Your heat pump is an essential part of your home because it produces year-round comfort. But, like any home comfort system, it’s bound to have some issues once in a while.
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 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 painless as restoring a thermostat setting or swapping your air filter.
Here’s what to check:
- Is your thermostat on the correct setting? If you want air conditioning, 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 use a programmable thermostat, replace 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 matching breaker if it’s facing the outside of the electrical panel.
- Is the air filter dirty? A dirty air filter is problematic 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 fix the issue, you’ll need to contact a heating and cooling company like Kapaun & Brown.
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 run longer than normal to achieve your desired temperature.
If the weather is normal, check that your thermostat is set properly 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 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 regulates the flow of electricity.
- Leaky ductwork.
Estimated Repair Cost
This can be linked to a few issues, so your heat pump repair cost will depend on the problem and how difficult it is.
3. Heat Pump Won’t Defrost
Every now and then during cold weather, your heat pump will temporarily 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 a few reasons why this might be taking place:
- Your heat pump doesn’t have enough airflow because it’s blocked by snow, bushes or yard debris.
- Your gutters are dripping water on top of your heat pump, creating an icy buildup.
- A part is malfunctioning, which may consist of 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 around the outdoor unit.
Estimated Repair Cost
Like we mentioned before, there are a few 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 type of refrigerant your heat pump uses. R-22 Freon is higher priced 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 issues. We suggest checking for:
- Ideal thermostat settings
- Tripped circuit breakers
- A clogged air filter
- Ice on your heat pump
If there’s nothing faulty 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 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 expense 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 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.
5. Heat Pump Won’t Turn on After Changing Thermostat
If your heat pump won’t turn on after switching 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 need backup or emergency heating.
You can check your new thermostat by changing the fan mode to “on.” If you don’t hear the blower motor running in your air handler, there’s probably a problem with the thermostat.
A couple other typical thermostat problems involve:
- Wiring was done incorrectly.
- Thermostat isn’t communicating with heat pump.
- Thermostat is in emergency heat mode, which requires a reset.
It’s recommended 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 issues.
Estimated Repair Costs
The cost of professional thermostat installation depends considerably on what type of thermostat you want. While programmable thermostats are less expensive, they lack 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 clogged 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 found behind walls and multiple 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 runs on. R-22 Freon is higher priced since it’s no longer being made.
- 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 irritating, but not when you contact Kapaun & Brown. Our professionals have been providing the quality, affordable heat pump repair Marshalltown homeowners have depended on since {year}. Get in touch with us at 641-812-2028 to get your free estimate now.
Average repair costs are sourced from Fixr, which compiles estimates based on nationwide averages.