Heat Pump Repair in Metro Vancouver & the Fraser Valley
Heat pump blowing cold air in January, not cooling in July, or iced over outside? A heat pump heats and cools, so a fault in one mode can hide in the other. We test it in both before recommending a repair. Service call $169 (call-out and diagnosis, parts extra). Call 778-892-5119, Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 9 PM.
1-year parts and labour guarantee. If a part we supplied or our repair fails within a year, we come back and fix it at no charge. Parts supplied by the customer are not covered.
We don’t run a 24-hour line. We answer Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 9 PM, and usually call back within 5 minutes. Call 778-892-5119
Not ready to call? Text a photo of the label and the problem to 778-892-5119, and David will tell you what it looks like before you book.
Why a Heat Pump Is Tested in Both Modes
A heat pump reverses its refrigeration cycle depending on the season. In cooling mode, it removes heat from inside your home. In heating mode, it extracts heat from outdoor air and transfers it indoors. The reversing valve changes direction, the coils swap roles, and the defrost system activates during cold weather.
Because of this complexity, heat pump repair must verify:
- Heating performance
- Cooling performance
- Reversing valve operation
- Defrost cycle integrity
- Electrical stability
- Refrigerant balance
In BC’s mild but humid climate, extended runtime is common. That means wear accumulates across more months of the year compared to traditional single-mode systems.
Most Common Heat Pump Failures
1. Heat Pump Not Heating in Winter
Common causes include low refrigerant, reversing valve malfunction, thermostat misconfiguration, auxiliary heat failure, or compressor inefficiency. Continuing to operate without proper heating may cause additional strain on components.
2. Heat Pump Not Cooling in Summer
Causes may include refrigerant imbalance, dirty coils, capacitor failure, airflow restriction, or electrical contactor wear.
3. Frozen Outdoor Unit
Light frost is normal in winter. Thick ice accumulation often indicates defrost board malfunction, airflow issues, or refrigerant imbalance. A unit frozen solid requires immediate inspection.
4. Defrost Cycle Failure
If the system fails to enter defrost mode, ice buildup restricts airflow and stresses the compressor. Defrost control boards and sensors must be tested properly.
5. Reversing Valve Malfunction
A stuck reversing valve may cause the system to blow cold air in winter or warm air in summer. Diagnosis involves mode switching verification and refrigerant pressure readings.
6. Compressor Failure
The compressor is the heart of the system. Electrical overload, low refrigerant, or internal wear may lead to failure. Compressor replacement is often one of the most expensive repair scenarios.
7. Capacitor or Contactor Failure
Weak capacitors cause hard starts or no starts. Contactors may pit over time, leading to unreliable operation.
8. Refrigerant Leaks
Low refrigerant reduces heating and cooling efficiency. Leak detection and proper recharge procedures are critical for long-term reliability.
9. Control Board Errors (Especially Inverter Systems)
Modern ductless heat pumps use advanced boards and sensors. Diagnostic codes must be interpreted correctly to avoid unnecessary part replacement.
What We Test on a Repair Visit
These are the checks behind the diagnosis:
- Thermostat verification and mode testing
- Voltage and amperage testing
- Capacitor microfarad measurement
- Contactor inspection
- Refrigerant pressure readings (heating & cooling modes)
- Superheat and subcool analysis
- Leak detection testing
- Defrost board verification
- Reversing valve activation test
- Airflow and static pressure measurement
You get the findings and a price before any part is replaced.
Heat Pump Repair Cost in Vancouver & Fraser Valley
The cost of heat pump repair depends on the specific failure and system complexity.
Factors influencing cost include:
- Minor electrical repair vs compressor replacement
- Single-zone vs multi-zone ductless systems
- Refrigerant leak detection complexity
- System age
- Parts availability
The service call is $169. After the diagnosis you get a repair price before any work starts.
Repair or Replace?
Replacement May Be Recommended When:
- System is 12–15+ years old
- Compressor failure occurs
- Repeated refrigerant leaks exist
- Major reversing valve failure
- Repair cost approaches significant portion of replacement
Repair Is Often Reasonable When:
- Minor electrical component failure
- System is relatively new
- Single repairable issue identified
For new system options, visit:
Heat Pump Installation
When to Call Right Away
Call the same day if:
- No heat during freezing winter temperatures
- Outdoor unit is completely frozen
- Electrical burning smell is present
- No cooling during summer heatwaves
- Breaker repeatedly trips
We answer Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 9 PM. If you smell burning, switch the unit off at the breaker and leave it off until it has been checked.
Safety Considerations in Heat Pump Repair
Heat pumps operate under high voltage and pressurized refrigerant. Opening one up yourself can cause injury and void the warranty. A repair visit covers:
- Safe electrical testing
- Proper refrigerant handling
- Component verification before restart
- Protection of manufacturer warranty
Brands We Repair
- Mitsubishi: Advanced inverter systems requiring accurate diagnostics.
- Daikin: Variable-speed systems sensitive to refrigerant balance.
- Fujitsu: Popular ductless systems; airflow and board diagnostics critical.
- Carrier: Hybrid systems common in BC.
- Trane: Durable systems with strong compressor performance.
- Lennox: Efficient systems with complex control boards.
Areas We Serve – Heat Pump Repair Coverage
We repair heat pumps across Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. Condo mini-splits in Vancouver often require compact diagnostics. Coastal areas like Richmond and Delta experience higher humidity exposure. Larger detached homes in Surrey and Langley may have multi-zone systems requiring detailed troubleshooting.
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| Pitt Meadows |
Why Homeowners Call SkyLimit
- Both heating and cooling modes tested on every repair visit
- Findings and a price before any part is replaced
- A plain-language explanation of what failed
- 1-year parts and labour guarantee on parts we supply
- 4.9★ on Google from 196 reviews
A yearly check catches most of these faults early:
Heat Pump Service
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is my heat pump blowing cold air in winter? Possible reversing valve malfunction, refrigerant imbalance, or thermostat setting issues.
- Why is my heat pump frozen? Often caused by defrost failure or airflow restriction.
- How much does heat pump repair cost? The service call is $169 (call-out and diagnosis, parts extra). The repair price depends on what failed, and you get it before work starts.
- Is it better to repair or replace? It depends on the age and the fault. A failed capacitor on a 5-year-old unit is worth fixing. A failed compressor on a 15-year-old unit usually isn’t.
- What causes reversing valve failure? Mechanical wear or electrical control issues.
- How long does repair take? Minor repairs may take under an hour; complex diagnostics take longer.