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Fire and Ice Service Truck

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

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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 →

Emergency Heat Pump Repair Available 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week

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.

Call (614) 245-5539 Schedule Online

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.

Learn More →

Heat Pump Tune-Up

Prevent future repairs with annual maintenance for both heating and cooling modes.

Learn More →

AC Repair

Having a cooling issue? Your heat pump handles cooling too - we service both modes.

Learn More →

Why Choose Us for Your Heat Pump Repair

We are constantly evolving and improving the way we do business.

  • 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!

  • We Service Your Area

    We service all of the Columbus metro, Columbus, Powell, Westerville, Grove City, Galloway, Pickerington, and more.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • All Makes and Models

    Fire & Ice can repair any Heat Pump regardless of make and model!

  • 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequent issues include refrigerant leaks, frozen coils, defrost cycle failures, faulty reversing valves, and thermostat malfunctions. Heat pumps are more complex than standard furnaces or AC units because they handle both heating and cooling, so professional diagnosis is important.
Modern heat pumps perform well in Central Ohio's climate, especially when paired with a backup heating source in a dual fuel configuration. Today's cold-climate heat pumps can operate efficiently in temperatures well below freezing. Our team can help you determine if a heat pump is the right fit for your home.
Heat pumps typically last 10-15 years. If yours is approaching that age and needs a major repair, replacement with a newer, more efficient model often makes better long-term sense. We will assess your system's condition and help you weigh the options honestly.
This can be caused by a stuck reversing valve, low refrigerant charge, a defrost cycle in progress, or a malfunctioning thermostat. It is normal for a heat pump to briefly blow cooler air during its defrost cycle, but persistent cold air in heating mode needs professional attention.
Auxiliary heat, sometimes shown as AUX or EM HEAT, means your backup heating source has activated to supplement the heat pump. This is normal when outdoor temperatures drop below about 35 degrees. However, if auxiliary heat is running constantly when temperatures are above 40 degrees, it usually means the heat pump itself is not contributing enough heating and needs professional service. Auxiliary heat is more expensive to operate, so addressing this promptly can save you money.
During a normal defrost cycle, you may see steam rising from the outdoor unit and feel slightly cooler air from your vents for a few minutes. This is the heat pump temporarily reversing to melt frost off the outdoor coil, and it is completely normal. If the outdoor unit has thick ice that does not clear, if you feel continuous cool air for 30 minutes or more, or if defrost cycles seem to happen constantly, those are signs the defrost control or another component needs repair.
Yes. Our technicians are trained to diagnose and repair heat pumps in both heating and cooling modes. A heat pump is a single system that handles both functions, so many repairs apply to both modes. Some issues are mode-specific, like a stuck reversing valve or a defrost control failure, and we have the expertise and equipment to address all of them.

Become an HVAC Expert!

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Over 3500 Reviews!
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Chris Husmann

Fire and Ice has been wonderful to work with! Our new Furnace and AC are working like a dream. We had a number of places come out for estimates and Fire and Ice was the only one who actually went around and measured our windows and home and determined we should get a smaller furnace than what was installed before, saving us money both up front and on efficiency down the road. We were also impressed at the quality of the installation itself, as our old setup was clearly done without much care or thought. Fire and Ice took the time to move pipes and such that were just hanging from my ceiling before, move the humidifier to the proper side of the furnace, move over the ductwork that was not put in a good location, raise our electrical box outside away from the ground, and all kinds of little things to make sure our system runs right for a long time. It's been a few months and our setup runs perfectly. You get what you pay for, and I'm glad we paid for Fire and Ice!

Emily

When the 30 year old HVAC system in our house went out Fire and Ice was recommended to me. Brad, my sales representative, showed me a comprehensive list of my options, set me up with financing make a brand new system affordable, and professionally communicated throughout the entire process. The installers, Demetrius, Willard, and Tyler, were fantastic! They were very helpful and professional throughout the entire installation process and walked us through the ins and outs of the final product. The AC works like a dream just in time for the hot summer weather and we could not be happier! Fire and Ice is our go-to recommendation for anyone seeking HVAC work.

