Your heat pump is an important part of your home because it delivers year-round comfort. But, like any home comfort system, it’s likely to experience some problems once in a while.
Let’s review these issues and how much they might cost to fix, 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 Won’t Turn On
There are a lot of reasons why your heat pump won’t turn on, so we suggest checking all of them. Sometimes they are as easy as correcting a thermostat setting or replacing your air filter.
Here’s what to check:
- Is your thermostat on the right setting? If you want air conditioning, make sure it’s set to “cool,” “auto” and that your setting is lower than the room temperature. If you want heat, it should be set to “heat,” “auto” and your setting should 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 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 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 contact a heating and cooling company like Cooler Tymes LLC.
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 very hot or cold outside, your heat pump may need to run longer than normal to reach your desired temperature.
If the weather is normal, check that your thermostat is set correctly and operating normally. If the fan setting is at “on,” the blower motor on your air handler will go 24/7. So, it’ll sound like your heat pump is running all the time. Constantly using the blower can keep humidity levels in check, but it’ll also drive up your electrical bills.
If your thermostat is set correctly, 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 appropriate for 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 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 normally builds up on the coils. A heat pump that becomes heavily iced over may struggle to heat your home or shut down completely.
Here are a few reasons why this might be happening:
- Your heat pump doesn’t have sufficient airflow because it’s blocked by snow, bushes or yard waste.
- Your gutters are dripping water on top of your heat pump, creating an icy buildup.
- A part is malfunctioning, 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 possible if you’re hearing bubbling or hissing noises. Or if you discover a sweet, formaldehyde-like odor near 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 few estimated costs for some of these issues. Keep in mind your cost may vary based on your heat pump brand, model and the severity 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 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 linked to many problems. We suggest checking for:
- Right 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 help from an HVAC technician to diagnose 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 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 pricier 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 linked 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 need 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 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 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 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 recommend 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 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 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.
Resolve Your Heat Pump Problems Quickly and Affordably with Our Help
Dealing with a malfunctioning heat pump can be irritating, but not when you contact Cooler Tymes LLC. Our pros have been delivering the quality, affordable heat pump repair Litchfield Park homeowners have relied on since 2011. Call us at 623-208-6444 to get your free estimate now.
Average repair costs are sourced from Fixr, which compiles estimates based on nationwide averages.