Your heat pump is an crucial part of your home because it delivers year-round comfort. But, like any home comfort system, it’s certain to have some problems every now and then.
Let’s go over these problems and how much they might cost to repair, so you’ll have some idea before you contact an HVAC technician. Some of the most likely 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 Won’t Turn On
There are plenty of reasons why your heat pump won’t turn on, so we recommend checking all of them. Sometimes they are as simple as fixing a thermostat setting or changing 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 heating, it should be set to “heat,” “auto” and your setting should be greater than the current temperature. If you have a programmable thermostat, replace the batteries if the screen looks jumbled or blank.
- Has the circuit breaker been tripped? Your heat pump won’t be able to operate if it doesn’t have power. Reset the corresponding 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 fix the issue, you’ll need to call a heating and cooling company like Rescue Heating & Air.
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 Won’t Turn Off
If it’s extremely hot or cold outside, your heat pump may need to run longer than normal to achieve your desired temperature.
If the weather is typical, check that your thermostat is set correctly and running 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 running the blower can keep humidity levels under control, but it’ll also increase your electrical bills.
If your thermostat is set properly, 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 compatible with your heat pump.
- A malfunctioning compressor contactor, which controls the flow of electricity.
- Leaky ductwork.
Estimated Repair Cost
This can be linked to a lot of issues, so your heat pump repair cost will depend on the problem and how difficult it is.
3. Heat Pump Won’t Defrost
Occasionally during cold weather, your heat pump will temporarily go into cooling mode. This will dissolve light frost and ice that normally builds up on the coils. A heat pump that becomes totally frozen may have difficulty heating your home or shut down altogether.
Here are several reasons why this might be happening:
- Your heat pump doesn’t have sufficient airflow because it’s obstructed by snow, bushes or yard waste.
- Your gutters are leaking water on top of your heat pump, causing 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 discover a sweet, formaldehyde-like odor close to 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 number estimated costs for some of these issues. Keep in mind your cost may vary based on your heat pump brand, model and the extent 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 made.
4. Heat Pump Won’t Cool
Just like a heat pump that won’t turn on, a heat pump that won’t cool can be associated to many problems. We recommend checking for:
- Right thermostat settings
- Tripped circuit breakers
- A clogged air filter
- Ice on your heat pump
If there’s nothing wrong with your thermostat, circuit breakers or air filter, you’ll need assistance from an HVAC technician to identify a problem with your ductwork or an iced-over heat pump. Like we reviewed 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 charge may vary based on your heat pump brand, model and the severity of the problem.
- 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 Won’t Turn on After Changing Thermostat
If your heat pump won’t turn on after altering the thermostat, the problem is probably tied 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 have backup or emergency heating.
You can test your new thermostat by switching 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 include:
- Wiring was done incorrectly.
- Thermostat isn’t interacting with heat pump.
- Thermostat is in emergency heat mode, which involves a reset.
It’s recommended to have a heating and cooling pro recommend a thermostat and expertly install it. That way, you’ll stay away from any compatibility or wiring issues.
Estimated Repair Costs
The cost of professional thermostat installation depends considerably on what kind of thermostat you want. While programmable thermostats are less expensive, they lack the sophisticated features and convenience of a smart thermostat.
6. Heat Pump Won’t Heat
A heat pump that won’t heat is connected to similar problems with a heat pump that won’t cool. We suggest checking for:
- Correct 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 difficult to reach since it’s located behind walls and multiple issues can cause your heat pump to ice over.
Estimated Repair Costs
These repair costs are estimates. Your total cost may vary based on your heat pump brand, model and the extent of the concern.
- 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 more expensive since it’s no longer being manufactured.
- Seal leaky ductwork: Depends on house size.
Fix Your Heat Pump Problems Quickly and Affordably with Our Help
Dealing with a malfunctioning heat pump can be irritating, but not when you call Rescue Heating & Air. Our pros have been providing the quality, affordable heat pump repair Alice homeowners have depended on since {year}. Call us at 361-265-4371 to secure your free estimate now.
Average repair costs are sourced from Fixr, which compiles estimates based on nationwide averages.