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 every now and then.

Let’s review these problems and how much they might cost to fix, 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 plenty of reasons why your heat pump won’t turn on, so we recommend 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 proper setting? If you want cooling, make sure it’s set to “cool,” “auto” and that your setting is lower than the room temperature. If you want heating, it should be set to “heat,” “auto” and your setting should be higher than the current temperature. If you use 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 turn on if it lacks power. Reset the matching 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 replace it.

If these steps don’t correct the issue, you’ll need to call a heating and cooling company like Scott Temperature.

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 Won’t Turn Off

If it’s very 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 operating 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 in check, but it’ll also increase your electrical bills.

If your thermostat is set correctly, 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 related to a lot of issues, so your heat pump repair cost will depend on the problem and how difficult it is.

3. Heat Pump Isn’t Defrosting

Occasionally during cold weather, your heat pump will temporarily go into cooling mode. This will dissolve light frost and ice that normally accumulates on the coils. A heat pump that becomes totally frozen 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 sufficient airflow because it’s blocked by snow, bushes or yard debris.
  • Your gutters are dripping water on top of your heat pump, causing an icy buildup.
  • A part is not working, 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 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 few 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 type of refrigerant your heat pump uses. R-22 Freon is pricier 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 recommend checking for:

  • Right thermostat settings
  • Tripped circuit breakers
  • A clogged air filter
  • Ice on your heat pump

If there’s nothing wrong 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 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 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 pricier since it’s no longer being manufactured.
  • Seal leaky ductwork: Depends on house size.

5. Heat Pump Malfunctions After Upgrading the Thermostat

If your heat pump won’t turn on after changing 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 true 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 involve:

  • Wiring was done incorrectly.
  • 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 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 lack the advanced features and convenience of a smart thermostat.

6. Heat Pump Can’t Work in Heating Mode

A heat pump that won’t heat is connected to similar problems with a heat pump that won’t cool. We recommend checking for:

  • Correct 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 difficult 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 level 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 runs on. R-22 Freon is higher priced since it’s no longer being produced.
  • Seal leaky ductwork: Depends on house size.

Resolve Those Heat Pump Problems Quickly and Affordably with Our Help

Dealing with a malfunctioning heat pump can be annoying, but not when you get in touch with Scott Temperature. Our professionals have been providing the quality, affordable heat pump repair Lawrence homeowners have depended on since 1945. Call us at 785-269-0465 to get your free estimate now.

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