Average Repair Costs for Six Common Heat Pump Problems

2/2/2021

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Your heat pump is an crucial part of your home because it delivers year-round comfort. But, like any home comfort system, it’s likely to experience some problems every now and then.

Let’s examine these troubles and how much they might cost to fix, so you’ll have some idea before you contact 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 Isn’t Turning 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 simple as restoring a thermostat setting or swapping your air filter.

Here’s what to check:

• Is your thermostat on the right setting? If you want cooling, 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 be higher 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 does not have power. Reset the appropriate 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 issue, you’ll need to call a heating and cooling company like AC Sales.

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 Stays On Constantly

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

If the weather is normal, 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 run 24/7. So, it’ll appear as though 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 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 appropriate for your heat pump.
• A malfunctioning compressor contactor, which regulates 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 complex it is.

3. Heat Pump Isn’t Defrosting

Occasionally during cold weather, your heat pump will briefly go into cooling mode. This will melt 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 taking place:

• Your heat pump doesn’t have enough airflow because it’s obstructed by snow, bushes or yard waste.
• Your gutters are leaking water on top of your heat pump, causing 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 likely if you’re hearing bubbling or hissing noises. Or if you find a sweet, formaldehyde-like odor near 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 severity of the problem.

• 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 manufactured.

4. Heat Pump Can’t Produce Cool Air

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:

• Correct thermostat settings
• Tripped circuit breakers
• A clogged air filter
• Ice on your heat pump

If there’s nothing awry 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 Cost

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 Isn’t Starting After Upgrading the Thermostaty

If your heat pump won’t turn on after switching the thermostat, the problem is probably connected 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 a problem with the thermostat.

A couple other common thermostat problems include:

• Wiring was done wrong.
• Thermostat isn’t interacting 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 less expensive, they are missing the advanced 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 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 assistance of an HVAC technician. Ductwork is difficult to reach since it’s located behind walls and numerous 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 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 pricier since it’s no longer being manufactured.
• Seal leaky ductwork: Depends on house size.

Fix Your Heat Pump Problems Quickly and Affordably with Help from Local Experts

Dealing with a malfunctioning heat pump can be annoying, but not when you contact AC Sales. Our professionals have been providing the quality, affordable heat pump repair Lafayette homeowners have relied on since . Get in touch with us at (337) 234-2345 to secure your free estimate now.

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

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