A heat pump is one of those appliances you don’t think much about — until it stops working. Suddenly, the house feels like a meat locker in January or a sauna in July, and you’re wondering what went wrong. You’re not alone. We get calls every week from folks asking, “What causes a heat pump to go bad?”
The short answer? A lot of things. But none of them happen overnight. Heat pumps usually give you some warning before they quit. The trick is knowing what to watch for and what to do about it before the damage gets worse.
At Boulden Brothers, we’ve repaired and replaced thousands of heat pumps. We know the weak spots, the warning signs, and the most common causes of failure. Let’s walk through the problems and the process of getting your system back on track.
1. Lack of Maintenance
If we had a nickel for every dead heat pump we’ve seen caused by lack of upkeep, we’d have our own fleet of service trucks.
Your heat pump works all year. Cooling in the summer. Heating in the winter. And without regular cleaning and inspection, dust builds up, filters clog, coils freeze, and parts wear down faster.
What We Do:
We clean the coils, check refrigerant levels, inspect the blower, and test electrical connections during a maintenance call.
When to Call:
If you can’t remember the last time someone looked at your heat pump, it’s time. Maintenance isn’t optional — it’s preventive.
2. Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant is the lifeblood of a heat pump. It moves heat in and out of your house. A leak means less cooling or heating, higher bills, and more strain on your system.
Common Signs:
- Ice on the outdoor unit
- Warm air blowing when it should be cool
- Hissing or bubbling noises
What We Do:
We find the leak, fix it, and recharge the system to the right level.
When to Call:
Immediately. Low refrigerant will burn out your compressor if ignored.
3. Compressor Failure
The compressor is the heart of the heat pump. If it quits, the whole system goes down. It’s also one of the most expensive parts to replace.
- What Can Go Wrong:
- Low refrigerant
- Electrical issues
- Overheating from poor airflow
What We Do:
We test electrical components, check internal pressure, and measure the amp draw. If the compressor’s still good, we protect it. If it’s gone bad, we walk you through your options.
When to Call:
If your system won’t turn on or runs constantly without changing the temperature, call us.
4. Clogged Filters and Dirty Coils
A dirty filter or coil blocks airflow. That means your heat pump works harder, runs longer, and wears out faster. It’s like breathing through a pillow.
What We Do:
We check filters, clean or replace them, and remove dust and grime from the indoor and outdoor coils.
When to Call:
If your airflow feels weak or your unit runs constantly, you might just need a good cleaning.
5. Thermostat Problems
Sometimes the heat pump isn’t the problem. The thermostat might be sending the wrong signals — or none at all.
Signs:
- The system short cycles
- The temperature never matches the setting
- Nothing happens when you adjust it
What We Do:
We test wiring, check compatibility, and replace or reprogram the thermostat as needed.
When to Call:
If your system keeps starting and stopping, or never shuts off, give us a shout.
6. Outdoor Unit Obstructions
Leaves, vines, dirt, and trash can block airflow to your outdoor unit. That leads to overheating, poor performance, and breakdowns.
What We Do:
We clean the area around the unit and clear out anything that’s blocking airflow. If the fan or coils are damaged, we repair or replace them.
When to Call:
If the outdoor unit sounds louder than usual or looks buried in debris.
7. Frozen Coils
A heat pump should never look like a freezer. If it does, that means airflow is blocked, refrigerant is low, or there’s a mechanical issue.
What We Do:
We thaw the system safely, find the cause, and fix it so it doesn’t happen again.
When to Call:
As soon as you see ice — and definitely before you try to chip it off with a screwdriver.
8. Faulty Reversing Valve
The reversing valve switches your system from heating to cooling and back again. If it gets stuck or fails, the heat pump can’t change modes.
What We Do:
We test the valve’s voltage and pressure and replace it if it’s bad.
When to Call:
If your system won’t switch from heating to cooling — or vice versa — this could be the culprit.
Our Process: Fixing Heat Pump Problems
We don’t guess. We don’t wing it. We follow a clear, proven process every time.
Step 1: Listen
You tell us what it’s doing, how long it’s been acting up, and what you’ve tried.
Step 2: Inspect
We test all major components — compressor, fan motors, refrigerant levels, thermostat signals, and electrical connections.
Step 3: Fix or Replace
If we can fix it, we do it fast. If the system’s beyond repair, we lay out your options and help you choose the best one.
Step 4: Test
We check performance after the repair and make sure the system is running safely and efficiently.
Fixed right the first time. That’s not just a slogan — that’s our standard.
When to Call Boulden Brothers
Call us if:
- Your heat pump isn’t heating or cooling
- You hear strange noises or smell something off
- The unit is constantly running
- Ice is building up
- Your electric bill suddenly jumps
- It hasn’t had service in over a year
You call. We come. It’s fixed. It really is that simple.
FAQ
How long should a heat pump last?
With regular maintenance, most last 10 to 15 years. Poor upkeep shortens that lifespan fast.
Is it worth repairing an old heat pump?
If it’s over 10 years old and keeps breaking, a new unit may save money in the long run. We’ll help you decide.
How often should I have my heat pump serviced?
At least once a year — twice if it runs year-round.
What’s the most common reason heat pumps fail?
Neglect. Most issues start small and grow. Regular maintenance keeps your system alive.
Let’s Get It Fixed
If your heat pump is acting up, don’t wait until it quits altogether. The sooner we catch the issue, the easier it is to fix.
At Boulden Brothers, we’re here to keep your home comfortable and your system running right — without the drama.
You call. We come. It’s fixed. Let’s get your heat pump back in shape today.
