Key Takeaways
- The most common heat pump repairs typically involve electrical problems or refrigerant issues.
- A lack of preventive maintenance is one of the main reasons heat pumps break down.
- While some repairs, like refilling refrigerant, may be done by a savvy DIYer, most are best left to the pros.
A heat pump is an energy-efficient HVAC system that provides heating and cooling throughout the year. Like anything else in your home, it needs occasional repairs and maintenance to function effectively. Heat pump repairs and replacements should be left mainly to the professionals — working on an HVAC system requires significant expertise, as does working with electrical wiring and sharp components that pose a risk to your safety. You can void your warranty if you complete DIY work on your HVAC unit, so always double-check your manufacturer’s warranty before attempting any repairs.
On average, you can expect to pay $100 for minor repairs and up to $3,000 for significant repairs, such as blower motor or compressor replacement. While heat pump repairs often have a considerable upfront cost, the long-term savings and peace of mind provided are worthwhile for those seeking to extend the longevity of their heat pump and reduce energy costs.
In this guide, we’ll cover the most common heat pump repairs, such as faulty thermostats and broken blower motors, and outline the typical costs associated with these repairs. Plus, we’ll review signs that indicate your heat pump needs repair and how you can prevent larger repairs and breakdowns in the future.
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Common Heat Pump Problems and Repairs
The most common heat pump problems and repairs usually involve electrical components, such as faulty blower motors, or refrigerant problems, including leaks or low refrigerant levels. On average, expect to pay between $100 for minor repairs and $3,000 for significant repairs, such as compressor replacement, according to Ohio-based Watkins Heating & Cooling. While repairs can be costly, remember that they are less expensive than a complete heat pump replacement, which can cost up to $7,500.
We’ve provided typical repair costs for each heat pump problem, but this doesn’t include the initial inspection and diagnostic fee (which usually costs around $100 or so), so don’t forget to factor this into your budget.
Refrigerant Leaks or Low Levels
Refrigerant is a chemical compound that absorbs heat from the air, and then your heat pump transfers the heat into your home to warm it.
When your heat pump is low on refrigerant, it can’t maintain a cozy temperature in the home, and the system may even build up ice on the evaporator coil. Call an HVAC professional immediately if you notice a leak, as your system may have corroded or experienced accidental damage, allowing refrigerant to escape. A leak immediately hinders your heat pump’s ability to function properly and harms the environment.
While you can check the refrigerant levels yourself to see if they’re low, we recommend calling a professional to repair a leak or refill the refrigerant, as there may be other underlying issues. Starting costs for recharging refrigerant run between $200 and $500, with larger systems requiring additional product, according to HVAC.com. Fixing a leak costs more, usually between $200 and $1,000, depending on the source of the leak.
Electrical Component Failures
Along with refrigerant problems, electrical component failures are the most common types of heat pump repairs, based on our research.
A blower motor is a critical electrical component in a heat pump that provides power to the blower fan. If your blower motor isn’t working correctly, you may notice burning smells, rattling or humming noises, higher energy bills, or weak or no airflow coming from the vents. If you notice any of these signs, call an HVAC professional to have your system assessed and repaired.
Standard blower motor replacement costs around $450 for a standard model, or up to $1,500 for a high-efficiency model, according to HVAC.com. Repairs are much less expensive, averaging between $150 and $400. This job is best left to the pros, as it’s a complex process that exposes you to wiring and sharp components.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
If you’re experiencing freezing temperatures outside, it’s not uncommon for a heat pump to experience frost buildup. Typically, the heat pump’s defrost mode is sufficient for keeping the system warm and decreasing how much frost builds up on the system.
However, if the evaporator coils completely freeze, call for emergency HVAC repair. If your defrost mode isn’t working, don’t run the system as this can cause irreparable damage to your system, costing you far more in repairs or necessitating a complete evaporator coil replacement.
Costs will vary depending on the root cause, which could be blocked return vents, a faulty thermostat, refrigerant leaks, or a dirty evaporator coil. Speak with an HVAC professional for a better understanding of how much this repair will cost.
Thermostat Malfunctions
Your thermostat tells the heat pump what temperature to maintain throughout your home. If it’s faulty, you may need a complete thermostat replacement or wiring repairs, which are best left to HVAC professionals. Signs of a thermostat malfunction include increased energy bills, short-cycling of the HVAC system, incorrect temperature readings, a constantly running heat pump, or an unresponsive thermostat.
Fortunately, thermostats are one of the less expensive repairs or replacements. Depending on the issue, you’re looking at between $90 and $600 for thermostat repairs or replacements, according to Trane. Smart thermostats will cost more, sometimes up to $900 for a complete replacement, per Watkins Heating & Cooling.
