat from the air (even cold air!) and transfers it inside.

The key parts are:

• Compressor: Pumps refrigerant through the system.

• Reversing valve: Switches direction between heating and cooling.

• Coils: Exchange heat indoors and outdoors.

• Defrost sensor: Detects frost buildup and melts it.

• Thermostat: Controls everything.

“It’s like a conveyor belt for comfort,” Tony explains. “When one roller jams, the whole belt slows down.”

📘 Reference: Energy.gov – Heat Pump Basics

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🔥 Problem #1: The Heat Pump Isn’t Heating

Symptoms:

• Cold air from vents

• Outdoor unit running constantly

• Breaker tripping occasionally

🧰 DIY Checks

1. Thermostat Settings:

   • Make sure it’s set to Heat and a few degrees above current room temp.

2. Outdoor Unit:

   • Clear snow, ice, or leaves around it.

3. Filter:

   • Replace it if it’s dirty — low airflow makes coils freeze.

4. Breaker:

   • Check for tripped breakers at the panel or disconnect box.

⚙️ Likely Causes

• Low refrigerant charge

• Faulty reversing valve

• Defrost sensor malfunction

“If your Goodman’s blowing cool air even when it’s in Heat mode, odds are it’s a refrigerant issue or a stuck valve — both are pro jobs,” Tony says.

📗 Reference: Goodman – Heat Pump Heating Troubleshooting

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🌬️ Problem #2: The Heat Pump Isn’t Cooling

Symptoms:

• Warm air in summer

• System cycles on and off

• Electricity bill suddenly higher

🧰 DIY Checks

• Thermostat: Set to Cool and fan to Auto.

• Outdoor Coil: Turn off the breaker and rinse the coil gently with a garden hose.

• Air Filter: Replace if dusty.

• Vents: Make sure all supply and return vents are open.

⚙️ Likely Causes

• Dirty coils

• Refrigerant leak

• Clogged condensate drain

If cleaning and checking vents doesn’t help, it’s time for a pro refrigerant inspection.

“If your system used to cool fine and now struggles, something’s restricting refrigerant flow — that’s not DIY territory.”

📘 Reference: ENERGY STAR – Common Cooling Problems

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🧊 Problem #3: Outdoor Unit Frozen or Iced Over

Symptoms:

• Thick ice on the outdoor coil

• Steam or hissing when it defrosts

• Weak airflow indoors

🧰 DIY Checks

• Switch to Fan Mode: Let it thaw naturally for 30–60 minutes.

• Check Airflow: Replace the filter and clear indoor vents.

• Inspect Defrost Cycle: It should activate automatically every 30–90 minutes.

⚙️ Likely Causes

• Faulty defrost sensor or board

• Low refrigerant

• Blocked drainage or airflow

“A little frost in winter is normal,” Tony explains. “But if you see a solid ice block, the system’s defrost mode isn’t keeping up.”

📗 Reference: Goodman – Defrost Cycle Explained

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🔌 Problem #4: Heat Pump Won’t Turn On

Symptoms:

• No fan noise, no compressor hum, nothing running

🧰 DIY Checks

1. Power Supply: Check the breaker box and outdoor disconnect switch.

2. Thermostat Batteries: Replace them if digital display is blank.

3. Service Switch: Confirm it’s ON near the air handler.

⚙️ Likely Causes

• Failed capacitor or contactor

• Broken thermostat wire

• Control board issue

“Never start poking inside the unit unless power’s off. Those capacitors can pack a punch,” Tony warns.

📘 Reference: Goodman – Troubleshooting Guide

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🔁 Problem #5: System Turns On and Off Repeatedly (Short Cycling)

Symptoms:

• Runs for 1–2 minutes, then stops, restarts soon after

🧰 DIY Checks

• Replace the air filter.

• Clean outdoor coils.

• Move thermostat away from heat sources like lamps or windows.

⚙️ Likely Causes

• Low refrigerant

• Oversized system

• Dirty coils

• Thermostat miscalibration

Short cycling stresses compressors and can cut system life in half.

“Short bursts mean something’s out of balance — clean it, move it, or call a tech,” Tony advises.

📗 Reference: Energy.gov – Short Cycling Causes

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🔥 Problem #6: Emergency or AUX Heat Always On

Symptoms:

• “AUX HEAT” light always on

• Skyrocketing electric bill

🧰 DIY Checks

• Make sure outdoor unit runs — if not, the system’s relying on backup heat.

• Check for frost or debris on the outdoor coil.

• Confirm thermostat wiring if it was recently replaced.

⚙️ Likely Causes

• Outdoor sensor failure

• Low refrigerant charge

• Thermostat misconfiguration

“Auxiliary heat should only kick in on the coldest days,” Tony explains. “If it’s on all the time, your outdoor unit isn’t doing its job.”

📘 Reference: ENERGY STAR – Heat Pump Heating Tips

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💧 Problem #7: Water or Moisture Around the Air Handler

Symptoms:

• Wet floor, musty odor, or dripping under indoor unit

🧰 DIY Checks

• Turn off power before inspecting.

