Heat Pumps · Nationwide
Heat pump repair
Heat pumps fail in the same places as ACs, plus a few of their own: the reversing valve, the defrost control and sensor, and the electric backup heat strips. A tech tests heating and cooling mode, defrost operation and the auxiliary heat.
- Same-day appointments when available
- Licensed HVAC contractors
- Written price before any repair
Heat pumps are the most common system in much of the South and are growing quickly everywhere else. In colder regions they go into defrost often on winter nights, so defrost sensors and boards get a workout.
A heat pump that blows lukewarm air in winter is often working normally. Heat pump air is warmer than the room but cooler than furnace air. A tech can confirm the temperature rise is correct.
Heat Pump Repair at a glance
- Category
- Heat Pumps
- Service area
- Nationwide
- Typical visit
- Mode test → Defrost check → Backup heat → Refrigerant and electrical
- Urgent help
- Yes. Call for the fastest connection.
- Equipment covered
- Reversing valves, Defrost boards, Heat strips, Sequencers, Outdoor thermostats
Symptoms
Signs you need heat pump repair
- Cold air in heat mode
- Outdoor unit covered in ice that doesn't clear
- 'Aux' or 'Emergency heat' lit constantly
- Loud whoosh that never stops
- Stuck in heating or cooling mode
Process
How the visit works
- 1
Mode test
Run heat and cool to check the reversing valve.
- 2
Defrost check
Defrost board, sensor and timing.
- 3
Backup heat
Heat strip elements, sequencers and breakers.
- 4
Refrigerant and electrical
Pressures, capacitor and contactor.
Cost
What affects the price
Every contractor sets their own prices. These are the things that move the number. Ask for a written price before work starts.
- Reversing valve replacement involves refrigerant work
- Heat strip kW size
- System age
Before the tech arrives
What you can safely do
Safe to try
- Clear snow or debris from the outdoor unit
- Check the filter
- Avoid using Emergency Heat unless the outdoor unit has failed
Stop and call
- Don't chip ice off the coil
- Don't open the electric heat panel
FAQ
Heat Pump Repair questions
Is steam from my heat pump normal in winter?+
Yes. During defrost the outdoor unit melts frost and can release steam for a few minutes. Constant ice that never clears is a problem.
Heat Pump Repair city guides
Heat Pump Repair by state
Related
Related services
Guides
Need heating or cooling help now?
Call to be connected with a licensed HVAC contractor serving your ZIP code, or send a request online.