When Your Heat Pump Stops Doing Its Job
Heat pumps are reliable, efficient machines — until something goes wrong. And when a heat pump fails in the middle of a January cold front or an August heat wave, you feel it immediately because the same system handles both your heating and cooling.
F & R Air Conditioning has been repairing heating and cooling systems across Acadiana since 1956. Heat pumps have become increasingly common in our service area over the past two decades, and our technicians are trained to diagnose and repair every type, from standard ducted systems to ductless mini-splits.
Common Heat Pump Problems We Repair
- Reversing valve failure: the reversing valve switches the system between heating and cooling mode. When it fails or sticks, your heat pump may cool when it should heat, or vice versa. This is one of the most common heat pump-specific repairs we see.
- Defrost cycle issues. During heating season, frost builds on the outdoor coil and the system periodically reverses to melt it. A faulty defrost board, bad sensor, or stuck reversing valve can prevent this cycle, leading to heavy ice buildup that chokes airflow and can damage the compressor.
- Refrigerant leaks: a heat pump uses the same refrigerant loop year-round. A leak affects both heating and cooling performance. All refrigerant handling follows EPA regulations. We locate the leak, repair it, and recharge the system to manufacturer specifications.
- Compressor failure. The compressor is the heart of the system. Compressor problems can range from a hard start (often fixed with a start kit) to complete failure requiring replacement. We’ll give you an honest assessment of whether a compressor replacement or full system replacement makes more financial sense.
- Auxiliary heat running constantly: if your heat pump has backup electric heat strips, they should only run during defrost cycles or unusually cold weather. If the “AUX” or “EM HEAT” indicator runs constantly, the heat pump itself may not be working, and your electric bills will spike dramatically.
- Outdoor fan motor failure. The outdoor fan moves air across the condenser coil. A seized or failing fan motor causes the system to overheat and shut down on safety. We carry common replacement motors and can often complete this repair the same day.
- Thermostat misconfiguration: heat pump thermostats require specific wiring and settings that differ from standard AC thermostats. A thermostat set up for conventional heating/cooling won’t control a heat pump correctly, which can cause comfort complaints and unnecessary auxiliary heat usage.
What a Repair Visit Looks Like
- Diagnosis: our certified technician listens to your description of the problem, checks the thermostat and system settings, and performs systematic electrical and refrigerant testing on the indoor and outdoor equipment.
- Explanation. We tell you exactly what’s wrong, why it happened, and what it will cost to fix. No jargon, no pressure — just the facts.
- Repair: with your approval, we complete the repair. We carry the most common parts and components on our trucks to minimize return visits.
- Testing. We run the system in both heating and cooling modes to verify the repair resolved the problem completely.
Heat Pumps Are Different. Your Technician Should Know That
Not every HVAC technician understands heat pump systems thoroughly. The defrost cycle, reversing valve operation, auxiliary heat staging, and dual-mode thermostat wiring are all unique to heat pumps. An incorrect diagnosis can lead to unnecessary parts replacement or, worse, damage to the compressor.
F & R’s technicians are factory-trained on all major heat pump brands. We understand how these systems operate in South Louisiana’s specific conditions, including the high humidity that can affect defrost timing and the mild winters that influence how often the system switches between modes.
Count on Acadiana’s HVAC Team
Our shop is in Abbeville, and our trucks are on the road daily across Lafayette, Broussard, Youngsville, New Iberia, Crowley, and the surrounding communities. If your heat pump isn’t performing right (in heating mode, cooling mode, or both), contact us to schedule a service call. We’ll find the problem and fix it right.