Your heat pump is an crucial part of your home because it delivers year-round comfort. But, like any home comfort system, it’s bound to experience some issues every now and then.
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 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 lots of reasons why your heat pump won’t turn on, so we recommend 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 cooling, make sure it’s set to “cool,” “auto” and that your setting is lower than the current temperature. If you want heat, it should be set to “heat,” “auto” and your setting should be greater than the current temperature. If you have 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 operate if it does not have power. Reset the matching breaker if it’s facing the outside of the electrical panel.
- Is the air filter blocked? A dirty air filter is difficult 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 H&C Heating and Cooling.
Estimated Repair Cost
This issue can be complex, 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 operate longer than normal to achieve your desired temperature.
If the weather is normal, 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 in check, but it’ll also drive up your electrical bills.
If your thermostat is set properly, there are a few 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 connected 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 briefly go into cooling mode. This will melt light frost and ice that naturally accumulates on the coils. A heat pump that becomes heavily iced over may have difficulty heating your home or shut down completely.
Here are several reasons why this might be taking place:
- Your heat pump doesn’t have sufficient airflow because it’s blocked by snow, bushes or yard waste.
- Your gutters are leaking water on top of your heat pump, creating an icy buildup.
- A part is not working, which may involve 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 likely if you’re hearing bubbling or hissing sounds. Or if you discover a sweet, formaldehyde-like odor close to the outdoor unit.
Estimated Repair Cost
Like we discussed before, there are many 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 issue.
- 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 Isn’t Cooling
Just like a heat pump that won’t turn on, a heat pump that won’t cool can be linked to many issues. We suggest checking for:
- Right thermostat settings
- Tripped circuit breakers
- A dirty air filter
- Ice on your heat pump
If there’s nothing awry 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 discussed earlier, a heat pump that won’t defrost might have a problem 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 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 more expensive since it’s no longer being manufactured.
- Seal leaky ductwork: Depends on house size.
5. Heat Pump Isn’t Starting After Upgrading the 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 accurate for heat pumps, especially if you need backup or emergency heating.
You can test 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 a problem with the thermostat.
A couple other typical thermostat problems involve:
- Wiring was done wrong.
- Thermostat isn’t communicating with heat pump.
- Thermostat is in emergency heat mode, which requires a reset.
It’s wise 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 problems.
Estimated Repair Costs
The cost of professional thermostat installation depends greatly on what kind of thermostat you want. While programmable thermostats are cheaper, they are missing the advanced features and convenience of a smart thermostat.
6. Heat Pump Can’t Work in Heating Mode
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 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 placed 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 level of the issue.
- Replace reversing valve: $200–$600
- Replace outdoor fan motor: $250–$650
- Repair refrigerant leak: Depends on the kind of refrigerant your heat pump runs on. R-22 Freon is higher priced since it’s no longer being manufactured.
- Seal leaky ductwork: Depends on house size.
Resolve All Heat Pump Problems Right Away with Our Help
Dealing with a malfunctioning heat pump can be annoying, but not when you get in touch with H&C Heating and Cooling. Our pros have been delivering the quality, affordable heat pump repair Laurel homeowners have depended on since 1969. Call us at 301-960-3247 to secure your free estimate now.
Average repair costs are sourced from Fixr, which compiles estimates based on nationwide averages.