Reversing Valve Issues
The reversing valve is responsible for switching the heat pump between heating and cooling modes by changing the direction in which refrigerant flows. If your reversing valve is faulty, you may notice issues with your heat pump staying stuck in one mode.
If you notice that your heat pump is stuck in either heating or cooling mode, call your HVAC professional to have this immediately repaired. The reversing valve is often tricky to access, making this a project best left for the experts. Replacing a faulty reversing valve usually costs between $400 and $700, according to Trane.
Signs Your Heat Pump Needs Repair
Your heat pump needs repair if you notice changes such as increased energy bills, strange noises or smells, and ineffective heating throughout your home. Check for these signs to see if your heat pump needs repair:
- Unusual noises (clicking, buzzing, or humming)
- Inconsistent temperatures in your home or different rooms
- Constant running or short-cycling
- Icy buildup on coils or a frozen-over unit
- Sudden spike in energy bills
- Leaking refrigerant
- Low refrigerant levels
- Heat pump blowing cold air while in heat mode
- Strange smells (burning, rotting, or musty smells)
- Humidity problems in the home
When To Repair Vs. Replace a Heat Pump
The average lifespan of a heat pump is between 10 and 15 years, so if your heat pump is already at this age, it’s probably time to replace it. Older systems often don’t meet current energy-efficiency requirements, meaning you’re losing money in energy costs — replacing an older model with an ENERGY STAR heat pump can save you up to 20% on heating costs.
If you have a newer system, consider replacing your heat pump if the repairs exceed 50% of the replacement cost.
“Look at a breakdown of repair and replacement cost comparison first — if the difference is little, replace it,” said Danny Pen, president at New Era Plumbing & HVAC in Dracut, Massachusetts. “But if a heat pump is over 10 years old and already running inefficiently, a full replacement makes more sense — even if it’s only a tiny, inexpensive repair needed at the moment, it won’t help much. You’ll face more breakdowns in the near future and end up replacing the system anyway after wasting money on short-term repairs.
“While age is the biggest factor, also pay attention to how often your heat pump asks for repairs,” Pen added. “One repair might not be a big deal, but if it’s the second or third repair in the past year, that’s a sign the whole system is in bad condition.”
Preventive Maintenance Tips
Maintenance is the best way to prevent heat pump breakdowns. Follow these preventive maintenance tips to reduce your out-of-pocket cost for repairs in the future:
- Inspect, clean, or replace air filters every one to three months, depending on the type of filter.
- Check for obstructions regularly.
- Schedule professional maintenance biannually (we recommend spring and fall appointments for heat pump maintenance to avoid the busy summer and winter months).
- Reference your manufacturer’s guide and double-check that your heat pump’s settings match each season’s recommended settings.
- Clear snow or debris around the outdoor unit.
- Call an HVAC professional as soon as you notice unusual signs to reduce the risk of a larger issue developing.
Next Steps
After assessing your heat pump for strange smells, noises, or efficiency problems — such as inconsistent temperatures in your home — take a moment to call several HVAC professionals in your area. We recommend gathering at least three quotes to assess how each professional approaches the problem, their professionalism, and their recommendations to address the issue. Ask each provider about warranties as well, to get a complete idea of whether or not you’ll have extra protection after the repair is complete.
Remember, early repairs can prevent major breakdowns or more drastic repairs in the future. Schedule biannual heat pump checkups with your HVAC professional each spring and fall. While these quick checkups cost you a little upfront, they can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars if they prevent or minimize the cost of future heat pump repairs or replacements. You may even qualify for HVAC tax credits to lower your tax bill.
FAQs About Common Heat Pump Repairs
Can I repair a heat pump myself?
Unless you have HVAC experience, we don’t recommend repairing a heat pump yourself. Heat pump repairs involve working with electrical components and navigating around sharp components, both of which pose a serious safety risk to you.
You can also void your manufacturer’s warranty if you don’t work with a professional or if the HVAC installation isn’t done correctly the first time, which will cost you most in the long run.
How often do heat pumps need servicing?
Heat pumps need servicing once or twice a year. We recommend scheduling an appointment with your HVAC professional each spring and fall to avoid their busy winter and summer months, when there’s a greater demand for heat pump service.
How much does it cost to fix a heat pump not heating?
A heat pump that isn’t heating can be caused by various issues, ranging from tripped circuit breakers, ice buildup on the heat pump, or leaky ductwork. Depending on the root cause, you’ll likely pay between $200 and $650 for repairs, according to Minnesota-based Gopher Heating & Air Conditioning.
Are heat pump repairs covered by warranty?
Some heat pump repairs are covered by a manufacturer’s warranty, so the manufacturer may pay to cover the cost of some replacement parts. However, most warranty manufacturers won’t pay for the price of labor.