• Use a flashlight to check the condensate drain pan.

• Pour a cup of white vinegar down the drain line every few months.

⚙️ Likely Causes

• Clogged drain line

• Cracked drain pan

• Frozen coil

If the problem repeats, have a technician blow out or replace the condensate line.

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🔊 Problem #8: Strange Noises (Buzzing, Clicking, or Rattling)

🧰 DIY Checks

• Tighten outdoor access panels.

• Remove sticks, pebbles, or leaves near the fan cage.

• Inspect for loose screws on the base or cover.

⚙️ Likely Causes

• Loose fan blade or mount

• Debris in fan cage

• Compressor contactor buzzing

“My Goodman once made a loud buzz that turned out to be a loose metal panel,” Tony says. “One screwdriver, five minutes, problem solved.”

📘 Reference: Goodman – Noise Troubleshooting Tips

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🔋 Problem #9: Weak Airflow or Hot/Cold Spots

Symptoms:

• Some rooms too warm or too cold

• Air barely blowing from vents

🧰 DIY Checks

• Replace filter.

• Make sure all vents are open.

• Check ducts in crawl spaces or attic for disconnections.

⚙️ Likely Causes

• Duct leaks

• Dirty evaporator coil

• Weak blower motor

If air pressure feels low at multiple vents, schedule a duct inspection or static pressure test.

📗 Reference: DOE – Airflow and Duct Efficiency Guide

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⚠️ Problem #10: Breaker Keeps Tripping

Symptoms:

• Breaker resets, but trips again after a few minutes

🧰 DIY Checks

• Verify the breaker matches the system’s rated amperage.

• Ensure outdoor coil is clean and fan is spinning freely.

⚙️ Likely Causes

• Short circuit in compressor or fan motor

• Dirty coils causing overcurrent

• Weak breaker

Repeated trips mean something’s drawing too much current — call a pro to diagnose safely.

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🧠 When to Call a Professional

Call a certified HVAC technician if:

• The system won’t start after basic resets

• Ice or frost forms repeatedly

• You notice oil stains near refrigerant lines

• Burning smells or electrical pops occur

• Two or more issues appear together

“If your fix involves refrigerant or a meter, step away,” Tony jokes. “That’s when my toolbox stays closed and the phone comes out.”

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🧩 Preventing Issues Before They Start

A little preventive care saves huge headaches later:

• Change filters every 1–3 months.

• Clear 18” space around outdoor unit.

• Schedule pro tune-ups twice a year (spring and fall).

• Listen for new noises.

• Keep drains clear with vinegar flushes.

• Check thermostat batteries annually.

📘 Reference: Goodman – Maintenance Tips

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💡 Tony’s Quick Fix Cheat Sheet

“You’d be amazed how often a $10 filter swap fixes what looks like a $500 problem,” Tony laughs.

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🧮 Average Repair Costs (2025 Estimates)

Routine DIY maintenance can reduce professional service needs by 30–40% over the system’s lifespan.

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🧾 Tony’s Troubleshooting Routine

Whenever my Goodman starts acting up, I follow this quick process before making a call:

1. Listen first. What’s it doing — buzzing, humming, clicking, or silent?

2. Check airflow. Filter and vents are always step one.

3. Inspect outside. Leaves? Ice? Fan moving?

4. Reset power. Turn the thermostat off, wait 5 minutes, restart.

5. Observe. Does it start properly, short cycle, or stall again?

“That 10-minute process solves about 70% of what people call service techs for,” Tony says.

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🧰 Tools Worth Keeping on Hand

• Phillips screwdriver

• Flashlight

• Multimeter (for checking power, if comfortable)

• Garden hose

• Replacement filters (MERV 8–11)

• White vinegar

• Soft brush for coil cleaning

These basics can handle nearly all homeowner-level maintenance safely.

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🌡️ Bonus: Reading Goodman Error Codes

Many Goodman air handlers have small LED indicators that flash diagnostic codes.
Common examples:

• 1 Flash: System lockout — reset required

• 3 Flashes: Low-pressure switch open

• 4 Flashes: High-pressure switch open

• 5 Flashes: Defrost sensor error

“Don’t ignore the blinks,” Tony says. “They’re your system’s way of speaking up before it fails.”

Check your model’s installation manual for the exact legend (usually behind the front panel).

📗 Reference: Goodman – System Diagnostics & Error Codes

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✅ Final Thoughts — “Don’t Panic. Get Practical.”

Every homeowner with a heat pump will face an off day sooner or later — cold air in January, weak cooling in July, or a mystery noise that makes you jump off the couch.

The good news? With a few smart checks and steady troubleshooting, you can solve most problems without panic — and without spending hundreds.

“Your Goodman system’s not fragile,” Tony says. “It’s a workhorse. It just needs a little attention when something sounds off.”

Keep filters clean, coils clear, and your ears open — and your Goodman 2.5 Ton 14.5 SEER2 Heat Pump System will keep your home comfortable for years to come.

In the next topic we will know more about: Understanding SEER2 and Why It Matters for Your Next AC Purchase