Your heat pump is an crucial part of your home because it produces year-round comfort. But, like any home comfort system, it’s bound to encounter some issues once in a while.

Let’s examine 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 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 recommend checking all of them. Sometimes they are as painless as restoring a thermostat setting or changing 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 room 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, put in new the batteries if the screen appears jumbled or blank.
  • Has the circuit breaker been tripped? Your heat pump won’t be able to run if it lacks power. Reset the appropriate 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 get a new one.

If these steps don’t fix the issue, you’ll need to call a heating and cooling company like Watts Electric & AC.

Estimated Repair Cost

This problem 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 operate 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 go 24/7. So, it’ll appear as though your heat pump is working all the time. Constantly running the blower can keep humidity levels in check, but it’ll also increase 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 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 builds up on the coils. A heat pump that becomes heavily iced over 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 dripping water on top of your heat pump, producing an icy buildup.
  • A part is not working, which may include 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 sounds. Or if you discover a sweet, formaldehyde-like odor close to 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 several 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 type of refrigerant your heat pump uses. R-22 Freon is pricier since it’s no longer being made.

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 connected to many issues. We advise 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 an issue 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 severity 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 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 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 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 start in your air handler, there’s probably a problem 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 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 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 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 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 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 annoying, but not when you contact Watts Electric & AC. Our professionals have been delivering the quality, affordable heat pump repair Columbia homeowners have relied on since {year}. Call us at 601-736-7362 to secure your free estimate now.

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