Tampa Cold Snap: Heat Pump and Heat Strip Prep

Reviewed by Richard Morales, Co-Owner & FL Class B Air Conditioning Contractor (FL license CAC1819196)Updated Oct 20, 2026

How do I get my heat pump ready before a cold snap?

Most Tampa heat pumps sit idle for months, so the first cold night is the real test. Do a few simple things a day or two ahead of the forecast.

Replace a dirty air filter. Clear leaves and debris from around the outdoor unit and keep about two feet of open space. Turn the thermostat to heat and run it for a few minutes while you are home, so you find a problem before the coldest night. Check that warm air comes out of the vents.

A yearly tune-up helps too. Fewer emergencies and smaller repairs come from replacing worn small parts before they take out big ones. The ENERGY STAR maintenance checklist lists what should be checked.

Safety note: Never open the air handler or touch heat strip wiring yourself, because it carries high voltage.

Is steam from the outdoor unit normal?

Yes. When it is cold and damp, frost builds on the outdoor coil. The heat pump briefly reverses to melt it, and the melting frost rises as a white cloud. Defrost usually lasts a few minutes, and the fan may stop during it. Warm air indoors may dip or turn cool for a short time, and the strips may come on to cover it.

It is not normal if the unit stays frozen solid, ice keeps growing, or the system never returns to heating. That points to a defrost control, sensor or airflow problem. See our heat pump repair page.

Why do my heat strips smell like burning?

Heat strips are electric elements in the air handler, also called auxiliary heat. In Tampa they may not run for a year or more, so dust on them burns off the first time they heat up. A dusty or hot-metal smell that fades in a short while is normal. A strong plastic or electrical smell, smoke, or a smell that keeps going is not. Turn the system off and call us.

If the strips never seem to warm the air, or the air stays lukewarm on cold nights, read about heat strips not working.

Is it normal for my heat pump to run constantly when it is cold?

Often, yes. A heat pump pulls heat from outdoor air, and the colder it is, the less it gets per hour. On a cold night it runs longer to hold your setting. Tampa homes are built for cooling, and many have leaky ducts or thin attic insulation, so they lose heat fast.

The auxiliary strips come on when the outdoor temperature drops below a set point or when the pump cannot keep up. This costs more to run than the heat pump alone. Setting the thermostat a few degrees lower and avoiding big overnight jumps keeps the strips off more.

What is emergency heat, and when should I use it?

Emergency heat uses much more electricity, so do not leave it on as a habit. If the outdoor unit is dead, switch to emergency heat, then call us. If the air is cold in normal Heat mode, see heat pump blowing cold air.

What does Home Therapist do?

We service all brands, our techs are factory-trained, and we are open 24/7. The diagnosis and estimate are FREE on every visit, and you approve a written quote before any repair begins. Same-day service is available on many jobs. For no heat or a failing system, see heating repair in Tampa or call or text (813) 343-2212.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my heat pump blowing cooler air during defrost?

During defrost the system briefly runs in reverse to melt frost on the outdoor coil, so the air inside can feel cool for a few minutes. It should return to warm air when defrost ends. If cool air continues longer, call us for a free diagnosis.

Should I turn on emergency heat during a cold snap?

No, not unless the outdoor unit has stopped working. Emergency heat runs only the electric strips, which costs more than normal heating. Leave the thermostat on Heat, and the system adds the strips automatically when it needs them.

Is a burning smell from the vents dangerous?

A light dusty smell on the first run of the season is usually burning dust and fades fast. Strong plastic, electrical or smoky smells are different. Turn the system off at the thermostat and breaker, then call us for a free diagnosis.

Can a heat pump heat my house when it drops near freezing?

Usually it can, though it runs longer and the strips help. If the house keeps falling behind, the cause may be airflow, duct leaks, low refrigerant or a failed strip. We check all of it during the free diagnosis.

Will a tune-up help before the cold hits?

Yes. We check the electrical connections, coil, airflow and heating operation so small worn parts are caught early. Our tune-up is a flat $89 per system, every visit.