Average Heat Pump Repair Cost in 2024
Learn about the factors that affect heat pump repair costs in 2024 – including whether you have a traditional split system heat pump or a multi or mini-split system.
By Anne Fonda
An electric heat pump system is generally more energy efficient than an AC + furnace system. According to the Department of Energy (DOE), an air-source heat pump can deliver up to three times more heat energy to a home than the electrical energy it consumes. This is because a heat pump transfers heat rather than converting it from a fuel - like a gas furnace does.
Heat pumps get a lot of wear and tear because they run most of the year, heating and cooling your home. Like an air conditioner outdoor unit, they use refrigerant to cool your home. But in the colder months, they reverse the heat exchange process to enter heating mode to keep your home warm.
This will eventually lead to the need for HVAC repair, or more specifically, heat pump repair. But what will that cost, exactly? Keep reading to learn more.
Factors that affect heat pump repair costs
Before we go any further, see if it’s a small issue you can resolve yourself. Investigate and do some heat pump troubleshooting. The problem could be something as simple as a clogged air filter or the temperature is set incorrectly. Troubleshooting may save you some money. At the very least, it can give you an idea of what might be causing the problem. If you can’t fix the problem yourself, keep reading.
A lot of factors will affect the cost of repairing your heat pump. According to Forbes, your total costs can range from $100 to $3,000, with the average repair costing $550. Let’s take a look at what factors can cause such a big difference in cost.
1. Where you live
If you live in a large metropolitan area with a high cost of living, your repair costs will likely be higher than those for someone who lives in a small town in an affordable area. Hourly rates may be higher in large cities.
But just because you live in a small town doesn’t mean you’ll get the cheapest repair rates. Your overall costs may depend on how many HVAC companies serve your area, what the travel time is to your location, and how competitive the market is.
2. The service call fee
Just like plumbers and electricians, your average HVAC company is going to charge a service call fee just to have an HVAC technician enter your home. Most companies will tell you what that fee is over the phone. They may also list it on their website. This fee can range between $50-200.
HVAC companies may apply the service fee towards your repair costs if you choose them to fix the problem. Some companies may have a lower service fee than others, but that doesn’t mean they will charge you less for repairs.
3. Type of heat pump repair
Some heat pump system repairs are cheaper than others. Your total cost will vary based on the time it takes to diagnose and repair the problem and the cost of the replacement part(s), if any.
If you allow dealer remote monitoring of your system through the Trane Home App, your dealer can likely spot the problem. If you allow one-time Remote Dealer Access (RDA), your dealer can use Trane Diagnostics to diagnose the problem before sending a technician to your home. They’ll arrive with the correct parts, potentially saving you and the dealer time and money.
Many HVAC companies charge an hourly rate of between $75 and $150. So the longer it takes to diagnose the problem and the more complex the repair, the more it will cost. More information on common heat pump repairs and their costs is below.
Your cost may also vary depending on whether you have a traditional split system heat pump or a ductless mini-split HVAC system.
4. Whether it’s emergency heat pump repair
If your heating or cooling goes out over the weekend or on a holiday, you must decide if you can wait until the next business day. Some heating and cooling companies offer 24/7 service but charge a higher service call fee to perform HVAC repairs outside of normal business hours.
They may have an evening rate, weekend rate, and holiday rate. Emergency rates can be as much as double to triple the regular hourly rate.
5. The heat pump’s age and condition
If you have a newer heat pump, chances are good that there is only one issue. However, an HVAC technician may find multiple problems that need fixing with older units. It happens with wear and tear and can cause a unit to work harder. Finding compatible parts and refrigerant for an older unit may also be harder, making the total repair cost more expensive.
6. If the heat pump is under warranty
If your heat pump is still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, the warranty may cover the cost of certain replacement parts. Unless you have an extended warranty or separate labor warranty with the installer, you may have to pay full price for labor costs associated with the repair.
7. If you have a heat pump maintenance agreement
Your total heat pump repair or mini-split repair cost may be less than your neighbor's if you’re an existing customer with an HVAC maintenance agreement. Some HVAC maintenance plans include discounts on replacement parts and diagnostics.
Now that you know of some of the variables that can affect the cost of heat pump repair and mini-split repair, let’s look at some common ducted and ductless heat pump repairs and the average cost to complete them.
Common heat pump problems and their repair costs
Your air source heat pump is a high-tech piece of HVAC equipment, with a lot of moving parts. Which part is causing your heating or cooling issue will greatly affect your heat pump repair costs. In many HVAC repair situations, the repair doesn’t mean fixing a part - it means replacing it.
The following table can give you a ballpark idea of the cost of heat pump repair based on the replacement part. Remember, these are only estimates. Call your local HVAC professional for specific pricing.
As you can see, replacing a fuse will be easier on your wallet than evaporator coil replacement or condenser coil replacement. If you have a refrigerant leak, the cost of refrigerant reclamation and refrigerant recharge will vary greatly based on the type of refrigerant your unit uses. A refrigerant leak may also suggest that the refrigerant lines require repair or replacement.
A smart thermostat will be on the higher end of the thermostat replacement cost range but can pay for itself by lowering your energy usage and energy costs over time - if you take full advantage of its features.
Is heat pump repair or heat pump replacement the right choice?
If you have an older heat pump (10+ years) or you’re spending more money on more frequent repairs, it may be time to consider heat pump system replacement. To get the most out of a new heat pump, you’ll want to consider replacing your air handler or furnace at the same time.
A matched system runs more efficiently and may be eligible for offers to help offset the cost of replacing an older system. With all the federal tax credits, state rebates, and utility rebates, there’s never been a better time to upgrade your HVAC system. Today’s heat pumps are more efficient than ever.
Get tips on how to make an informed decision in our Repair or Replace Guide.
Find the right heat pump repair partner
If this is the first time you’ve had to schedule a heat pump service, you may not have a favorite HVAC company saved in your contacts. If you’re a new homeowner or new to the area, you’ll find some helpful tips in our blog How to Find the Best HVAC Service Near Me.
Get advice on what to look for and what to watch out for when hiring a heat pump repair service. Make sure to find a professional who has experience with split system heat pumps or mini-split systems, depending on your needs.
Schedule heat pump repair
Whether you need heat pump repair in Dallas, Tampa, Myrtle Beach, or even Pittsburgh, our network of Trane Comfort Specialists has you covered. Find a dealer near you and get your house comfortable again. Consider setting up a regular heat pump maintenance schedule to help extend the life of your heat pump and keep your system running at peak performance.
Anne Fonda
Content Writer, Trane Technologies
A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.
She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.
When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.
Expert review by Mark Woodruff, Senior Product Manager, Ducted Outdoor
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