Cool air in heating mode
Could be a stuck reversing valve, low refrigerant, a defrost problem or a thermostat setting. Check that it is set to heat first.
Heat pump repair in Fresno, CA
A heat pump cools in summer and heats in winter, so it has more parts that can fail than a plain air conditioner. In Fresno, where heat pumps often run ten months a year, repairs usually involve a capacitor or contactor, a reversing valve, a defrost control, a fan motor or a refrigerant leak.
We find the cause, explain it, and give you the price before any repair begins. Emergency service is available 24/7.
Quick answer: what does heat pump repair cost in Fresno?
Most Fresno heat pump repairs run about $290 to $620, with major repairs running $1,400 to $3,000. A diagnostic service call is typically $79 to $119.
Heat pumps cost slightly more to repair than a plain AC because of the extra parts, such as the reversing valve and defrost control. See our heat pump repair pricing guide.
Examples of our work
How a heat pump works, in plain terms
A heat pump moves heat instead of making it. In summer it pulls heat out of your home and sends it outside, like an air conditioner.
In winter a reversing valve flips the flow so it pulls heat from the outdoor air and moves it inside. Even cool air outdoors holds heat, which is why heat pumps work well in a mild winter like Fresno's.
In heating mode the outdoor unit can build up frost, so the system runs a defrost cycle now and then. A little steam, or the fan pausing for a few minutes, is normal. Ice that stays on the unit is not.
Why heat pumps wear faster in the Central Valley
A heat pump that serves both cooling and heating runs far more hours than a system that only cools. In Fresno that can mean ten or more months a year of service.
The heat of a Valley summer stresses the compressor and fan motors, and the winter work stresses the reversing valve and defrost parts. Component life in a climate like this can be noticeably shorter than in milder places.
A checkup in spring and another in fall keeps small problems from stacking up.
Signs your heat pump needs repair
Ice on the outdoor unit that does not clear
A defrost control or sensor problem, or low airflow. Turn the system off and call.
Not cooling in summer
A failed capacitor or contactor, a dirty coil, a leak or a blower issue.
Strange noises
Rattling, buzzing, squealing or grinding each point to different parts. Tell us what you hear and when.
Higher bills
A system working harder than it should, often from low refrigerant, dirty coils or auxiliary heat running too often.
The outdoor unit hums but the fan does not spin
Often a failed capacitor. Do not keep forcing it to start.
What happens on a heat pump repair visit
- You tell us what it is doing, and in which mode. Heating problems and cooling problems point to different parts.
- We check the basics. Thermostat mode and settings, filter, breaker and airflow.
- We test the system in both modes where we can. Electrical parts with a meter, refrigerant pressures, temperatures across the coil, the reversing valve, defrost operation, fan and blower motors and auxiliary heat.
- We find the cause. Not only the part that failed, but why. If a fan motor is drawing too much current, replacing only the capacitor would be the wrong repair.
- You get the options and price. Before work begins, with a replacement price too if the system is old and the repair is large.
- We repair and test it. We confirm it works in the mode that failed before we leave.
Heat pump repair prices in Fresno
| Repair | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Service call (Fresno) | $79 to $119 |
| Average common repair (Fresno) | $290 to $620 |
| Average major repair (Fresno) | $1,400 to $3,000 |
| Capacitor replacement | $180 to $380 |
| Contactor replacement | $180 to $420 |
| Defrost control board | $320 to $750 |
| Reversing valve replacement | $750 to $1,800 |
| Blower motor replacement | $480 to $1,050 |
| Condenser fan motor | $420 to $850 |
| Refrigerant leak detection and repair | $450 to $1,800 |
| Compressor replacement | $1,700 to $3,400 |
A spring and fall routine for Valley heat pumps
Because a heat pump works in both seasons, it needs two checkups instead of one. Here is what each covers and what you can do between them.
Spring, before the heat
Clean the outdoor coil of dust and cottonwood fluff, test the capacitor and contactor, check refrigerant pressures, clear the condensate drain and confirm the thermostat is calling for cooling correctly.
Most summer breakdowns start as a weak part found here.
Fall, before the cold
Run the system in heating mode and watch it. Check the reversing valve, the defrost cycle, the auxiliary heat strips and the thermostat.
Heat pumps often sit in heating mode for the first time in months, and this is when a stuck valve or dead strip shows itself.
Between visits
Check the filter monthly in summer and every month or two in winter. Keep two feet of clear space around the outdoor unit, and gently remove leaves and weeds. Do not spray a running unit with a hose.
Repair or replace your heat pump?
We weigh several things together:
- The compressor fails on a system over 10 years old.
- The reversing valve fails on a system over 12 years old.
- Two or more major repairs in the last two years.
- The system uses R-22 refrigerant, which is no longer produced.
- The repair would cost a large share of a replacement and the system is old.
A young system with an isolated failure is usually worth repairing. See heat pump installation in Fresno for replacement costs.
What to leave to a technician
You can change the filter and keep the outdoor unit clear of leaves, weeds and anything stacked against it. Do not open refrigerant lines, replace capacitors or bypass safety controls.
Refrigerant work requires federal certification, and capacitors hold a charge even with the power off.
Where we repair heat pumps in Fresno and Clovis
We serve Fresno and Clovis, including the Tower District, Old Fig Garden, Fig Garden, Van Ness Extension, Woodward Park, Copper River, Sunnyside and Bullard areas. Our office is at 155 E Shaw Ave Unit 206, Fresno, CA 93710.
See HVAC in Fresno for more.
Brands we service
We repair and install all major brands. Each brand page lists the models we install, the problems we see most and what the warranty typically covers. See how we match a technician to your brand.
Fresno, CA on the map
Common questions
How much does heat pump repair cost in Fresno?
Most repairs run about $290 to $620. Major repairs run $1,400 to $3,000. The diagnostic call is typically $79 to $119.
Why is my heat pump blowing cool air in winter?
Check that the thermostat is set to heat. If it is, a reversing valve issue, low refrigerant or a defrost problem could be the cause. Call us.
Is it normal for my heat pump to steam or ice up?
A little steam during defrost is normal. Ice that stays on the unit is not. Turn it off and call.
How long do heat pumps last in Fresno?
Often 10 to 15 years, and heavy year round use can shorten that. Yearly service helps.
What is auxiliary heat?
Electric heat strips that add warmth when the heat pump alone cannot keep up, such as during defrost. If they run constantly, your bill climbs, and something may be wrong.
Do you offer emergency heat pump repair?
Yes, 24/7.
Do you repair all brands?
Yes. See brands we service.
Talk to a person
Call any hour for emergency service, or reach us during business hours for a visit or a quote.