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Heat pump not working
A heat pump that won't heat or cool usually points to a few common fixes.
Likely causes
| Cause | Likelihood | Severity | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermostat settings | high | Low | $0–$100 |
| Defrost cycle or frozen coil | medium | Medium | $100–$500 |
| Refrigerant issue | medium | Medium | $250–$1,500 |
| Compressor or reversing valve | low | High | $1,500–$3,500 |
Safe checks you can do
- Check the thermostat is set to heat or cool correctly.
- Look for ice on the outdoor unit.
- Confirm it's not in a defrost cycle.
Emergency signals
- No heat in freezing weather
- Burning smell
- Frost buildup
Next action
If the thermostat is fine but it's not working, or you see heavy ice, call an HVAC technician.