Your heat pump is an crucial part of your home because it provides year-round comfort. But, like any home comfort system, it’s bound to encounter 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 contact 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 Can’t Start
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 right setting? If you want cooling, make sure it’s set to “cool,” “auto” and that your setting is lower than the ambient temperature. If you want heating, 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 appears jumbled or blank.
- Has the circuit breaker been tripped? Your heat pump won’t be able to operate 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 correct the problem, you’ll need to contact a heating and cooling company like Western Mechanical, Inc..
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 Isn’t Shutting 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 correctly and running normally. If the fan setting is at “on,” the blower motor on your air handler will go 24/7. So, it’ll appear as though your heat pump is working 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 problems 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 many 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 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 have difficulty heating your home or shut down completely.
Here are several reasons why this might be happening:
- Your heat pump doesn’t have sufficient airflow because it’s blocked by snow, bushes or yard debris.
- Your gutters are leaking 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 likely if you’re hearing bubbling or hissing sounds. Or if you find a sweet, formaldehyde-like odor around the outdoor unit.
Estimated Repair Cost
Like we mentioned 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 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 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 issues. We suggest checking for:
- Ideal 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 help 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 an issue 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 severity 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 uses. R-22 Freon is more expensive since it’s no longer being produced.
- Seal leaky ductwork: Depends on house size.
5. Heat Pump Has Trouble Turning On After Changing 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 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 an issue 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 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 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 encourage 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 tricky to reach since it’s placed 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 magnitude 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 made.
- Seal leaky ductwork: Depends on house size.
Take Care of All Heat Pump Problems Right Away with Our Help
Dealing with a malfunctioning heat pump can be irritating, but not when you get in touch with Western Mechanical, Inc.. Our professionals have been delivering the quality, affordable heat pump repair Cache Valley homeowners have relied on since 1971. Call us at 435-753-5515 to request your free estimate now.
Average repair costs are sourced from Fixr, which compiles estimates based on nationwide averages.