Your heat pump is an important part of your home because it provides year-round comfort. But, like any home comfort system, it’s likely to have some issues once in a while.
Let’s examine these problems 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 a lot of reasons why your heat pump won’t turn on, so we suggest checking all of them. Sometimes they are as painless as fixing a thermostat setting or replacing your air filter.
Here’s what to check:
- Is your thermostat on the correct setting? If you want cooling, make sure it’s set to “cool,” “auto” and that your setting is lower than the current temperature. If you want heating, it should be set to “heat,” “auto” and your setting should be greater than the current temperature. If you have 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 turn on if it lacks 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 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 correct the problem, you’ll need to call a heating and cooling company like Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc..
Estimated Repair Cost
This problem can be complicated, so how much it costs to correct it will depend on what’s wrong.
2. Heat Pump Isn’t Shutting Off
If it’s very hot or cold outside, your heat pump may need to operate longer than normal to achieve 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 run 24/7. So, it’ll sound like your heat pump is working 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 compatible with your heat pump.
- A malfunctioning compressor contactor, which regulates the flow of electricity.
- Leaky ductwork.
Estimated Repair Cost
This can be related to many issues, so your heat pump repair cost will depend on the problem and how elaborate it is.
3. Heat Pump Can’t Remove Ice Buildup
Every now and then during cold weather, your heat pump will briefly go into cooling mode. This will dissolve 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 altogether.
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 leaking water on top of your heat pump, causing an icy buildup.
- A part is not working, 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 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 degree 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 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 troubles. We advise checking for:
- Correct 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 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 expense 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 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 changing the thermostat, the problem is probably linked 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 test your new thermostat by switching 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 common thermostat problems include:
- Wiring was done wrong.
- 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 professional 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 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 connected 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 assistance of an HVAC technician. Ductwork is tricky to reach since it’s placed 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 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 more expensive since it’s no longer being produced.
- Seal leaky ductwork: Depends on house size.
Take Care of Your Heat Pump Problems Quickly and Affordably with Help from Local Experts
Dealing with a malfunctioning heat pump can be irritating, but not when you call Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc.. Our pros have been delivering the quality, affordable heat pump repair Hodgenville homeowners have relied on since 1933. Call us at 270-358-3167 to request your free estimate now.
Average repair costs are sourced from Fixr, which compiles estimates based on nationwide averages.
