Heat Pump Repair

Generally, a heat pump repair can be expected to cost in the range of $150 to $400. The exact sum depends on the specifics of what needs repair. Is it a small part that can be easily fixed? Or is it something larger that takes more time and effort to get back in working condition? If you have a heat pump that needs repair, your best bet is to get a quote from a repair person.

A big problem with a heat pump is that it might not heat your home properly when the temperature drops way below freezing. This happens because heat pumps move warm air from outside to inside, and when it's 10 degrees or lower outside, there isn't much warm air to gather. This forces the heat pump to work extra hard, which can drop efficiency a notch and make your house feel kind of chilly. If the pump does this a lot, we recommend checking for stuff like low refrigerant levels and blocked return air ducts as possible causes. But don't rule out the need for a backup electric furnace either.

The cost of servicing a heat pump typically hinges on various factors. Service can cost from $100 to $300. These numbers tend to fluctuate based on regional differences or the size of the heat pump. In some instances, where the heat pump is part of an older system or where the service call has uncovered a significant problem, the price tag can get heftier. And you should know: The more often you have the unit serviced, the better. It could save you money in the long run, and your heat pump will likely run much better for the same interval.

A heat pump usually has a lifespan of about 10 to 15 years. That number—in most cases, a range—changes depending on how often the unit is used, how well it is maintained, and the climate (not just temperature but also humidity and wind, for instance) where you live. The trouble is that the number really means very little in terms of whether you should replace an old unit in favor of a newer, more efficient model. Some companies warranty their heat pumps for a full 10 years and don't say much about how much life their models have after that.

Getting a service for your heat pump might run you up to several hundred dollars. Generally, though, you're probably looking at a price of around 150 to 400 bucks. If you live somewhere where the cost of services is higher, then your service is probably going to cost more just because of that. And if your heat pump needs a lot of service—more than the technician expects when he or she first arrives—then you get to pay for that, too.

A heat pump may stop working for several different reasons. A common issue is having a dirty air filter, which can block airflow and make the system work harder. Another possible problem is a faulty thermostat that doesn't correctly tell the heat pump when to turn on or off. Sometimes, heat pumps can also have refrigerant leaks, which means the system can't transfer heat effectively. Electrical problems, like worn-out wires or issues with the circuit board, can also cause trouble. Without regular maintenance checks to catch these problems early, the heat pump could suffer from one or every issue listed above.

While it is certainly possible to clean your heat pump on your own, it is very important to be safe and follow some specific steps. The first and most important step is to turn off the power to the unit, so you can work on it without the worry of coming into contact with dangerous electrical parts. Once that is done, go outside and start on the outdoor unit. Remove any dirt and debris that has collected, such as leaves, around the unit. Next, use a garden hose to wash off the fins. Do not use too much pressure, as that can bend the fins, but do use enough water to clean off the fins properly.

At a minimum, heat pumps must receive an annual servicing. A service routine is akin to a physical check-up for a human being. It allows the technician to perform a necessary "look-see" on the equipment to determine if anything needs to be recalibrated or repaired. The technician will: - Inspect various hardware parts to ensure they haven't broken or degraded. - Clean the system, including the coils, so it can remove and reject heat efficiently. - Run the unit long enough to verify it's performing to spec in all modes of operation.

A new heat pump system can be a serious hit in terms of cost. Often, it depends on the kind of home you have and the particular type of pump you go with. But generally, you're looking at anywhere from a few thousand bucks to well over ten thousand, and that's before we even get into the installation and any special parts or ductwork your home might need. So, you know, get a few different quotes, and be sure to ask about those other potential costs.

Your heat pump needs you. But whether you can muster the time and effort—and the skill—to fix it is an open question. Things you can and should check yourself, calmly and safely: Ask whether power is actually getting to the unit. Don’t assume it is just working if the indicator light is lit on the thermostat—check the main power switch and any fuses or circuit breakers that might have tripped. Has the thermostat been set correctly, and with some measure of common sense? All you really need to do is keep the setting within a highly reasonable range, to about 10° above or below the level you want to maintain. Are the air filters clean? If not, they must be cleaned or replaced—40°-F air that has been heated by forced resistance to a 100°-F flow is an inefficient use of a heat pump.