Your heat pump is an essential part of your home because it provides year-round comfort. But, like any home comfort system, it’s likely to have some problems once in a while.
Let’s examine these issues and how much they might cost to repair, so you’ll have some idea before you call an HVAC technician. Some of the most common heat pump repair problems include:
- Heat pump won’t turn on
- Heat pump won’t turn off
- Heat pump won’t defrost
- Heat pump won’t cool
- Heat pump won’t turn on after changing thermostat
- Heat pump won’t heat
1. Heat Pump Can’t Start
There are a lot of reasons why your heat pump won’t turn on, so we recommend checking all of them. Sometimes they are as painless as correcting a thermostat setting or swapping your air filter.
Here’s what to check:
- Is your thermostat on the right setting? If you want cooling, make sure it’s set to “cool,” “auto” and that your setting is lower than the ambient temperature. If you want heat, it should be set to “heat,” “auto” and your setting should be higher than the current temperature. If you use a programmable thermostat, put in new the batteries if the screen looks jumbled or blank.
- Has the circuit breaker been tripped? Your heat pump won’t be able to turn on if it doesn’t have power. Reset the matching breaker if it’s facing the outside of the electrical panel.
- Is the air filter clogged? A dirty air filter is troublesome for your heat pump. If you can’t see light through it, it’s time to get a new one.
If these steps don’t correct the problem, you’ll need to contact a heating and cooling company like AZ Air Conditioning and Heating.
Estimated Repair Cost
This issue can be complicated, so how much it costs to fix it will depend on what’s wrong.
2. Heat Pump Stays On Constantly
If it’s very hot or cold outside, your heat pump may need to run longer than normal to achieve your desired temperature.
If the weather is normal, check that your thermostat is set properly and operating normally. If the fan setting is at “on,” the blower motor on your air handler will run 24/7. So, it’ll appear as though your heat pump is running all the time. Constantly using the blower can keep humidity levels in check, but it’ll also drive up your electrical bills.
If your thermostat is set correctly, there are several other issues that could be causing your heat pump to run all the time. They include:
- A new thermostat that isn’t appropriate for your heat pump.
- A malfunctioning compressor contactor, which controls the flow of electricity.
- Leaky ductwork.
Estimated Repair Cost
This can be connected to many issues, so your heat pump repair cost will depend on the problem and how elaborate it is.
3. Heat Pump Isn’t Defrosting
Every now and then during cold weather, your heat pump will briefly go into cooling mode. This will melt light frost and ice that normally builds up on the coils. A heat pump that becomes totally frozen may struggle to heat your home or shut down completely.
Here are a few reasons why this might be happening:
- Your heat pump doesn’t have enough airflow because it’s obstructed by snow, bushes or yard waste.
- Your gutters are leaking water on top of your heat pump, producing an icy buildup.
- A part is malfunctioning, which may consist of the reversing valve, relays, controls or sensors.
- The outdoor fan motor is damaged, dying or dead.
- Your heat pump has a refrigerant leak. This is possible if you’re hearing bubbling or hissing noises. Or if you find a sweet, formaldehyde-like odor near the outdoor unit.
Estimated Repair Cost
Like we discussed before, there are a lot of reasons why your heat pump won’t defrost. But here are a few estimated costs for some of these issues. Keep in mind your cost may vary based on your heat pump brand, model and the degree of the problem.
- Replace reversing valve: $200–$600
- Replace outdoor fan motor: $250–$650
- Repair refrigerant leak: Depends on the kind of refrigerant your heat pump uses. R-22 Freon is higher priced since it’s no longer being produced.
4. Heat Pump Can’t Produce Cool Air
Just like a heat pump that won’t turn on, a heat pump that won’t cool can be linked to many troubles. We suggest checking for:
- Ideal thermostat settings
- Tripped circuit breakers
- A clogged air filter
- Ice on your heat pump
If there’s nothing awry with your thermostat, circuit breakers or air filter, you’ll need help from an HVAC technician to identify a problem with your ductwork or an iced-over heat pump. Like we discussed earlier, a heat pump that won’t defrost might have an issue with its reversing valve, outdoor fan motor or a refrigerant leak.
Estimated Repair Costs
These repair costs are estimates. Your total cost may vary based on your heat pump brand, model and the scope of the concern.
- Replace reversing valve: $200–$600
- Replace outdoor fan motor: $250–$650
- Repair refrigerant leak: Depends on the type of refrigerant your heat pump uses. R-22 Freon is pricier since it’s no longer being manufactured.
- Seal leaky ductwork: Depends on house size.
5. Heat Pump Has Trouble Turning On After Upgrading the Thermostat
If your heat pump won’t turn on after altering the thermostat, the problem is probably connected to your new thermostat. While you can install just about any thermostat with a furnace, the same isn’t true for heat pumps, especially if you need backup or emergency heating.
You can check your new thermostat by changing the fan mode to “on.” If you don’t hear the blower motor start in your air handler, there’s probably an issue with the thermostat.
A couple other common thermostat problems involve:
- Wiring was done incorrectly.
- Thermostat isn’t interacting with heat pump.
- Thermostat is in emergency heat mode, which requires a reset.
It’s recommended to have a heating and cooling professional recommend a thermostat and expertly install it. That way, you’ll avoid any compatibility or wiring issues.
Estimated Repair Costs
The cost of professional thermostat installation depends greatly on what kind of thermostat you want. While programmable thermostats are less expensive, they lack the advanced features and convenience of a smart thermostat.
6. Heat Pump Isn’t Generating Heat
A heat pump that won’t heat is linked to similar problems with a heat pump that won’t cool. We recommend checking for:
- Appropriate thermostat settings
- Tripped circuit breakers
- A clogged air filter
- Ice on your heat pump
An icy heat pump or leaky ductwork will require the assistance of an HVAC technician. Ductwork is hard to reach since it’s found behind walls and multiple issues can cause your heat pump to freeze up.
Estimated Repair Costs
These repair costs are estimates. Your total cost may vary based on your heat pump brand, model and the magnitude of the concern.
- Replace reversing valve: $200–$600
- Replace outdoor fan motor: $250–$650
- Repair refrigerant leak: Depends on the type of refrigerant your heat pump uses. R-22 Freon is more expensive since it’s no longer being manufactured.
- Seal leaky ductwork: Depends on house size.
Resolve All Heat Pump Problems Quickly and Affordably with Help from Local Experts
Dealing with a malfunctioning heat pump can be irritating, but not when you call AZ Air Conditioning and Heating. Our professionals have been delivering the quality, affordable heat pump repair Los Angeles homeowners have relied on since 1984. Contact us at 800-296-5088 to request your free estimate now.
Average repair costs are sourced from Fixr, which compiles estimates based on nationwide averages.