Average Repair Costs for Six Typical Heat Pump Issues

Your heat pump is an crucial part of your home because it provides year-round comfort. But, like any home comfort system, it’s certain to have some issues once in a while.

Let’s go over these troubles and how much they might cost to repair, so you’ll have some idea before you call an HVAC technician. Some of the most typical 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 lots of reasons why your heat pump won’t turn on, so we suggest checking all of them. Sometimes they are as easy as fixing a thermostat setting or replacing your air filter.

Here’s what to check:

• Is your thermostat on the correct setting? If you want air conditioning, 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 appears 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 matching breaker if it’s facing the outside of the electrical panel.
• Is the air filter clogged? A dirty air filter is problematic for your heat pump. If you can’t see light through it, it’s time to replace it.

If these steps don’t fix the issue, you’ll need to call a heating and cooling company like Farris Heating & Air.

Estimated Repair Cost

This issue can be complicated, so how much it costs to correct it will depend on what’s wrong.

2. Heat Pump Can’t Shut Down

If it’s very hot or cold outside, your heat pump may need to run longer than normal to reach your desired temperature.

If the weather is typical, 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 go 24/7. So, it’ll appear as though your heat pump is working all the time. Constantly using the blower can keep humidity levels in check, but it’ll also increase your electrical bills.

If your thermostat is set properly, there are several other problems 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 related to many issues, so your heat pump repair cost will depend on the problem and how difficult 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 dissolve light frost and ice that normally accumulates 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 blocked by snow, bushes or yard debris.
• Your gutters are dripping water on top of your heat pump, creating an icy buildup.
• A part is malfunctioning, which may include 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 notice a sweet, formaldehyde-like odor around the outdoor unit.

Estimated Repair Cost

Like we talked about 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 degree 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 higher priced since it’s no longer being manufactured.

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 connected to many issues. We advise checking for:

• Correct thermostat settings
• Tripped circuit breakers
• A dirty 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 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.

5. Heat Pump Won’t Turn On After Upgrading the Thermostat

If your heat pump won’t turn on after changing the thermostat, the problem is probably tied to your new thermostat. While you can use just about any thermostat with a furnace, the same isn’t accurate for heat pumps, especially if you have backup or emergency heating.

You can check 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 involve:

• Wiring was done wrong.
• Thermostat isn’t communicating with heat pump.
• Thermostat is in emergency heat mode, which involves a reset.

It’s wise to have a heating and cooling professional recommend a thermostat and expertly install it. That way, you’ll avoid any compatibility or wiring problems.

Estimated Repair Costs

The cost of professional thermostat installation depends greatly on what type of thermostat you want. While programmable thermostats are cheaper, 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 linked to similar problems with a heat pump that won’t cool. We suggest checking for:

• Appropriate thermostat settings
• Tripped circuit breakers
• A dirty air filter
• Ice on your heat pump

An icy heat pump or leaky ductwork will require the help of an HVAC technician. Ductwork is difficult to reach since it’s located behind walls and several 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 extent 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 runs on. R-22 Freon is pricier since it’s no longer being produced.
• Seal leaky ductwork: Depends on house size.

Take Care of Those Heat Pump Problems Quickly and Affordably with Help from Local Experts

Dealing with a malfunctioning heat pump can be irritating, but not when you contact Farris Heating & Air. Our experts have been delivering the quality, affordable heat pump repair Bartlesville homeowners have depended on since 1964. Contact us at 918-333-0376 to request your free estimate now.

Average repair costs are sourced from Fixr, which compiles estimates based on nationwide averages.