Heat pump repair
Heat pump repair when one system has two failure modes
A heat pump can fail in cooling, in heating, or in the switch between them. That third category is what separates a real heat pump diagnosis from a standard AC service call, and it is where reversing valves and defrost controls get missed.
Straight answer
Why is your heat pump blowing cold air in heat mode?
The four usual causes are a stuck reversing valve, a failed defrost control holding the unit in cooling, a low refrigerant charge, and a thermostat stuck in cooling or fan-only mode. A reversing valve that will not switch is the classic heat-pump-specific failure, and it needs a technician who works on these systems regularly.
Most heat pump repairs in the Valley cost $200 to $750 installed. Refrigerant leak search, compressor and valve work sit higher. The diagnostic fee is credited toward the repair, and you get the price in writing before any part is ordered.
What our heat pump repair includes
- Mode testing in both directions to confirm whether cooling, heating or the changeover is failing.
- Reversing valve and solenoid testing including voltage at the coil and pressure response when the mode changes.
- Defrost control diagnosis for boards that keep the unit in cooling or never terminate a defrost cycle.
- Refrigerant pressure and charge verification with superheat and subcooling in cooling mode.
- Electrical testing of capacitor values, contactor condition, compressor amp draw and auxiliary heat sequencing.
- Documented findings with photos and a fixed repair price, plus anything that can wait until later.
Warning signs
Heat pump symptoms that need a call
- Cool air in heat mode, or warm air in cool mode.
- The outdoor unit ices over and does not clear.
- Auxiliary or emergency heat runs constantly.
- The system never reaches setpoint in either mode.
- Grinding, screeching or loud clunking at startup.
- Breaker trips when the compressor starts.
A struggling heat pump usually shows up first as higher bills, then as a system that cannot hold temperature. Catching it at the bill stage saves the compressor.
Prevent it with maintenance
Questions
Heat pump repair questions
Usually a stuck reversing valve, a failed defrost control leaving the unit in cooling, low refrigerant, or a thermostat in cooling or fan-only mode. The reversing valve is the most heat-pump-specific cause and needs a specialist repair.
Most repairs run $200 to $750 installed. Capacitors, contactors, defrost boards and fan motors sit at the low end; reversing valves, compressors and leak repairs are larger. The diagnostic fee is credited toward whatever repair you approve.
Yes, that is a normal defrost cycle. The outdoor coil collects frost in heating mode, so the system reverses briefly to melt it, which produces steam and a whoosh. A unit that ices over and never clears is a fault worth a service call.
A heat pump is one system running two directions, so a repair that restores cooling normally restores heating as well. The exception is a failed reversing valve, which can leave cooling working while heating stays disabled.
Heat pump not switching modes?
We diagnose both directions of operation and quote the repair in writing before starting.