Heat Pump Not Cooling — Causes & Repair in Greater Vancouver | HeatLand

Heat pump not cooling in summer? HeatLand diagnoses and repairs heat pump cooling problems across Metro Vancouver — all brands, all ages.

Is your heat pump stuck in heating mode or blowing warm air?

A heat pump that is not cooling in summer is almost always one of these problems: a mode/thermostat setting issue, a stuck reversing valve, low refrigerant charge, a dirty coil blocking heat exchange, a failed capacitor, or an iced-up system. Here is what to check before calling:

• Check the thermostat setting. Make sure it is set to “Cool” mode and the set temperature is below your current room temperature. Some thermostats have a dedicated mode button; on others it is in the menu.
• Replace or clean the air filter. A severely clogged filter reduces airflow, causing the indoor coil to ice up and reducing cooling capacity dramatically. Check the filter first — this is a safe homeowner task.
• Check the outdoor unit. Make sure it is not blocked by debris, vegetation, or a structure. The outdoor coil needs clear airflow to reject heat.
• Check the breakers. Heat pumps have two circuits: one for the indoor air handler and one for the outdoor unit. If either breaker has tripped, the system will not cool properly.

If none of these simple checks resolve the problem, call HeatLand. The causes below require a licensed HVAC technician:

Causes that require a licensed technician

• Stuck or failed reversing valve — The component that switches the system between heating and cooling mode. Replacement requires refrigerant evacuation, soldering and recharging.
• Low refrigerant charge — Refrigerant does not deplete on its own; low charge means there is a leak that must be located and repaired before recharging. Handling refrigerant is restricted to certified technicians.
• Failed capacitor or contactor — These electrical components start and run the compressor and fan motors. They hold high voltage even when the power is off — do not touch them.
• Dirty or iced-up coils — Requires proper defrost procedures and coil cleaning by a technician.
• Compressor failure — The most expensive heat pump repair. We evaluate whether repair or replacement is the better investment.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my heat pump blowing warm air in summer?

The most common causes are: the thermostat is set to heating mode instead of cooling mode; the reversing valve (which switches the system between heating and cooling) has stuck or failed; refrigerant is low due to a leak; the outdoor coil is dirty or obstructed; or the system is iced up due to low refrigerant or poor airflow. A licensed technician can diagnose which issue applies to your unit.

Can I fix a heat pump that is not cooling myself?

There are a few safe homeowner checks: verify the thermostat is set to “Cool” mode; replace or clean the air filter; check that the outdoor unit is not blocked by debris, vegetation or snow; and make sure the circuit breakers for both the indoor air handler and the outdoor unit are on. Beyond these steps, do not open the unit or attempt refrigerant-related or electrical repairs — these require a licensed HVAC technician.

What is a reversing valve and can it be repaired?

The reversing valve is the component that switches a heat pump between heating and cooling mode. When it fails, the system may get stuck in one mode or blow lukewarm air regardless of settings. Reversing valve replacement is a significant repair that requires evacuating the refrigerant, removing and soldering the new valve, and recharging the system — licensed technician work only.

How much does heat pump cooling repair cost?

Minor repairs such as capacitor replacement or refrigerant top-up (with a successful leak repair) typically cost $200–$600. More involved repairs such as reversing valve replacement or a refrigerant line repair can be $600–$1,500+. We provide a written estimate after diagnosis before any work begins.

Should I repair or replace a heat pump that is not cooling?

If the heat pump is under 10 years old and the repair cost is under 50% of replacement value, repair is usually worth it. For systems over 12–15 years old or facing a compressor failure, replacement may be more cost-effective — especially with current heat pump rebates from CleanBC and BC Hydro. We give you an honest assessment and quote for both options.

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