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 have some problems every now and then.

Let’s review these issues 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 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 easy as fixing a thermostat setting or changing 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 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 corresponding 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 fix the issue, you’ll need to contact a heating and cooling company like Central Air LLC.

Estimated Repair Cost

This issue can be complicated, so how much it costs to correct 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 typical, 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 go 24/7. So, it’ll sound like your heat pump is working all the time. Constantly using the blower can keep humidity levels under control, but it’ll also increase 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 controls 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 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 normally builds up on the coils. A heat pump that becomes totally frozen may struggle to heat your home or shut down completely.

Here are a few reasons why this might be happening:

  • Your heat pump doesn’t have sufficient airflow because it’s obstructed 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 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 noises. Or if you discover a sweet, formaldehyde-like odor near the outdoor unit.

Estimated Repair Cost

Like we discussed before, there are many 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 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 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 associated to many troubles. We recommend checking for:

  • Right 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 cost may vary based on your heat pump brand, model and the scope 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 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 linked 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 have backup or emergency heating.

You can test 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 an issue with the thermostat.

A couple other typical thermostat problems involve:

  • Wiring was done wrong.
  • Thermostat isn’t interacting 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 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 linked to similar problems with a heat pump that won’t cool. We recommend checking for:

  • Correct 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 hard 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 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 uses. R-22 Freon is more expensive since it’s no longer being made.
  • 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 frustrating, but not when you call Central Air LLC. Our experts have been delivering the quality, affordable heat pump repair Brookfield homeowners have depended on since 2003. Contact us at 203-357-5913 to secure your free estimate now.

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