Your heat pump is an essential part of your home because it delivers year-round comfort. But, like any home comfort system, it’s likely to experience some problems once in a while.
Let’s review these issues 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 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 simple as restoring a thermostat setting or swapping 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 heat, it should be set to “heat,” “auto” and your setting should be greater than the current temperature. If you have a programmable thermostat, replace 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 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 troublesome 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 Mountain Air.
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 extremely 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 operating 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 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 a lot of issues, so your heat pump repair cost will depend on the problem and how complex it is.
3. Heat Pump Can’t Remove Ice Buildup
Occasionally 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 totally frozen may struggle to heat your home or shut down completely.
Here are a few reasons why this might be taking place:
- Your heat pump doesn’t have enough 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 talked about before, there are a few 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 a