Heat Pump Repair: Cost and Common Issues
Last edited
Author
Andrew Blok
Electrification and Solar Writer and Editor
Editor
Andrew Giermak
Solar and Electrification Writer and Editor
A heat pump is a long-term investment, often designed to deliver comfort and energy savings for 15 to 20 years or more. To protect that investment and ensure your home stays efficient, it’s helpful to know what to do when your system needs a little attention.
Whether you’re curious about simple maintenance tasks you can handle yourself or wondering when it's time to call in a pro, this guide breaks down common repair needs and what to expect for costs.
See how much you can save with a new HVAC system from Palmetto
How to get a heat pump repaired
A licensed technician should repair a heat pump. Working on a heat pump requires electrical, mechanical, and chemical knowledge. Inexpert work could lead to hazardous and expensive mistakes.
Inexpert work with refrigerants or electrical equipment can be dangerous. Unauthorized DIY work on a system can also void a warranty or service agreement. Plus, you want your heat pump restored as fully as possible to its highest efficiency. A poorly executed repair leaves efficiency on the table.
So, how do you find the right heat pump repair service? Reviews, especially from a neighbor, can pay dividends.
When you lease your HVAC system, most common repairs are covered by your monthly payment. Having your repair baked in saves you the hassle of finding a reliable company in the heat of the moment.
Common heat pump repairs
When you’re not getting cool air in July, or warm air in January, or you’re hearing scary noises from your heat pump, it’s time to call a professional. Here are some common problems you might face with your system.
- Clicking capacitor: A capacitor starts the motor for the fans and compressor. If your heat pump is clicking and won’t turn on or struggles to turn on, it could need a new capacitor.
- Refrigerant: Refrigerant leaks are rare in present-day heat pumps, but can still happen. A professional is required for the handling, repair, and recharging of refrigerant in a heat pump.
- Frozen coils: A frozen coil can happen in the winter on the exterior coil and, perhaps surprisingly, in the summer with the indoor coil. This can mean an airflow problem, a refrigerant leak, or a defrost cycle not working.
- Reversing valve: If you’re getting warm air in the summer or cool air in the winter, it could be a stuck or broken reversing valve.
- Compressor catastrophe: A failing or dead compressor is a very significant repair. Often, when a compressor blows, it is worth it to consider doing the repair versus replacing the entire unit.
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Heat pump repair costs
The cost of heat pump repairs varies quite a bit. It depends on labor costs in your area, if it’s an emergency job, and if the job requires replacement parts. The range can go from about $100 all the way to amounts that make buying a new heat pump make more sense.
Here are some of the common repairs you’ll see with a heat pump and an estimated range of the repair cost.
| Repair | Cost range |
|---|---|
| New capacitor | $100-$400 |
| Fixing default cycle | $200-$650 |
| Refrigerant leak repair | $200-$1,500 |
| New reversing valve | $400-$700 |
| Coil replacement | $500-$2,900 |
| New compressor | $900-$2,900 |
Heat pump maintenance
While heat pump repairs and installation are jobs for the pros, some heat pump maintenance jobs can be handled on your own.
- Replace or clean air filters: HVAC air filters should be replaced or cleaned, as recommended, every 1-3 months (depending on use) to keep your air clean and your HVAC system efficient.
- Keep the outdoor unit clear: The exterior unit also needs good, clean airflow. There should be about two feet of space around a unit free of obstructions.
- Clean the coils: Heat pump coils need to be cleaned regularly to work efficiently. This may be a DIY or a professional job. If you DIY it, cut the power to the system at your electrical panel, then vacuum the coils with a soft brush, then follow the instructions for a coil-specific cleaner.
- Keep condensate lines clean: A heat pump has to remove condensation when it is cooling an indoor space. Make sure the drain line is clear.
- Keep vents and ducts clear: All of the ducts and vents throughout the house should remain clear of obstruction. Checking these areas are free of debris and don’t have a blanket or clothing accidentally covering them helps the whole system work efficiently.
Read a more detailed breakdown here: Heat Pump Maintenance Guide
If heat pump repair is a concern, a heat pump lease can provide some peace of mind. Regular service and repair is included in the cost of the lease. When you lease a heat pump with Palmetto's Comfort Plan, your predictable monthly payments cover installation, regular maintenance, and common repairs for the lifetime of the agreement.
Explore your options with an HVAC lease from Palmetto today.
See how much you can save with a new HVAC system from Palmetto
Frequently asked questions
Can you repair a heat pump yourself?
Largely, the answer is no. Any work with electrical components or chemicals, such as repairing a refrigerant leak, needs to be done by a licensed technician. It’s highly recommended to have a professional work on a heat pump for better efficiency, safety, long-term results, savings, and keeping a warranty or contract valid.
How much does heat pump repair cost?
Heat pump repair jobs have a wide range of costs depending on the component in need of repair, local labor costs, if you have a warranty or service plan, and if the repair requires buying and putting in new parts. Broadly speaking, repairs can cost $100 and up.
Does a heat pump lease include maintenance and repair?
A heat pump lease with the Palmetto Comfort Plan includes maintenance, scheduled service, and repairs.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. Palmetto does not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Please consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors.
