Pick the part that failed to see a typical heat pump repair price, including the service call and after-hours fees.
Last reviewed October 2026 · How we calculate estimates
Heat pump repairs typically cost $161 to $661, and most homeowners pay around $410. Heat pumps do both heating and cooling, so they run year-round and have a few parts an AC doesn't, like the reversing valve and the defrost control. Pick the repair below to see where your quote should land.
| Cost breakdown | Range |
|---|
| Repair | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Thermostat | $80 – $350 |
| Capacitor or contactor | $120 – $400 |
| Control board / defrost board | $150 – $700 |
| Reversing valve | $200 – $650 |
| Fan motor | $200 – $700 |
| Refrigerant leak repair | $300 – $1,200 |
| Compressor | $650 – $2,400 |
| Service call | $75 – $200 |
| Emergency surcharge | +$100 or more |
Source: Angi, 2026 pricing data. Service call: HomeGuide, 2026.
In November, the heat pump blows cold air with the thermostat set to heat, and the technician replaces the reversing valve. With the service call, the calculator shows $275 – $850 nationally, or $305 – $940 in California.
| System size | Typical repair range |
|---|---|
| 1.5–2 ton | $175 – $800 |
| 2.5–3 ton | $250 – $1,000 |
| 4–5 ton | $350 – $1,500 |
Call for service if the outdoor unit is encased in solid ice, the system blows cold air for more than about 15 minutes in heat mode, or it runs constantly without reaching the set temperature.
Because heat pumps run year-round, they benefit from service twice a year, typically spring and fall. Keep the outdoor unit clear of snow, leaves and plants, change filters regularly, and make sure the unit sits level and above snow lines so it can drain during defrost. See our seasonal maintenance checklist.
Each repair uses its own published price range. The service call and after-hours surcharge are added if you include them, and the total is adjusted by your state's BEA Regional Price Parity if you choose a state. See our methodology.
Heat pumps typically last 10 to 15 years. Because they heat and cool, they run more hours per year than an air conditioner. Capacitors, contactors, thermostats, fan motors and reversing valves are usually worth repairing. Out-of-warranty compressor failures and repeated refrigerant leaks on older systems are where replacement becomes the better value. A new system typically costs $4,000 to $10,000 or more, so a repair approaching half of that is a good point to get a replacement quote. Check for federal, state and utility incentives on high-efficiency heat pumps before deciding.
Heat pump repairs typically cost $161 to $661, with most homeowners paying around $410. Capacitors and contactors run $120 to $400, reversing valves $200 to $650, refrigerant leak repairs $300 to $1,200, and compressors $650 to $2,400.
Reversing valve replacement typically costs $200 to $650, including parts and labor.
Common causes are a stuck reversing valve, the unit running a normal defrost cycle, low refrigerant, or a thermostat set incorrectly. If it lasts more than about 15 minutes, call a technician.