Mary Avalos-Miller

Our complete HVAC system was replaced a month ago. We experienced a flawless, informative process from sales to installation. Bryan, our sales pro, performed a detailed anaysis of our home's size, construction & features to develop an evaluation of our HVAC needs to offer the optimum sized equipment and has returned several times since the installation to insure it's proper functioning and our understanding of the entire system. The installation was performed within 3 days of our agreement - with the crew (Jon, Daniqua & Colby) getting the old system removed (furnace & A/C) and the new system installed in a matter of hours - they even modified ductwork and rerouted some lines originally installed by our builder to increase efficiency and give the system a cleaner appearance. Another great surprise was their tenacity with the cleanup - all their work areas were left totally spotless!!! Overall the best contractor performance we have experienced in 35 years of home ownership including having 2 homes built by the area's most reputable developers. The system runs great, is quiet and can now be operated through my phone from anywhere - even if just to insure it's running while at my winter haven. Thank You Fire & Ice!

Cathy Mace

Fire & Ice was great. Our sales rep, Bryan, was excellent. He was knowledgeable, professional, and didn’t pressure us to make a purchase. Due to our experience with him, we were already planning on using Fire & Ice to replace our old AC, but during the heat wave and storms, my once limping-along-AC decided 20 years was enough cooling and decided it’s job was done. My husband had initially set the meeting with Bryan, but was out of town, leaving me to pick up the sale. Bryan didn’t miss a beat when I emailed him asking to get a new AC installed ASAP. Within two days, my install techs, Demetrius P. and Willard J. were here to install. The excellent service continued. Both were amazing and incredibly professional, even dealing with my very vocal dog with grace every time they entered my house. They completed the job in a timely manner and everything was top notch. They were mindful of the fact that I work from home, and kept noise to an absolute minimum. By the time they left, I could feel the cool air flowing once again. They even took the time to swap out my furnace filter! Loved working with them and will recommend Fire & Ice to my friends & neighbors.

Jared Petersen

The entire process of having a new furnace and air conditioner installed was awesome. Scheduling the estimate was quick and easy and I didn't have to wait on availability. The estimate was very thorough, and Bryan was extremely helpful in explaining everything. Install was just a few days later based on my schedule (they could have installed sooner) and the install technicians (Bryan, Alontae, Von) were awesome. Very professional and courteous, adhering to local health guidelines the entire time. They also had somebody come out and take photos and videos of the install so they could use it in their training. They took the time to ensure everything was installed properly (my old install wasn't). They were also very helpful to show me everything about the system and new thermostat before they left. Bryan followed up with me a week later and stopped in to check on the install. He's awesome and having a tech come out and tweak a couple things (humidifier and thermostat) to ensure everything runs properly!

Jayson Nayuki

One of my good friend’s had a great experience with Fire and Ice, so I went ahead and tried them out. Amazing customers service. Brad was awesome with walking me through the process of getting a new furnace and answered all of my questions. I will be a returning customer and recommend Fire and Ice to all. Update on furnace installed: I can not praise this company enough. The technicians Floyd and Jacob were very professional and the craftsmanship was amazing. You can tell when someone takes pride in their work. Thank you for your hard work. It’s greatly appreciated.

Bryan Wade

Bryan and Nick were true professionals. They gave me a good heads up when they were going to arrive and did a great job installing the new furnace. They made sure to keep my house clean and walked me through what they did and gave me tips on how to get the best use/life out of my furnace. Will definitely recommend to a friend.

I Daniels

The two technicians arrived exactly when they said they would, immediately began to take care of business. They had more trouble than they anticipated getting the old furnace out but still pretty much finished at the time they told me. The system and heating space were left clean and tidy. they took a few extra minutes to troubleshoot my water tank to get it to ignite which was greatly appreciated. Very nice gentleman throughout the experience and gave me a thorough explanation of the paperwork and how to use the thermostat as well. Was a great experience