Top 4 Signs You Need to Schedule Heat Pump Repair
Key takeaways:
• Simply changing the air filter or checking the thermostat could save you a service call.
• If your heat pump is not heating, not cooling, or is making funny noises, you should schedule heat pump repair.
• You can help prevent future problems with regular maintenance.
By Anne Fonda
Electric heat pump systems are heating and cooling systems designed to heat and cool your home efficiently. But like all mechanical appliances, things can go wrong, and you need to call a professional to find the problem and fix it.
Today, we’ll discuss 4 of the top signs that you may need to call for heat pump repair.
Sign #1: Heat pump not turning on
If your heat pump is not turning on at all, check your thermostat to ensure you have the indoor temperature set appropriately and the thermostat is set to Cool or Heat Mode, depending on the season. Next, check your air filter and replace it if it’s dirty. Check your circuit breaker box to make sure the heat pump has not tripped a breaker.
If everything else is in order but your heat pump still won’t turn on, schedule heat pump repair.
Sign #2: Heat pump not heating/heat pump not cooling
If your heat pump is blowing warm air in the summer or cool air in the winter, you have a problem. Replace the air filter if it’s dirty, as restricted airflow can cause this problem. Check your thermostat and make sure the fan is set to Auto and the appropriate temperature for the season.
If those simple fixes don’t solve the problem, it may be that there’s an issue with the reversing valve or refrigerant levels, possibly due to a refrigerant leak. Call in an HVAC professional for heat pump service.
Sign #3: Heat pump making unusual noises
Your heat pump will make a certain amount of noise when it’s running – quieter when it’s running at a lower speed, and louder when it’s running at 100% capacity. You’re familiar with that sound.
What you need to listen for is unusual noises such as clanking, grinding, screeching, etc. Excessive vibration from a loose or failing part can cause these noises. Shut the unit off and call for heat pump repair.
Sign #4: Increased energy bills
If your heating and cooling bills are going up but the weather isn’t extreme and your electricity rate hasn’t gone up, you may want to schedule heat pump repair, or at the very least, a tune-up.
Unexplained higher energy bills could indicate a problem with your system that is making it less efficient. Worn-out parts or failing parts could be to blame.
As always, be sure you’re changing the HVAC air filter regularly, because a clogged filter can make your heat pump work harder and use more energy.
What does heat pump repair cost?
Your cost will depend on what the problem is, where you live, local labor rates, how old the heat pump is, if it’s under warranty, if you have an HVAC service contract, and more.
Heat pump repair services can cost from $75 to $2,900. The following table shows some common repairs/parts replacement and their national average cost.
| Heat Pump Replacement Part | Average Cost of the Repair |
| Capacitor | $100-$400 |
| Circuit Board | $75-$600 |
| Compressor | $900-$2900 |
| Condensate Drain Tube | $100-$195 |
| Condensate Pump | $100-$165 |
| Condenser Coil | $850-$2,900 |
| Defrost Mode Control Board | $200-$650 |
| Drain Pan | $150-$350 |
| Evaporator Coil | $550-$2,500 |
| Expansion Valve | $100-$700 |
| Fan Motor | $200-$700 |
| Fuses and Relays | $75-$290 |
| Refrigerant Charge | Will vary on the type of refrigerant (R-22 or R-410A) and how much. |
| Refrigerant Lines | $200-$1,500 |
| Reversing Valve | $400-$700 |
| Thermostat | $90-$600 |
Be prepared for the repair or replacement discussion
If you’re paying more and more money for more frequent heat pump repairs, it may be time to replace the system. The age of the heat pump, whether it’s still under warranty, and the cost of HVAC repairs will factor into this decision.
Check out our Repair or Replace Guide for some tips.
Prevent problems with regular heat pump maintenance
You can help prevent the need for costly repairs and prolong the life of your HVAC system with regular maintenance. On your part, this includes changing the air filter every 1-3 months year-round. The frequency will depend on the quality of the filter and how often your system is running. Read our HVAC air filter replacement guide for some tips.
It’s important to keep the area around the outdoor unit clear as well. Keep shrubs, vines, and other plant material at least two feet away from the heat pump on all sides to help ensure proper airflow.
Professional maintenance
Lastly, schedule professional HVAC maintenance each spring and fall. The HVAC technician will check both the indoor unit and the outdoor unit. With regular maintenance, they can identify small issues and fix them before they become big problems. Think of these service visits as similar to changing the oil in your car, rotating the tires, and doing a brake check.
Regular maintenance helps your heat pump and indoor unit run safely and more efficiently, which can save you money on your utility bills. Consider signing up for an HVAC maintenance plan for cost savings and convenience.
Reach out today
If your heat pump isn’t heating or it’s not cooling, contact the heat pump experts today. Depending on where you live, not every HVAC company will have expertise in servicing and repairing heat pumps. Your local American Standard dealer has the experience you need. They will troubleshoot and diagnose the issue and make the necessary repairs to get your home comfortable again.
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 Kimberly Sexton, Senior Systems Engineer
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