Not heating on a cool, damp morning
A stuck reversing valve, low refrigerant, a defrost problem or failed heat strips. Check that the thermostat is set to heat.
Heat pump repair in Richmond, CA
Heat pumps are becoming common in Richmond homes as East Bay owners move away from gas, and they ask more of their equipment than an old furnace did. Golden Comfort AC & Heating Repair repairs heat pumps and ductless mini splits in Richmond, El Sobrante and Berkeley, in every major brand.
A typical repair runs $370 to $780. We explain the cause and the price before any work begins.
The price in plain numbers
Most Richmond heat pump repairs run about $370 to $780, and larger repairs run $1,750 to $3,400. A diagnostic call is typically $99 to $149.
Bay Area labor puts Richmond among our higher priced markets. See the heat pump repair pricing guide.
| Repair | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Service call | $99 to $149 |
| Average common repair | $370 to $780 |
| Average major repair | $1,750 to $3,400 |
| Capacitor replacement | $180 to $380 |
| Contactor replacement | $180 to $420 |
| Defrost control board | $320 to $750 |
| Reversing valve replacement | $750 to $1,800 |
| Electric auxiliary heat strip | $350 to $850 |
| Condenser fan motor | $420 to $850 |
| Refrigerant leak detection and repair | $450 to $1,800 |
| Compressor replacement | $1,700 to $3,400 |
Examples of our work
Signs your heat pump needs repair
A system that runs constantly
Dirty coils, a failing fan or low refrigerant. East Bay winters are mild, so constant running is a warning, not normal.
Ice on the outdoor unit that stays
Damp coastal air frosts a coil, and the defrost cycle should clear it. Ice that stays is not normal.
Higher electric bills
Heat strips running too much or a unit losing capacity.
Water or a musty smell at the indoor unit
A clogged condensate drain or a dirty indoor coil.
What is different in Richmond
Richmond's cool, damp winters keep a heat pump in heating mode for long stretches, so the defrost system and the electric backup matter more here than in a hot inland city. Many East Bay homes also have electrical panels at their limit, which affects which repairs make sense and whether a replacement would need panel work.
Richmond homes buy electricity from MCE Clean Energy, with PG&E delivering it, and TECH Clean California and BayREN have offered contractor applied heat pump rebates. If a repair turns into a replacement, we tell you what is open today.
What happens on a repair visit
- You tell us what is happening and in which mode.
- We check the basics. Thermostat, filter, breaker and airflow.
- We test the system. Electrical parts, pressures, controls and the drain.
- You get options and a price before work begins.
- We repair it and test it before we leave.
Repair or replace?
A young system with one failed part is usually worth repairing. A compressor or reversing valve failure on a system past 12 years, or two major repairs within two years, usually points to replacement.
See heat pump installation in Richmond.
Leave refrigerant and electrical work to a technician. Refrigerant work requires federal certification.
Before you call, three checks that sometimes save a visit
- Make sure the thermostat is set to heat and the batteries are fresh.
- Check the filter and the vents. Furniture over a vent can look like a failed system.
- Look at the outdoor unit for ice, debris or a fan that is not spinning.
If none of that helps, call. Tell us the mode and what you noticed, and we will bring the right parts.
Why panels and wall heaters matter for repairs
Many East Bay homes were wired long before heat pumps, and some still have wall or floor heaters as their only source of heat. That affects a repair decision.
If a heat pump fails in a home with a crowded panel, replacing it may need electrical work, and we say so before you spend on a repair that only delays the real issue.
Where we serve
We serve Richmond, El Sobrante, Berkeley, El Cerrito, San Pablo, Pinole, Hercules and Albany. See furnace repair in Richmond, AC repair in Richmond and HVAC in Richmond.
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.
Richmond, CA on the map
Common questions
How much does heat pump repair cost in Richmond, CA?
Most repairs run about $370 to $780. Major repairs run $1,750 to $3,400. The diagnostic call is typically $99 to $149.
Do you repair heat pumps in Berkeley and El Sobrante?
Yes, along with the rest of the East Bay communities near Richmond.
Why is my heat pump blowing cool air?
Check that the thermostat is set to heat. If it is, a stuck reversing valve, low refrigerant or failed heat strips could be the cause.
Do you repair mini splits?
Yes.
Do you offer emergency repair?
Yes, 24/7.
Talk to a person
Call any hour for emergency service, or reach us during business hours for a visit or a quote.