How much does heat pump maintenance or repair cost?
How much does heat pump maintenance or repair cost?
$70 – $200 average heat pump maintenance cost
$150 – $650 average heat pump repair cost
Average heat pump maintenance cost
Heat pump maintenance costs $70 to $200 for a tune-up visit. Many HVAC companies offer annual maintenance plans for $120 to $360 that include tune-ups, priority service, and discounts on repairs. Heat pump repair costs $150 to $650 for minor repairs and up to $2,500+ to replace major parts.
| Heat pump service type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Tune-up service | $70 – $200 |
| Annual maintenance plan | $120 – $360 |
| Repairs | $150 – $650 (minor repairs) $650 – $2,500+ (major repairs) |
Heat pump service cost
A heat pump tune-up costs $70 to $200 on average and is a routine preventative maintenance service. Regular tune-ups improve the system's efficiency, reduce your heating and cooling costs, minimize the need for repairs, and extend the heat pump's life.
During a heat pump tune-up visit, the technician typically performs these services:
Inspects and cleans the coils
Inspects the blower and ducts and adjusts the blower components as needed
Changes the air filter
Inspects refrigerant lines for leaks
Confirms the refrigerant levels are correct
Inspects and cleans electrical terminals and tighten electrical connections
Inspects motors and belts for tightness and wear
Lubricates moving parts
Inspects the drain pan and condensate drain line and removes clogs
Checks the thermostat operation
Annual heat pump maintenance plan
An annual heat pump maintenance plan costs $120 to $360, depending on the services and benefits included. A maintenance plan is often worth the investment if the system is no longer under warranty. Most annual plans include:
Heat pump tune-ups once or twice per year
Air filter replacement
Same-day or priority repair service
Discounts of 5% to 15% on parts or repairs
Lower fees for emergency service calls
Heat pump repair cost
HVAC companies typically charge a service call fee of $75 to $200 to diagnose the problem. Some companies apply this fee toward the cost of repairs.
Heat pump repair costs $150 to $650 on average for minor repairs like replacing the condensate pump, expansion valve, or contactor. Major repairs like compressor, condenser, or evaporator coil replacement cost $650 to $2,500+ if the unit is no longer under warranty.
The table below shows the cost for common heat pump repairs:
| Heat pump repair service | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| Service call / diagnostic troubleshooting | $75 – $200 |
| Freon recharge cost | $100 – $600 |
| Refrigerant leak repair cost | $200 – $1,500 |
| Air handler replacement cost | $1,500 – $3,400 |
| Blower motor replacement cost | $300 – $900 |
| Capacitor replacement cost | $100 – $250 |
| Circuit board replacement cost | $150 – $700 |
| Compressor replacement cost | $1,300 – $2,500 |
| Compressor hard start kit | $100 – $270 |
| Condenser replacement cost | $1,200 – $4,200 |
| Condenser coil cleaning cost | $75 – $230 |
| Condenser coil replacement cost | $900 – $2,300 |
| Condensate pump replacement | $100 – $450 |
| Condensate drain tube replacement | $100 – $195 |
| Contactor replacement | $150 – $400 |
| Drain pan replacement | $200 – $600 |
| Evaporator coil cleaning cost | $100 – $700 |
| Evaporator coil replacement cost | $650 – $2,400 |
| Expansion valve (TXV) replacement | $300 – $500 |
| Fan motor replacement cost | $200 – $700 |
| Fuses, circuit breakers, or relays | $75 – $300 |
| Flush the drain line | $75 – $250 |
| Line set replacement | $200 – $650 |
*Cost to repair a heat pump that is no longer under warranty
Heat pump repair cost factors
The following factors affect the cost of heat pump repairs and maintenance:
Heat pump size: Replacement parts for larger heat pump systems often cost more.
System age: Parts for older systems are more difficult to locate, which can increase the cost.
Brand vs. generic: Generic replacement parts cost less than brand-name parts but may void the manufacturer's warranty.
Accessibility: Labor costs may be higher for heat pump components that are difficult to access, such as an air handler in a tight attic space.
Maintenance frequency: A tune-up may cost more if the system hasn't been inspected in a few years because the extra dirt build-up takes longer to clean.
Warranty: The manufacturer's warranty may cover the full cost of replacement parts for your heat pump. However, most warranties do not cover labor costs.
Home warranty plan: Some home warranties cover heat pumps and other HVAC system components, though the homeowner is typically responsible for a service call fee.
Season: Heat pump repairs are often cheaper in the spring or fall.
Heat pump maintenance & repair FAQs
How often does a heat pump need maintenance?
Heat pumps should be professionally serviced twice a year—once before the cooling season and once before the heating season. This typically means scheduling maintenance in the spring and fall. Regular maintenance helps ensure optimal performance and energy efficiency and can extend the life of your heat pump system.
How long does a heat pump tune-up take?
A heat pump tune-up takes 1 to 1.5 hours on average, not including time needed for repairs or adding refrigerant.
Do home warranties cover heat pump maintenance?
Most home warranties do not cover routine maintenance for heat pumps. Some home warranties cover heat pump repairs due to normal wear and tear, but preventative maintenance is usually the homeowner's responsibility.
However, some home warranty plans offer discounts on maintenance services or include a yearly tune-up as part of their coverage. Carefully review your specific home warranty policy to understand what is and isn't covered regarding your heat pump.
Should I repair or replace my heat pump?
The decision to repair or replace your heat pump depends on several factors:
Age of the system: If your heat pump is over 10 to 15 years old, replacement might be more cost-effective in the long run.
Repair cost: If the repair cost is more than 50% of the cost of a new unit, replacement is often the better option.
Warranty status: If your heat pump is still under warranty, repairs might be covered, making them more cost-effective than replacing the whole unit.
Frequency of repairs: If your heat pump needs frequent repairs, it may be more economical to replace it.
Performance: If your heat pump struggles to maintain comfortable temperatures, replacement might be necessary.
Energy efficiency: Newer heat pump models are often more energy-efficient, which can lead to lower utility bills.
Consult with a qualified HVAC professional to assess your system and provide personalized recommendations on whether to repair or replace your heat pump.
Getting estimates for heat pump maintenance
Before hiring a heat pump maintenance or repair company near you, be sure to:
Read HVAC company reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Get quotes from three HVAC companies to compare.
Look for a NATE-certified technician with experience installing and repairing heat pumps.
Choose a company that is licensed, insured, and has been in business for 5+ years.
Ask for a checklist of items the heat pump technician will inspect as part of the tune-up.
Get a detailed estimate and contract in writing before the work begins.
Confirm whether any of the repairs are covered under a manufacturer's warranty.
Beware of companies that offer low-cost tune-ups, as they often charge more than average for repairs or attempt to pressure customers into buying a new heat pump system.
Questions to ask heat pump technicians
Ask heat pump technicians these important questions to ensure you hire the best company for the job:
How long have you been servicing heat pumps?
Are you NATE-certified?
Are you licensed and insured?
Can you provide a checklist that details what the tune-up service includes?
How long will the service take?
What does your annual heat pump maintenance plan include, and how much does it cost?
Do you offer any new customer discounts?
Do you charge a service call or diagnostic fee? If yes, do you apply that to the repair cost if I hire you to perform the repairs?
What does your warranty policy include?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.