AC & airflow
Heat pump repair, installation and maintenance
A heat pump cools like an air conditioner most of the year here, then reverses to provide heat on the cool mornings South Florida does get. Because it works in both directions, service needs to check both modes.
Heat pump repair
Heat pumps share many faults with air conditioners, plus a few of their own tied to the reversing valve, defrost controls and backup heat.
- Won't switch between cooling and heating
- Blows cool air in heat mode
- Outdoor unit iced over or not defrosting
- Backup or emergency heat running constantly
- Short-cycling or failure to start
- Thermostat not set up for heat pump operation
Installation and replacement
When replacing a heat pump or switching from another system, we look at capacity, the air handler and ductwork, electrical service and whether the thermostat is compatible with heat pump staging.
- Sizing based on the space rather than the old nameplate
- Matched outdoor and indoor sections
- Thermostat and controls compatibility
- Start-up checks in cooling and heating
Heat pump maintenance
- Cooling-mode performance check
- Heating-mode and reversing valve check
- Defrost control check
- Coil, drain and filter service
- Electrical connections and components
Quick guide
What do you need help with?
What do you need help with? Pick the closest match to see what we'd talk through and what a technician would check. This is a guide, not a diagnosis or a quote.
Questions to discuss
- Does it cool but not heat, or the reverse?
- Thermostat type and heat-pump setting
- Any recent thermostat replacement
What a technician would evaluate
- Reversing valve operation
- Thermostat wiring and configuration
- Defrost controls
Your selection ("Won't switch modes") is added to your request so we have context when we call.
Questions to discuss
- How long it runs to reach set temperature
- Ice on the outdoor unit
- Backup heat running often
What a technician would evaluate
- Refrigerant-side readings in both modes
- Outdoor coil and fan
- Airflow and filter condition
Your selection ("Weak heating or cooling") is added to your request so we have context when we call.
Questions to discuss
- System age and repair history
- Comfort goals
- Ducted or ductless preference
What a technician would evaluate
- Load and sizing
- Existing ductwork and electrical
- Heat pump versus AC with backup heat
Your selection ("Planning a replacement") is added to your request so we have context when we call.
How it works
Heat pump cooling and heating modes
Heat is absorbed indoors and released by the outdoor unit. Solid cyan: cooler side; dashed red: warmer side. Illustrative only, not an engineering design.
Point 1 of 3
Reversing valve
Switches between modes. A stuck valve can leave the system in one mode.
Diagram described in text
- Reversing valve: Switches between modes. A stuck valve can leave the system in one mode.
- Outdoor coil & defrost: In heating, frost forms and is cleared by defrost cycles. Ice that stays is a service issue.
- Indoor coil & backup heat: Delivers both cooling and heat; backup heat running constantly can indicate a problem.
Making the call
Repair or replace a heat pump?
The same broad factors apply as with air conditioners, with heating performance added.
- One component has failed
- The system is relatively young
- Both modes worked well until recently
These are common patterns, not a verdict on your equipment. We explain options after inspecting it.
- Compressor or coil failure on an older unit
- Repeated reversing valve or refrigerant problems
- Older refrigerant makes repairs costly
These are common patterns, not a verdict on your equipment. We explain options after inspecting it.
Process
How heat pumps work is handled
- 01
Request a visit
Tell us whether the problem is in cooling, heating or both.
- 02
Two-mode diagnosis
We test the system in each mode.
- 03
Explain options
You'll hear findings and recommendations before work starts.
- 04
Fix and verify
We confirm operation in both directions.
What to have ready
- Thermostat model
- Outdoor unit label photo
- Which mode has the problem
What affects scope and cost
- Component affected (valve, controls, compressor)
- Refrigerant leak location if any
- Access to equipment
Good to know
- Don't repeatedly cycle modes to 'test' a fault — note what happens and call
- Diagnosis needs on-site readings
We don't publish prices: cost depends on what's found on site and is explained before work starts.
Coverage
Across South Florida
Heat pumps requests are taken from properties in Miami, Broward County and Palm Beach County. Share your ZIP code and we'll confirm.
Service areasHeat pumps questions
How do I know if I have a heat pump or an air conditioner?
Check the outdoor unit's label or your thermostat: heat pump systems usually have heat pump or 'emergency heat' settings. If you're unsure, we can confirm on site.
Is it normal for the outdoor unit to steam?
On cool, humid mornings a heat pump can briefly release steam during defrost. Persistent ice build-up is not normal.
Can a heat pump replace my existing AC?
Often, yes. A heat pump provides the same cooling plus heat. We'll check compatibility with your air handler, ductwork and thermostat.
Is a heat pump worth it in South Florida?
Many properties use cooling far more than heating, and a heat pump provides both from one system. Whether it suits you depends on the building and existing equipment.
Why does my outdoor unit sometimes steam?
In heating mode, a heat pump periodically defrosts its coil, which can release steam. Ice that doesn't clear is worth a service call.
Related services
Emergency line
24/7 emergency HVAC service
We answer emergency calls and dispatch technicians 24/7 across Miami, Broward and Palm Beach. We'll give you a realistic arrival estimate when you call.
Ready when you are.
Call to talk it through, or send a request and we'll follow up by phone. Serving Miami, Broward and Palm Beach.
Call (305) 433-7627