Your heat pump is an crucial part of your home because it provides year-round comfort. But, like any home comfort system, it’s likely to experience some issues once in a while.
Let’s review 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 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 easy as correcting a thermostat setting or swapping your air filter.
Here’s what to check:
- Is your thermostat on the proper 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 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 run if it lacks 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 correct the problem, you’ll need to call a heating and cooling company like Vogts Heating & Air.
Estimated Repair Cost
This issue can be complex, so how much it costs to correct it will depend on what’s wrong.
2. Heat Pump Won’t Turn Off
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 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 sound like your heat pump is running all the time. Constantly using the blower can keep humidity levels under control, but it’ll also drive up your electrical bills.
If your thermostat is set correctly, 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 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 many issues, so your heat pump repair cost will depend on the problem and how complex it is.
3. Heat Pump Won’t Defrost
Occasionally during cold weather, your heat pump will briefly go into cooling mode. This will dissolve light frost and ice that naturally 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 enough airflow because it’s obstructed by snow, bushes or yard waste.
- Your gutters are dripping water on top of your heat pump, causing 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 noises. 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 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 more expensive since it’s no longer being produced.
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 linked to many troubles. 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 diagnose a problem with your ductwork or an iced-over heat pump. Like we reviewed 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 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 more expensive since it’s no longer being produced.
- 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 changing 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 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 running in your air handler, there’s probably an issue with the thermostat.
A couple other typical thermostat problems include:
- Wiring was done incorrectly.
- 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 avoid any compatibility or wiring issues.
Estimated Repair Costs
The cost of professional thermostat installation depends considerably 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 connected to similar problems with a heat pump that won’t cool. We encourage 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 hard to reach since it’s found 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 level 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 runs on. 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 frustrating, but not when you get in touch with Vogts Heating & Air. Our professionals have been delivering the quality, affordable heat pump repair Pocatello homeowners have relied on since {year}. Call us at 208-621-0129 to secure your free estimate now.
Average repair costs are sourced from Fixr, which compiles estimates based on nationwide averages.