Heat Pump Repair
in Columbus, OH
Highly trained, factory-certified service technicians can assess and diagnose heat pump performance issues in both heating and cooling modes and provide you with a full repair estimate before starting the work.
Heat pumps use the outside air to heat and cool your home across all seasons. Using a mechanical compression cycle, the system works like a traditional air conditioner in summer and reverses the process in winter to extract heat from outdoor air — even in cold temperatures.
Our technicians are thoroughly trained end-to-end in diagnosing and performing professional repairs on heat pumps from all brands. Whether your system is stuck in cooling mode during winter, not reaching temperature, or showing error codes, we have the tools and expertise to identify the problem and fix it.
Common Heat Pump Heating Problems
Heat Pump Not Heating
The most common winter call. Your system runs but blows cool air. This can be caused by a stuck reversing valve, low refrigerant charge, or a faulty defrost control.
Frozen Outdoor Unit
Light frost on the outdoor unit is normal and cleared by the defrost cycle. Heavy ice buildup that doesn't clear indicates a problem — typically a failed defrost board, a stuck reversing valve, or low refrigerant.
Auxiliary Heat Running Constantly
Your "AUX" or "EM HEAT" indicator stays on even in mild weather. Below 35°F, some auxiliary heat is normal. Above 40°F, constant auxiliary heat usually means the heat pump itself isn't contributing and needs service.
Reversing Valve Failure
Your system cools when it should be heating (or vice versa). The reversing valve switches the system between heating and cooling modes — when it fails or sticks, the system gets locked in the wrong mode.
Low Refrigerant Charge
Your heat pump runs longer than normal but can't reach the set temperature. Low refrigerant reduces heating capacity significantly, and the system works harder to compensate, driving up energy costs.
Defrost Cycle Issues
The outdoor unit produces steam and temporarily blows cool air during defrost — this is normal. But if defrost runs too frequently, lasts too long, or doesn't run at all, the defrost control or sensor needs attention.
Is It Normal or a Problem?
Heat pumps behave differently from furnaces in winter. Some things that seem alarming are actually normal operation.
Normal Winter Behavior
- ✓ Light frost on the outdoor unit that clears periodically
- ✓ Occasional cool air from vents during defrost cycles (a few minutes)
- ✓ Steam rising from the outdoor unit during defrost
- ✓ Auxiliary heat kicking in below 35°F
- ✓ Supply air that feels slightly cooler than a furnace (90–100°F vs. 120–140°F)
Call for Service
- ✗ Thick ice on the outdoor unit that doesn't clear
- ✗ Continuous cool air from vents for 30+ minutes
- ✗ Auxiliary heat running constantly above 40°F
- ✗ System not reaching the thermostat set temperature
- ✗ Unusual grinding, rattling, or buzzing sounds from the outdoor unit
What to Expect During a Repair Visit
Schedule Your Service Call
Call us or book online. We'll confirm a service window that works for your schedule and dispatch a technician to your home.
Diagnostic Assessment
Our technician inspects both the indoor and outdoor components of your heat pump, tests heating and cooling modes, checks refrigerant pressures, and identifies the root cause of the problem.
Transparent Estimate
Before any work begins, you'll receive a detailed estimate with the cost of parts and labor. We use flat-rate pricing with no surprise fees, and we won't proceed without your approval.
Complete the Repair
Once approved, we complete the repair and test the system in the appropriate mode to verify everything is operating correctly before we leave.
Follow-Up
All repairs come with a one-year warranty on parts and labor. If you experience any issues after the repair, we'll come back and make it right.
Should You Repair or Replace Your Heat Pump?
Consider a Repair If:
- ✓ Your heat pump is less than 10 years old
- ✓ This is the first major issue you've experienced
- ✓ The repair cost is less than half the cost of a new system
- ✓ Your energy bills have been consistent
Consider Replacing If:
- ✗ Your heat pump is 15 years old or older
- ✗ You've had multiple repairs in recent years
- ✗ Your system uses R-22 (Freon) refrigerant
- ✗ Compressor failure (often costs more than a new system)
Not sure which option is right for you? Our technicians will give you an honest assessment during the repair visit.
Learn About Heat Pump Installation →24/7 Emergency Heat Pump Repair
Your heat pump handles both heating and cooling for your home. When it fails in a Columbus winter, you can't afford to wait. Our emergency repair service is available around the clock, including weekends and holidays.
Related Services
Heat Pump Installation
If your system is beyond repair, we can help you choose and install a new heat pump for year-round comfort.
Heat Pump Tune-Up
Prevent future repairs with annual maintenance for both heating and cooling modes.
AC Repair
Having a cooling issue? Your heat pump handles cooling too — we service both modes.
Why Choose Us for Your Heat Pump Repair
We are constantly evolving and improving the way we do business.
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24 Hour Service
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, you have Columbus's leading Heat Pump repair specialists awaiting your call!
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We Service Your Area
We service all of the Columbus metro, Columbus, Powell, Westerville, Grove City, Galloway, Pickerington, and more.
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Affordable Repairs
After diagnosing the system, your technician will verify the repairs and cost before they perform the work. There are never any surprises at the end of the service!
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One-Year Warranty
We stand by our work by offering a one-year warranty on all our repairs and extended repair warranties for our Maintenance Agreement holders.
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Training
Fire & Ice's technicians go through on-going training year-round in the largest training facility in Central Ohio, also owned by Fire & Ice.
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All Makes and Models
Fire & Ice can repair any Heat Pump regardless of make and model!
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Superior Service
With our accreditation and A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, you can trust that your Heat Pump is in good hands with Fire & Ice.
