Cool air in heating mode
Could be a stuck reversing valve, low refrigerant, a defrost problem or a thermostat setting. Check that the thermostat is in heat mode first.
Heat pump repair in San Jose, CA
A heat pump does two jobs, so it has more parts that can fail than a plain air conditioner. San Jose heat pump 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 San Jose?
Most San Jose heat pump repairs run about $380 to $800, with major repairs running $1,800 to $3,400. A diagnostic service call is typically $99 to $149.
Heat pumps cost slightly more to repair than a straight AC because of extra parts such as the reversing valve and defrost control. See our heat pump repair pricing guide for every repair type.
Examples of our work
How a heat pump works, in plain terms
A heat pump moves heat. In summer it pulls heat out of your house and sends it outside, like an air conditioner.
In winter a reversing valve flips the flow so it pulls heat from the outside air and moves it in. Even cool outdoor air holds heat, which is why heat pumps work well in a mild climate like San Jose's.
In heating mode the outdoor unit can collect frost, so the system runs a defrost cycle from time to time. Seeing a little steam or hearing the fan stop briefly during defrost is normal. Ice that stays on the unit is not.
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 refrigerant leak or a blower issue.
Strange noises
Rattling, buzzing, squealing or grinding each point to different parts. Tell us what you hear and when.
High bills
A system working harder than it should, often because of low refrigerant, dirty coils or auxiliary heat running too often.
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 the system 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. We test electrical components with a meter, check refrigerant pressures, measure temperatures across the coil, and check 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 the outdoor fan motor is drawing too much current, replacing only the capacitor would be the wrong repair.
- You get options and prices. We explain the repair and the cost before work begins. If the system is old and the repair is large, we also give you a replacement price.
- We repair and test it. We confirm it works in the mode that failed before we leave.
Heat pump repair prices in San Jose
| Repair | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Service call (San Jose) | $99 to $149 |
| Average common repair (San Jose) | $380 to $800 |
| Average major repair (San Jose) | $1,800 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 |
| 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 |
Bay Area heat pump repair calls are rising as first generation heat pumps from the early 2000s reach the end of their life, which is pushing many homeowners toward replacement.
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 San Jose for replacement costs.
What to leave to a technician
You can change the filter, keep the outdoor unit clear of leaves and debris, and keep anything stacked against it out of the way. Do not open refrigerant lines, replace capacitors, or bypass safety controls.
Refrigerant work requires federal certification, and capacitors hold a charge even when the power is off.
Where we repair heat pumps in San Jose
We serve homes across San Jose, including Willow Glen, Almaden Valley, Rose Garden, Naglee Park, Hanchett Park, Silver Creek Valley, Cambrian Park, Evergreen, Berryessa and the Santana Row area. Our office is at 226 Airport Pkwy Ste 622, San Jose, CA 95110.
See HVAC in San Jose 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.
San Jose, CA on the map
Common questions
How much does heat pump repair cost in San Jose?
Most repairs run about $380 to $800. Major repairs run $1,800 to $3,400. The diagnostic call is typically $99 to $149.
Why is my heat pump blowing cool air in winter?
Check that the thermostat is set to heat. If it is, the cause could be a reversing valve problem, low refrigerant or a defrost issue. Call us.
Is it normal for my heat pump to blow steam or ice up?
A little steam during a defrost cycle is normal. Ice that stays on the unit is not. Turn it off and call.
How long do heat pumps last?
Commonly 12 to 15 years, depending on use and maintenance. Yearly service helps it last.
What is auxiliary heat?
Electric heat strips that add heat when the heat pump alone cannot keep up, such as during defrost. If they run constantly, your bill will climb, and something may be wrong.
Do you repair all brands?
Yes, all makes and models. See brands we service.
Do you offer emergency heat pump 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.