Symptoms this service addresses
- Heat pump runs but isn't heating in cold weather
- Not cooling adequately during summer
- Ice or frost coating the outdoor unit for long periods
- Stuck in defrost mode or never defrosting
- Reversing valve clicking but mode never switches
- Auxiliary or emergency heat running more than expected
- Loud humming, vibrating, or rattling at the outdoor unit
What the service involves
- Diagnostic of the reversing valve, defrost board, and outdoor sensors
- Refrigerant charge and pressure check across both operating modes
- Inspection of the indoor coil, blower, and air handler controls
- Verification of auxiliary/emergency heat staging
- Repair of the failed component and a verified mode-switch cycle
What affects cost and timing
- Component involved — defrost boards and sensors are moderate; compressors and reversing valves are major
- Whether the auxiliary electric heat strips are part of the issue
- Refrigerant leak repair and recharge needs
- System age and tier (single-stage vs variable-speed inverter)
When it's urgent
- No heat in sub-freezing weather with aux heat also failing
- Persistent ice buildup that won't clear after defrost cycles
- Burning smell or electrical issues — shut the system off
- Outdoor unit not running at all in extreme temperatures
What to check before requesting help
- Confirm the thermostat is in the correct mode (Heat, Cool, or Auto)
- Check whether emergency or aux heat is active — and whether it's appropriate
- Clear leaves, snow, or ice from around the outdoor unit (do not chip ice)
- Replace the air filter and check return airflow
- Note system brand, model, and any error codes shown
FAQ
Some frost is normal — the unit defrosts itself periodically. Heavy, persistent ice usually means the defrost board, sensor, or reversing valve isn't working correctly, or the refrigerant charge is low. Don't try to chip ice off the coil.