It’s a chilly December morning in Florida—perhaps one of the few times all year you actually need to turn on the heat. You switch your thermostat to “Heat,” hear the system kick on, and walk over to a vent to warm your hands. But instead of the blast of hot air you were expecting, you feel a breeze that seems… lukewarm, or even cool.
Your immediate reaction is likely panic. “Great, my heater is broken!” But before you rush to the phone to call for an emergency repair, pause for a moment. In the vast majority of Florida homes, what you are feeling is actually completely normal. Your system isn’t broken; it’s just working differently than you might expect. This confusion stems from how heat pumps—the most common heating system in our area—operate compared to traditional furnaces. At Richard’s AC, we believe in saving you from unnecessary worry (and unnecessary service calls). This guide will explain why your heater feels “cool,” how to tell if it’s actually working, and when you should be concerned.
The Difference Between a Furnace and a Heat Pump
If you grew up in the North, you are likely used to gas or oil furnaces. These systems create heat by burning fuel. The air coming out of a furnace vent is hot—typically between 130°F and 140°F. This is significantly hotter than your body temperature (98.6°F), so it feels instantly warm to the touch.
In Florida, however, we rarely use furnaces. We use heat pumps. A heat pump doesn’t create heat; it moves it. Even when it’s 50°F outside, there is still heat energy in the air. The heat pump absorbs that outdoor heat and transfers it inside. This is an incredibly efficient process, but it produces different results. The air coming out of a heat pump vent is typically between 85°F and 95°F.
The Science of Perception: Why 90°F Feels "Cold"
Here is the physics behind the confusion. The air coming out of your heat pump (let’s say 90°F) is technically warming your home (which is likely 68°F). However, that 90°F air is cooler than your skin temperature (98.6°F).
When that moving air hits your skin, it creates a “wind chill” effect, evaporating moisture from your skin and making the air feel cooler than it actually is. So, while the system is successfully raising the temperature of the room, it doesn’t feel hot like a furnace fire. If the room temperature is rising, the system is working, even if the air feels lukewarm to your hand.
The Exception: "Defrost Mode" (The Temporary Chill)
There is one scenario where your heat pump actually does blow cold air for a few minutes, and it is a normal part of its operation. On very cold, damp mornings, frost can form on your outdoor unit. To remove this ice, the system goes into Defrost Mode.
During defrost, the system temporarily switches back to Air Conditioning mode to heat up the outdoor coils and melt the ice. For a few minutes, it will blow cold air inside. Usually, your “auxiliary” or “emergency” electric heat strips will kick on to counteract this, but you might feel a temporary draft. This should only last about 10-15 minutes. If you see steam rising from your outdoor unit during this time, don’t panic—it’s just melting ice, not smoke!
When "Cold" Air Actually Means a Problem
While “lukewarm” is usually normal, truly cold air (like room temperature or colder) indicates a failure. Here is how to tell the difference:
If your thermostat is set to 72°F, but the room temperature has dropped to 68°F and continues to fall while the system is running, the heat pump is not heating.
If the air coming from the vents feels like it does in July, you likely have a stuck Reversing Valve. This is the component that switches the system from cooling to heating. If it gets stuck, the system will continue to run in AC mode, actually cooling your house down when you want to warm it up.
If it’s extremely cold outside, or if your heat pump fails, you can switch your thermostat to “Em Heat” or “Aux Heat.” This bypasses the heat pump and turns on the electric heating strips inside your air handler (like a giant toaster). If the air is still cold in this mode, your electric heat strips or the blower motor have likely failed.
A little frost is normal. However, if your outdoor unit is encased in a thick block of ice that never melts, the defrost cycle is broken, or the unit is low on refrigerant. This requires professional repair immediately to prevent compressor damage.
Tips for Maximizing Heat Pump Comfort
Don’t “Setback” the Temperature: Unlike furnaces, heat pumps work best by maintaining a steady temperature. Don’t turn the heat way down at night and try to bring it back up quickly in the morning; the system will struggle and likely use expensive emergency heat to catch up. Set it and forget it.
Trust the Thermostat, Not Your Hand: Judge the system by the number on the wall, not how the air feels on your hand.
Keep the Filter Clean: A dirty filter restricts airflow, which is even more critical in heating mode and can cause the system to overheat and shut down.
Ensure Your Winter Warmth with Richard's AC
Florida winters are short, but your comfort is still important. Understanding your heat pump helps you avoid panic, but regular maintenance is what prevents actual breakdowns. Whether it’s a stuck reversing valve, a broken heat strip, or just a system check-up, we are here to help.
For expert AC and Heating Repair Service, trust the team that understands Florida’s unique climate. Richard’s AC provides reliable, honest service to homeowners in Wellington, Lake Worth, Royal Palm Beach, and across Palm Beach County.
Not sure if your heater is working right? Contact us for a system check-up today!
