Heat Pump Not Heating? Troubleshooting & Repair Cost
Heat pumps naturally blow cooler air than furnaces and defrost now and then, but air that stays cold, constant ice or nonstop running point to a problem. Heat pump repairs typically cost $150–$650 (around $400 on average); a reversing valve runs $450–$600 and compressor failures $800–$4,500.
Last reviewed September 2026
Troubleshoot it now
Work through the checks one at a time. If this isn't your problem, the wizard moves on to the related causes.
Check the thermostat mode
Make sure it's on heat, not cool or emergency heat, and the setpoint is above room temperature.
Signs it's this problem
- Air from the vents stays cool, not just lukewarm
- Thick ice that doesn't clear on the outdoor unit
- The unit runs constantly in mild weather
- Emergency or auxiliary heat is on most of the time
Why it happens
A heat pump moves heat from outdoor air into the house by reversing the refrigerant flow. Low refrigerant, a stuck reversing valve, failed defrost controls, a bad capacitor or airflow problems all cut its heating output.
Not sure? Run the heating and cooling problem finderHow to fix it, step by step
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Safety: Never chip ice off the outdoor coil, and don't open electrical panels on the unit.
Heat Pump Not Heating? Troubleshooting & Repair Cost cost
| Job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Typical heat pump repair (average about $400) | $150–$650 |
| Simple fixes (capacitor, thermostat) | $100–$400 |
| Reversing valve replacement | $450–$600 |
| Compressor failure | $800–$4,500 |
Got a quote? Check if it's fair
Typical professional price for this job: $150–$650
Common questions
Is it normal for a heat pump to blow cool air?
Heat pump air is warm but not hot, often around body temperature, so it can feel cool on your hand. Air that's clearly cold, or a house that can't reach the setpoint, isn't normal.
When should I replace rather than repair a heat pump?
A common guideline is to consider replacement if a repair costs more than half the price of a new system, especially on units over 10–15 years old.