How Much Does Heat Pump Repair Cost in 2025?
Heat pump repairs cost an average of $409
On average, repairing a heat pump costs between $161 and $660, with an average cost of $409.
The cost of your heat pump repair is affected by your location, the size and quality of your heat pump, the type of unit, and the extent of the damage.
Regular maintenance and addressing issues promptly can prevent costly repairs and extend your heat pump's lifespan.
Hiring a heat pump repair professional ensures accurate diagnosis and efficient, safe repairs.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Most homeowners spend between $161 and $660 on heat pump repairs, with an average of $409. On the low end, repairs can cost as little as $69 and reach as high as $2,500. Factors like your location, the size and quality of your heat pump, the type you have, and the extent of the damage affect the price. Frequent repairs can add up, so hiring a professional to do the job properly can save you money in the long run.
Repair Costs for Common Heat Pump Problems
Heat pump repair costs vary depending on the specific problem. Common issues include your heat pump not heating or cooling your home properly, not turning on, or not defrosting. Here's how much each issue costs to fix.
Thermostat/Temperature Repair
Thermostat repairs cost between $100 and $300 on average. If your heat pump isn't heating or cooling your home properly, first check that the thermostat is set to your desired temperature before calling for help. If everything seems fine, there could be issues with the thermostat's wiring, or the thermostat itself might be faulty.
Other issues that could cause your heat pump not to heat or cool your home correctly include clogged air filters, a refrigerant leak, a blocked outside unit (due to snow or debris), or leaking ducts.Consider hiring a licensed and experienced HVAC contractor to inspect and diagnose the exact cause of the issue.
Heat Pump Won’t Turn On
Fixing a heat pump that won't turn on costs between $150 and $400 on average. Reasons your heat pump might not turn on include a faulty thermostat, a tripped breaker, or a broken fan switch. You may need to replace more than one of these components, which can increase the overall cost.
Heat Pump Won’t Defrost
Repairing a heat pump that won't defrost costs between $90 and $650. The most common reasons your heat pump isn't defrosting are a faulty defrost timer or a broken reversing valve, which switches the heat pump from heating to air conditioning mode to melt the ice on the outside unit.
Heat Pump Repair Costs by Part
Heat pump repair costs can also vary depending on the part of the system that needs repair. For example, many issues with your heat pump stem from defects with the condenser or your home’s ductwork. Read below to get the average repair costs for these components.
| Repair Type | Average Repair Cost (All-In) |
|---|---|
| Refrigerant | $100–$350 |
| Capacitor | $150–$250 |
| Line drier | $150–$300 |
| Condenser fan blade | $150–$400 |
| Defrost control board | $200–$650 |
| Condenser fan motor | $250–$650 |
| Condenser coil | $650–$1,500 |
| Compressor | $800–$3,500 |
There are four main components of a heat pump:
Evaporator: The heat is absorbed from outside into a low-pressure, liquid-state refrigerant. The refrigerant rapidly heats up and changes to a vapor.
Compressor: This pressurizes the refrigerant (now in a vapor state), causing it to rise in temperature.
Condenser: This cools the refrigerant, releasing the heat into the surrounding environment. As the gaseous refrigerant cools, it condenses into a liquid.
Expansion valve: This reduces the pressure of the cooled refrigerant and carries it back to the evaporator for the heating process to repeat.
Condenser Replacement Cost
A condenser replacement costs between $700 and $4,000. The condenser is the part of your heat pump that condenses the refrigerant, releasing heat to warm your home. Sometimes, the issue might be limited to a specific part of the condenser, so you may only need to hire a technician to repair or replace that part instead of replacing the whole condenser.
Ductwork Repairs
Repairing ductwork costs between $200 and $2,000 on average, but you could pay as much as $5,000 for extensive repairs.
