8 Most Common Heat Pump Repair Issues
Key takeaways:
• When a heat pump is properly installed and maintained, heat pump repairs should be few and far between. But like any machine, breakdowns can happen.
• Repairs can become more frequent as a heat pump ages.
• Work with an HVAC contractor experienced with all aspects of heat pumps.
By Anne Fonda
A heat pump system is a high-tech system with a lot of moving parts. While regular maintenance can help you avoid problems, as your system ages, you may need to schedule heat pump repair.
The purpose and value of this article is intended to inform/prepare you for what an HVAC repair tech might tell you. Sort of like the way we look up why our car might be making a funny noise or pulling to the left. Or Google our medical symptoms. We want to have an idea of what to expect.
Here are some heat pump issues that may come up, in order of most common to least common. Remember, work with an HVAC professional to diagnose the problem fully and make the needed repairs.
Drain pan & condensate line issues
Your heat pump system includes the indoor air handler (or furnace) and indoor coil. The indoor coil generates condensation, which flows through the condensate line, which exits outside your home. A sign of a problem with the drain pan or condensate line would be a puddle of water on the floor near the indoor unit.
The possible fix: Replacing a cracked condensate drain pan, replacing a cracked condensate line, or flushing a clog out of the condensate line.
Capacitor replacement
A heat pump capacitor plays a big role in starting your heat pump up and keeping it running. It looks like a small canister connected to multiple wires. Signs of a bad or failing capacitor include:
- The heat pump is running but not blowing warm or cool air.
- The heat pump is making a loud humming noise.
- The heat pump is short-cycling.
- The heat pump won’t turn on at all.
- The unit is running, but the fan isn’t spinning.
- There is a burning smell at the outdoor unit.
The possible fix: Replace the capacitor.
Valve replacement
Your heat pump system has several valves. These include:
- Reversing valves
- Expansion valves
- Check valves
The possible fix: Replace the faulty valve, but test the system for other problems. A faulty valve can be connected to another problem, such as electrical issues or refrigerant issues.
Defrost control board or sensor replacement
During heating season, your heat pump will enter a defrost cycle periodically. This is a necessary and normal process. Since the outdoor coil is typically 10-20°F colder than the outdoor air, the condensation that forms during the refrigeration process can freeze.
This frost or ice can block airflow. So, the heat pump enters defrost mode to melt the ice. Essentially, the system enters cooling mode for a few minutes to heat up the outdoor coil and melt the ice.
If there is a problem with the defrost mode sensors or the defrost control board itself, the ice won’t melt.
The possible fix: An HVAC technician will run diagnostic tests to pinpoint the problem and replace any faulty parts. They will then test the system again to ensure the defrost cycle is working again.
Refrigerant leak
Less common is a refrigerant leak. You may have a leak in the refrigerant lines, at the valves, evaporator coil, or condenser coil. A certified HVAC technician is the only person who should be working with an HVAC unit with a refrigerant leak.
Signs of a refrigerant leak could include:
- Low refrigerant levels
- Visible oil puddle near the condenser, oil in the drain pan, or oily streaks on the coil
- Heat pump not cooling
- Heat pump not heating
- Frozen evaporator coil
The possible fix: If an HVAC technician suspects a refrigerant leak, they may use a leak detector or perform a bubble test with soapy water or a dye test to locate the source of the leak. Some leaks can be repaired, such as a failed braze connection or replacing a faulty component.
Larger leaks may require more parts replacement or even unit replacement.
Compressor issues
Your heat pump’s compressor is the heart of the refrigeration cycle. It pumps and circulates the refrigerant through the system, maintaining adequate pressure during both the heating and cooling cycles.
Signs of an issue with the compressor might include:
- Unusual noises like grinding, banging, or rattling noises from the outdoor unit
- Not heating or not cooling
- Reduced airflow
- Tripping circuit breaker
- Failure to start or overheating
- Unexpected spike in energy bill
The possible fix: Find what caused the compressor to fail, fix the underlying issues, and replace the compressor. This can be a pricey repair ($2,500-$5,000), so if your system is 12+ years old, you may want to think about replacing the heat pump.
If it’s a larger leak in one of the coils, they might say you need a new evaporator coil or condenser coil. These are pricey HVAC repairs, running upwards of $3,000 on the low end.
You will need to weigh the pros and cons of replacing the coils or replacing the entire unit. Today’s heat pump systems are more energy efficient and reliable at heating and cooling your home than those manufactured just 10 years ago, and come with exceptional warranties. Our Repair or Replace Guide has some tips to help you make the best decision.
You can also learn more about heat pumps with these resources.
Blower motor issues
The blower motor is located in your air handler or furnace. Its job is to circulate the warm or cool air throughout your home via the ductwork. Signs of a faulty or failing blower motor can include:
- Loud noises
- Airflow issues
- Frozen evaporator coil
- Overheating with a burning smell
The possible fix: It could include repairing or replacing the blower motor. An HVAC technician will troubleshoot and determine the appropriate fix.
Electrical issues
Electrical issues can wreak havoc with a heat pump system. The most obvious sign of an electrical issue is a heat pump that won’t start or stops running.
The possible fix: Could include replacing fuses and contactors, tightening connections, and replacing frayed or cut wiring. It might also include replacing the control board. A good HVAC technician will also look for underlying issues.
Prevent heat pump problems and prolong the life of the unit with regular maintenance
You can prevent a lot of problems and costly repairs by simply replacing your HVAC air filter every 30-90 days. A clogged or dirty air filter can cause your system to work harder, overheat, and even break down completely.
In addition, keep the area around the outdoor unit clear for two feet around all sides to help with proper airflow. Inside, keep the supply registers and return air vents clear for the same reason.
Schedule professional heat pump maintenance each spring before cooling season and each fall before heating season. This can help keep your system running at peak performance and catch any issues while they are small.
Work with trusted HVAC professionals
Whether you need to schedule heat pump repair or heat pump maintenance, it’s important that you choose an HVAC company with plenty of experience with these systems. Your local American Standard dealer has that experience. Whether they installed your heat pump system or someone else did, reach out now to get the help you need.
Anne Fonda, Content Writer
A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.
She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.
When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.
Expert review by Mark Woodruff, Senior Product Manager, Ducted Outdoor
