Heat Pump Repair in Burlington County, NJ

A heat pump heats your home in winter and cools it in summer, so when it stops working properly you can lose both. Gibson Home Services repairs heat pumps for homeowners across Burlington County. Owner Ken Gibson, an NJ Master HVACR contractor (License 19HC00370300), has been working on local systems since 2009, and every heat pump repair begins with a diagnosis.

What are the signs your heat pump needs repair?

Common signs include a heat pump that will not heat or cool, heavy ice that stays on the outdoor unit, defrost problems, the backup heat running far more than usual, and new noises from indoor or outdoor equipment.

• Not heating or not cooling. The system runs, but the air from the vents is not warm in heating mode or not cool in cooling mode.
• Heavy or lasting ice. A light layer of frost on the outdoor unit in heating mode can be normal. Thick ice that covers the coil or stays for a long time is not.
• Defrost trouble. Heat pumps periodically run a defrost cycle to clear frost from the outdoor coil. If the unit never seems to defrost, or seems stuck in defrost, something may be wrong.
• Backup heat running constantly. If your thermostat shows auxiliary heat running much more often than it used to, the heat pump may not be carrying its share of the load.
• Noises. Grinding, rattling, buzzing or loud clicking from the outdoor unit, or new noises from the indoor air handler, are worth having checked.
• Not switching modes. A heat pump that stays in cooling when you call for heat, or the reverse, may have a control or component problem.
• Short cycling. Frequent starts and stops can wear on the compressor and leave the house uneven.

Before you call, you can safely confirm the thermostat is set to the correct mode and temperature and that its display is working. Please do not open panels on the outdoor unit or indoor air handler, try to chip ice off the coil, or handle refrigerant lines or electrical parts. Leave that to a licensed contractor.

What do auxiliary heat and emergency heat mean on your thermostat?

Auxiliary heat and emergency heat are thermostat modes that use your system's backup heat source. Auxiliary heat can come on automatically to help the heat pump. Emergency heat is a setting you choose that runs backup heat only.

Seeing "aux" or "aux heat" on the display from time to time is often part of normal operation, for example during defrost or when the system is catching up to a higher setting. Emergency heat is a manual mode; when it is selected, the heat pump itself is not providing heat. If you find yourself relying on emergency heat to stay comfortable, that is a sign the heat pump should be looked at. Call us to schedule a diagnosis rather than leaving the system in that mode indefinitely.

How does Gibson diagnose a heat pump problem?

We diagnose first. Ken checks how the heat pump runs in the mode that is giving you trouble, finds the actual cause, and explains what he found and your options before any repair is authorized.

• Your description. When the problem started, whether it happens in heating, cooling or both, and what the thermostat has been showing.
• The system in operation. Heat pump faults often show up only in one mode or during a defrost cycle, so we observe the system working.
• Indoor and outdoor equipment. A heat pump problem can start at the outdoor unit, the indoor air handler, the thermostat or the controls between them.
• A clear explanation. You hear what we found in plain terms, along with what we recommend and why.

How much does heat pump repair cost?

Gibson uses flat-rate repair pricing, and you see the price before any repair work is authorized. The standard non-member service fee is $125.

Comfort Club members receive a reduced service fee and a repair discount based on their plan. Silver and Gold members also receive two maintenance visits a year and priority scheduling. See the Comfort Club plans for the details.

What warranty comes with a heat pump repair?

Gibson repairs carry a 90-day labor warranty. Replacement parts are covered by the manufacturer's part warranty, as provided by the manufacturer. If something related to our work is not right, call us; legitimate callbacks take priority.

Which heat pump brands does Gibson repair?

We repair all major brands of heat pumps, subject to normal parts availability and serviceability. Gibson's primary installation brand is Amana, but you do not need Amana equipment for us to repair it.

That includes conventional single-stage heat pumps and variable-speed systems. To learn how variable-speed equipment works, see our inverter heat pumps page. For general information about the heat pumps we install and service, see heat pumps.

Should you repair or replace your heat pump?

Many heat pump problems are worth repairing. We will tell you honestly when a repair makes sense and when it may not. There is no single age or cost cutoff that applies to every system.

We weigh the age and repair history of the system, the cost of the current repair, how well it keeps the home comfortable, parts and refrigerant availability, warranty status and your plans for the home. If replacement is the better path, Ken can provide a free replacement estimate with good, better and best options. Read more on our heat pump installation page.

Heat pump repair FAQs

Is it normal for my heat pump to have frost on it?

A light layer of frost in heating mode can be normal, and the defrost cycle should clear it. Thick ice that covers the coil or does not clear is a reason to schedule a diagnosis.

Why does steam come off my outdoor unit?

During a defrost cycle, melting frost can produce visible vapor. That on its own is not usually a problem. Smoke or a burning smell is different: turn the system off at the thermostat and call for service, and if there is fire, get everyone out and call 911 from outside.

When are you available for heat pump repair?

Our hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Saturday 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM by appointment. We are closed Sunday, and holiday availability varies, so please call.

Which towns do you serve?

We serve Delran, Moorestown, Mount Laurel, Marlton/Evesham, Medford, Palmyra, Florence, Riverside, Cherry Hill, Riverton and Voorhees.

Schedule a heat pump repair

If your heat pump is not heating or cooling the way it should, call Gibson Home Services at (856) 220-4158 or request service online. You can also browse all of our heating services.