How Much Does Heat Pump Repair Cost in 2022?

 

A heat pump can be used for both heating and cooling homes which can be very convenient for homeowners. A malfunctioning heat pump fails to perform this vital function. From thermostat problems to tripped circuit breakers, there are various reasons why heat pumps fall apart. Heat pump repair can be tricky, which is why it should always be handled by a professional. If you have a faulty heat pump, consult our HVAC expert, instead of trying to take matters into your own hands. Most homeowners pay between $250 and $600 for heat pump repair. Your actual cost will depend on the type of heat pump you are using, and the nature of the problem.

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Common Heat Pump Problems

Most homes either have an air-to-air pump or utilize a geothermal pump. Let’s take a look at some common problems with heat pumps and the cost of getting them addressed.

Efficiency Rating	Unit Price	Installed Price
Breaker trips	The most common cause is a weak breaker, which happens with age and wear. This can be reconnected and fixed for $100-$150.	The most common cause is a weak breaker, which happens with age and wear. This can be reconnected and fixed for $100-$150.
Fan doesn’t run	The fan limit switch costs $20-$75 and can cause the fan to break when it isn’t working properly.	Check to make sure there isn’t debris blocking the fan; if not, the fan limit switch needs to be replaced ($30-$60).
Compressor doesn’t run	The compressor is responsible for maintaining the temperature and compressing the gas and air. A new single-stage compressor averages $750-$1,250; a two-stage compressor averages $1,000-$1,700.	The compressor is responsible for maintaining the temperature and compressing the gas and air. Price averages $800-$1,200 for a new compressor.
Heat pump freezes	This is a common problem in the colder months and can be fixed by adding refrigerant ($75-$150) or replacing the defrost timer ($200-$250).	This is a common problem in the colder months and can be fixed by adding refrigerant ($75-$150) or replacing the defrost timer ($200-$250).
Cool air blows	This typically means the reversing valve needs to be replaced, which averages $450-$600.	This typically means the reversing valve needs to be replaced, which averages $450-$600.
Thermostat	A basic thermostat costs $40-$70, while a programmable thermostat 1 averages $80-$150. Fixing thermostat wiring can add $50 in materials fees.	A basic thermostat costs $40-$70, while a programmable thermostat averages $80-$150. Fixing thermostat wiring can add $50 in materials fees.
Ductwork	Ductwork can be the source of many problems, ranging from leaks to inefficiency. The average cost to repair or replace ductwork is $30-$50 per linear foot, including labor.	These systems don’t have ductwork.
Temperature problems	If the temperature varies from room to room, the dampers either need to be installed or serviced. New dampers cost $150 each while serving the dampers costs a few hours of labor (around $100 total).	If the temperature varies from room to room, the dampers either need to be installed or serviced. Check the thermostat 1 settings and change the air filter ($15-$30) if necessary.

Pump Won’t Turn on

If your geothermal pumps do not turn on, there is a high possibility that the circuit needs to be reset, or you have a leaking refrigerant line, or the switch valve has shut down, it should be replaced. Replacing the refrigerant line would cost you between $3-$5 per linear foot. Expect to pay $80-$100 to get the circuit breaker reset or the switch valve replaced.
If your air-to-air pump does not turn on you may have a tripped circuit breaker, or a faulty condenser switch, or a broken electric motor. Expect to pay between $150 and $230 to get a tripped circuit breaker reset or a broken condenser switch replaced. The electric motor replacement will cost you $400.

Fan Stops Running

Most geothermal pumps come equipped with a fan limit switch. In most cases, the culprit behind a broken fan is a malfunctioning fan limit switch. A new fan would cost you $20-$75.

If you are using an air-to-air pump, make sure debris is not blocking the fan. If you have a faulty fan limit switch, expect to pay between $30 and $60 to get it replaced.

Breaker Trips

If your breaker is constantly tripping, you may have a weak breaker. Expect to pay between $100 and $150 to get the breaker reconnected and fixed.

Pump Circulates Cool air

This is one of the most common heat pump repair problems that both geothermal pump users and air-to-air pump owners face. If your heat pump is blowing cool air, you need to get your reversing valve replaced. Expect to pay between $450 and $600 to get a malfunctioning reversing valve replaced.

Temperature Issues

Whether you own a geothermal heat pump or an air-to-air pump, if you have temperature variations in your home, you need to get dampers installed. If you are already using dampers, consider getting them serviced. New damper installation will cost you $150 (for each damper), whereas damper service usually costs $100. If you are using an air-to-air pump, consider getting its air filter replaced. Expect to pay between $15 and $30 for filter replacement.

Heat Pump Freezes

This is a common heat pump repair issue that both geothermal pump and air-to-air pump owners face. To address this problem, HVAC experts either add refrigerant to the system or replace the defrost timer. Expect to pay $75-$150 to get refrigerant added to your system. The cost of replacing a defrost timer is usually between $200 and $250.

Compressor Stops Running

Your heat pump’s compressor plays a vital role in maintaining the temperature and compressing the gas and air. A failed compressor is bad news for your heat pump and can cause it to completely stop working. From leaks to electrical faults, there are various causes of compressor failure. A new single-stage compressor for your geothermal pump would cost you $750-$1,250, whereas a two-stage compressor averages $1,000-$1,700. If you have an air-to-air pump expect to pay between $800 and $1,200 for a new compressor.

Ductwork Problems

Duct problems can give rise to many issues that can drag down the efficiency of your heat pump. To prevent this from happening, get duct issues fixed before they get out of hand. Most homeowners will spend $30-$50 per linear foot to get ductwork issues addressed. If you have an air-to-air system, you do not have anything to worry about as these systems don’t have ductwork.

Labor Costs

Expect to pay between $85 and $95 per hour for labor. Many HVAC experts offer an hour-long appointment to diagnose the problem. Once they get to the root cause of the problem, the expert comes up with a sustainable solution and implements it. The entire process can take 1-3 hours. These experts usually charge a flat fee (between $85 and $285).

Additional Considerations

Here are some additional considerations that may impact your heat pump repair cost.

• If your heat pump is nearing the end of its service life or is beyond repair, our HVAC expert may recommend getting it replaced. Expect to spend $7.500 on a new geothermal pump installation. Air-to-air pumps cost between $2,000 and $3,000
• HVAC experts charge up to 30 percent more to repair a heat pump in heating and cooling season,
• Our expert will require more time than usual to service a heat pump in a hard-to-reach area, which could result in extra hours of labor costs

Is your faulty heat pump giving you sleepless nights? Relax! AVS Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help. We are a reputable HVAC contractor in Virginia. Whether you have a minor repair issue or a major heat pump repair nightmare, we got you covered. To discuss details and for more information, call (301) 686-7129