Heat Pump Repair Cost [2024 Data]
Normal range: $160 - $652
A typical heat pump repair today costs homeowners $406. Depending on the part that requires repair or replacement, most people spend between $160 and $652.
Is the temperature in your home becoming unbearable because your heat pump stopped working? The average heat pump repair cost for homeowners today is $406. While averages on the extreme ends can run from $69 to $2,400, most people are paying between $160 and $652 for heat pump repair cost. Compared to replacing a heat pump, fixing a damaged or malfunctioning heat pump can be a more cost-effective option. Take a look at all of the different factors that go into determining how much it will cost you to get your heat pump fixed.
- Average
- $406
- Low end
- $69
- high end
- $2,400
What Factors Affect Heat Pump Repair Cost?
The root cause of why your heat pump stopped functioning can determine what you'll pay in repair costs. Most repairs involve replacing a faulty part that either slowed down or stopped a heat pump in its tracks. Based on the part type and number of parts that need replacing, your quote for heat pump repair cost can vary widely.
Type of Heat Pump
Different types of heat pumps can have unique repair costs. This is because the parts and skill level needed to repair unconventional or eco-friendly options can be more expensive. While pumps attached to traditional and ductless systems are the least expensive to fix, geothermal and water-connected pumps are costlier.
| Type | Energy Source | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional | Air | $200–$1,600 |
| Ductless Mini Split | Condenser/Compressor | $100–$1,500 |
| Geothermal | Naturally Occurring Heat | $200–$2,000 |
| Water | Well | $200–$1,800 |
Repair Type
Once the reason why your heat pump stopped working is diagnosed, the complexity of the problem will influence how much you'll pay for repairs. In most cases, estimates will vary widely based on whether a part can be saved with a simple repair instead of undergoing a full replacement.
| Diagnosed Issue | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Broken thermostat | $100–$300 |
| Pump won’t turn on | $150–$400 |
| Malfunctioning defrost feature | $90–$650 |
| Broken condenser | $300–$5,000 |
Parts
If you need to have a replacement part added to your heat pump to make it functional again, the type of part being ordered can impact the overall cost of this project. Keep in mind that labor costs associated with more expensive and complex parts may also drive up the project's overall cost.
| Parts | Cost |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Labor Costs for Heat Pump Repairs
When hiring a pro for local heat pump repair services near you, the typical cost per hour is around $50 to $150. Some companies also charge a minimum trip fee that equals one to two hours of labor. For a minor repair requiring one to two hours of work, the homeowner can expect to pay $100 to $300 for labor alone. For complex repairs that take four to five hours, labor costs can range between $400 and $1,500.
DIY Heat Pump vs. Hiring a Pro
If you only need to worry about purchasing replacement parts to fix a broken water pump, the average DIY heat pump repair cost can range from $100 to add refrigerant to more than $3,000 for a new compressor. While cutting out labor costs can be appealing, having an accurate diagnosis from a pro can save money in the long run by ensuring that the right part is being fixed or replaced. There are also some pretty serious risks associated with DIY heat pump repair.
In some cases, attempting a DIY repair on a heat pump counts as "tampering" and will void a manufacturer's warranty. Even the seemingly simple task of changing the refrigerant can actually cause system failure. Finally, miscalculations with repairs can expose you to high voltage or fire risks. To avoid damaging your heat pump or putting your household at risk, consider hiring a professional.
Cost of Common Heat Pump Repair Add-Ons
Investigating a broken heat pump sometimes uncovers larger issues. Here's a look at common extra costs that some homeowners pay when repairing pumps.
Ductwork Repairs
If it's discovered that any of your heat pump's issues are tied to your home's ductwork, ductwork repairs cost between $200 and $2,000 on average. However, pricing for ductwork replacement or extensive repairs could go as high as $4,000 to $5,000. Common reasons for ductwork repairs include leaks, poor connections, or poor previous installation.
Heat Pump Replacement
With the average life span of a heat pump being anywhere from 12 to 20 years, most people begin to notice issues once their heat pumps have been around for 14 to 15 years. If you need extensive repairs on a heat pump that's on the older side, paying the $4,500 to $8,000 that it costs for a new heat pump could be something to consider. With parts and labor included, new heat pump costs can range from $6,000 to $2,000 based on whether you select a traditional air-source heat pump or a high-end geothermal model.
Tips to Save Money on Heat Pump Repairs
Heat pump repair costs can add up when you're having a major malfunction corrected. However, that doesn't mean that costs are totally out of your control. Follow these tips to protect your budget:
Book a service call as soon as you notice the problem to avoid creating a more expensive problem
Get heat pump repair cost quotes from several local pros to compare pricing
Seal duct leakage
Ask the pro working on your pump if they offer maintenance packages that allow you to sign up for annual inspections and discounts on heat pump service costs. Refrigerant levels of heat pumps should be checked at least once a year
Check for local tax credits for energy-efficient upgrades before choosing a replacement option if you end up needing to get a new heat pump installed
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi 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.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Heat pumps are necessary because they perform the important task of moving air to cool or warm your home during different seasons. During cooler months, heat pumps pull heat from the outdoors indoors to warm homes. During warm months, heat pumps pull heat from indoor air to cool homes. When comparing heat pump vs. a boiler, many people prefer a heat pump as an eco-friendly choice that doesn't burn fossil fuels.
Low refrigerant can harm your pump by diminishing cooling performance. As a system struggles to maintain the right indoor temperature without appropriate refrigerant levels, its cooling power will weaken. Additionally, low coolant can make a unit cycle on and off more frequently than necessary. In addition to increasing your home's energy costs, this can also prematurely wear out a pump. Low refrigerant can also allow ice to form on pump components. Getting your refrigerant level checked is one heat pump maintenance cost that really pays off!
Common reasons why heat pumps stop working prematurely include a frozen heat pump, leaking refrigerant, dirty air filters, electrical failures, faulty reversing valves, dirty coils, and broken thermostats. It's also possible for mice, squirrels, and other critters to cause damage to heat pumps by making nests.