Common ductwork-related problems include poor airflow, condensation, and odd noises. These problems tend to result from the following:
Leaks
Poor installation
Wrong size
Bad connections
Heat Pump Repair Costs by Type
Heat pumps are categorized according to the source of energy used, with the four most common types being air source, ductless mini split, geothermal, and water source. Here’s how much you can expect to pay for each type, depending on the extent of the damage.
| Heat Pump Type | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Air source traditional | $200–$1,600 |
| Ductless mini split | $100–$1,500 |
| Geothermal | $200–$2,000 |
| Water source | $200–$1,800 |
Air Source
Air source heat pumps, which cost between $200 and $1,600, are the most common type of heat pump. They work by pulling heat from the air. They work better in temperate climates, where there are fewer temperature extremes. In extreme areas, they’re often used with a backup heat source, like a wood stove or baseboard heat.
Advantages: Low installation costs and easy access to repairs
Limitations: Not the best choice for extreme climates
Mini Split Ductless System
Mini split systems, a type of ductless air source heating and cooling system, cost between $100 and $1,500 to repair. They consist of two main components: a condenser/compressor unit located outside and an air handler located indoors. These heat pumps work well in buildings or homes that don't have a duct system and where installing one isn't practical.
You can install multiple air handlers in different rooms using a single compressor/condenser to provide localized heating or air conditioning. Installing a ductless heat pump costs between $1,300 and $8,000 on average, which is higher than the cost of installing a traditional air source unit.
Advantages: Energy-efficient and compatible with homes without ductwork
Limitations: Higher than normal installation costs and doesn’t work well in extreme climates
Geothermal
Geothermal heat pumps cost approximately $200 to $2,000 to repair. These pumps rely on the naturally occurring heat generated by the earth, which means low environmental impact.
Geothermal pumps can be expensive to install. A complete geothermal heat pump system costs between $4,500 and $26,600. However, since they have a relatively long life span of around 20-plus years, high energy efficiency, and low operating costs due to the consistency of below-ground temperatures throughout the year, they can be cost-effective in the long run.
The pumps are also great for all climates, with options for different soil types and locations.
Advantages: Compatibility with extreme climates and high energy efficiency
Limitations: High installation costs and difficult to access for repairs
Water Source
Water source unit repairs cost between $200 and $1,800. This type of pump uses a body of water—like a lake, pond, or well—as a heat source or heat dump. In winter, the heat pump draws water from a network of pipes laid at the bottom of the lake, pond, or well. The heat pump then extracts heat from the water to heat the inside of the home before cycling the water back through the pipes. During summer, the heat pump extracts heat from inside the home, cycles it through the pumps, and dumps it into the water source or body.
Water-source heat pumps are more costly to install but less expensive to operate. They’re the least common type because many people lack access to a nearby body of water or local regulations stop them from using a nearby water source.
Advantages: Low operating costs and high energy efficiency
Limitations: High installation costs and often not an option for people located in landlocked areas
DIY vs. Hiring a Heat Pump Repair Pro
While it's possible to handle some minor heat pump repairs yourself, like replacing a wireless thermostat, most heat pump repairs are best left to professionals. Heat pumps are complex pieces of equipment, and some repairs require special training and tools.
Attempting a DIY repair without experience could end up costing you more if you damage your unit. It's safer and more cost-effective to contact a local heat pump repair technician to ensure the job is done correctly.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Heat pumps move air to cool or warm your home during different seasons. In cold weather, they extract heat from the outdoors and bring it inside to warm your home. In warm weather, they remove heat from your home to keep it cool. This efficient heat transfer increases indoor comfort, improves energy efficiency, and reduces the need for additional heating systems.
Replacing a heat pump costs between $4,200 and $7,900. The actual cost depends on the type of heat pump. Geothermal models are the most expensive to replace, with the price of the unit plus labor ranging between $6,000 and $20,000. Air source models cost between $4,500 and $8,000 to replace, while the replacement costs for a mini split unit run between $1,300 and $8,000.
The average heat pump is designed to last about 14 years, roughly the same as a central air conditioning system (12 to 15 years). Newer models can last 20 years or more. How long your heat pump lasts depends on how frequently you use it and whether you perform routine maintenance like annual tuneups.
Get our Angi-powered app
