Heat Pump Repair & Installation — Year-Round Comfort, One System
A heat pump heats and cools your home in a single system — more efficiently than a furnace and air conditioner running separately. NorTech Services repairs existing heat pumps and installs new air-source and ground-source systems nationwide, backed by a 1-year labor warranty on every job.
Request a Free QuoteEvery heat pump service is backed by NorTech’s 1-year labor warranty. If any issue returns within 12 months, we come back and fix it.
15% Off Your First Heat Pump Service
New customers save on any heat pump repair, diagnostic, or installation service. Mention the code when you call or enter it at checkout.
Professional Heat Pump Repair & Installation Nationwide
Heat pumps are the fastest-growing category in residential HVAC — and for good reason. In climates like Houston, Atlanta, Phoenix, Orlando, Charlotte, and Las Vegas, a properly sized heat pump delivers both cooling and heating at significantly lower operating costs than separate systems. NorTech Services technicians are trained on all major heat pump brands and system types, from standard air-source units to dual-fuel configurations and ground-source systems. We diagnose reversing valve failures, refrigerant issues, defrost cycle problems, and compressor faults — and install new systems sized correctly for your home’s actual load. Every repair and installation is covered by our 1-year labor warranty.
How a Heat Pump Works
A heat pump doesn’t generate heat — it moves it. That’s what makes it so efficient. The same refrigerant cycle that cools your home in summer runs in reverse in winter, pulling heat energy from outdoor air and delivering it inside.
Cooling Mode
Operates identically to a central air conditioner — absorbing heat from indoor air and transferring it outside through the refrigerant cycle.
Heating Mode
The reversing valve switches refrigerant flow direction — extracting heat energy from outdoor air and delivering it inside, even when outdoor temps are in the 30s.
Why It’s Efficient
Moving heat requires far less energy than generating it. A heat pump delivers 2–4 units of heat energy for every 1 unit of electricity consumed — electric resistance heating delivers only 1 for 1.
Backup Heat
Most systems include electric resistance strips or pair with a gas furnace as backup for extreme cold — ensuring reliable heat even when outdoor temps drop well below freezing.
Is a Heat Pump Right for Your Home?
Heat pumps are an excellent fit for many homes — but not every situation. Here’s an honest breakdown to help you make an informed decision before calling for a quote.
Heat Pumps Work Well When…
- Your climate has mild to moderate winters — ideal for Sun Belt metros like Houston, Atlanta, Phoenix, and Orlando
- You’re replacing both an aging AC and furnace at the same time
- You want to reduce monthly energy costs compared to electric resistance heating
- Your home has existing ductwork in good condition
- You want a single system that handles both heating and cooling on one maintenance schedule
Consider Alternatives When…
- You’re in a very cold climate with frequent temperatures below 15°F — a dual-fuel or cold-climate heat pump may be needed
- Your existing gas furnace is relatively new and only the AC needs replacement
- Your electrical panel doesn’t have capacity for a heat pump without an upgrade
- Your ductwork is in poor condition — address duct issues before installing any new system
- Budget is the primary concern — a standard AC + furnace pairing may have lower upfront cost
Heat Pump Repair & Installation Services
NorTech handles the full scope of heat pump work — from same-day diagnostic and repair calls to complete new system installations.
Heat Pump Repair
Component-level diagnosis and repair on all air-source heat pump makes and models, including defrost cycle and reversing valve issues unique to heat pumps.
Heat pump failures are often misdiagnosed by technicians unfamiliar with the system. NorTech techs understand the full refrigerant cycle in both modes before recommending any repair.
- Reversing valve diagnosis & replacement
- Defrost board & cycle diagnostics
- Refrigerant leak detection & recharge
- Compressor repair & replacement
- Capacitor & contactor replacement
- Auxiliary heat strip inspection & repair
Heat Pump Installation
Full installation of air-source heat pump systems including load calculation, matched equipment selection, refrigerant line work, and electrical connections.
We size heat pump systems using a full load calculation — accounting for your climate zone, insulation, and existing ductwork — so the system performs efficiently from day one.
- Load calculation & system sizing
- Air-source & dual-fuel configurations
- Matched indoor air handler installation
- Refrigerant line set installation
- Electrical & thermostat setup
- Full system commissioning & test
Common Heat Pump Problems We Fix
Heat pumps have some failure modes that are unique to the system. These are the most frequent issues our technicians diagnose across Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, Tampa, Las Vegas, and beyond.
Blowing Cold Air in Heat Mode
If the system blows cold air continuously in heating mode, the reversing valve may be stuck, refrigerant may be low, or the compressor may be failing. A brief cool blast during a defrost cycle is normal — sustained cold air is not.
Ice Buildup on Outdoor Unit
A thin layer of frost on the outdoor coil in winter is normal and handled automatically by the defrost cycle. Heavy ice accumulation that doesn’t clear indicates a defrost board failure, low refrigerant, or a stuck reversing valve.
System Running Constantly
Heat pumps run longer cycles than furnaces — this is by design. If the system runs nonstop without reaching the set temperature, it may be undersized, losing refrigerant, or working against significant heat loss from poor insulation.
Auxiliary Heat Always On
Auxiliary electric heat strips are backup — they should activate only in extreme cold or during defrost cycles. If aux heat is running constantly, the heat pump compressor or refrigerant system may have failed.
No Heating or Cooling
If the system runs but produces neither heat nor cool air in either mode, the compressor is likely failed or refrigerant is critically low. This requires a full diagnostic to determine repair vs replacement.
Loud Noises from the Unit
Grinding or squealing points to a failing motor bearing. A loud clicking or clanking suggests a loose component. A gurgling sound often indicates refrigerant issues. None of these are normal operating sounds.
All Major Heat Pump Brands
NorTech services and installs heat pump systems from all major residential manufacturers through authorized distribution channels.
How Much Does Heat Pump Service Cost?
Heat pump repair and installation costs vary based on system type, the scope of work, parts required, and your location. NorTech provides a written upfront estimate before any work begins — no surprises on the invoice. Use code NORTECH15 to save 15% on your first service.
Diagnostic Visit
Full system inspection in both heating and cooling modes with written findings and repair estimate.
Repair Services
Priced by job after a confirmed diagnosis. Parts and labor included in the written estimate before any work begins.
New Installation
Full installation quote includes load calculation, equipment, air handler, line set, electrical, and haul-away.
Rebate Assistance
Heat pump installations often qualify for utility and federal rebates. We identify available programs for your area.
What Homeowners Say About NorTech Heat Pump Service
“Two techs from other companies couldn’t figure out why my heat pump wasn’t heating. NorTech diagnosed a stuck reversing valve in 20 minutes. Had it fixed the same day. Night and day difference in service.”
“Had NorTech install a new Carrier heat pump to replace a 17-year-old furnace and AC combo. Energy bills dropped noticeably and the house maintains temperature much more consistently. Excellent install crew.”
“Ice buildup on the outdoor unit turned out to be a defrost board issue. Tech explained what was happening clearly, had the part, and fixed it same day. Solid experience, took about two hours total.”
“The tech walked me through why my aux heat was running constantly — low refrigerant causing the compressor to underperform. Found the leak, fixed it, recharged the system. Aux heat hasn’t kicked in since.”
“NorTech did a full load calculation before recommending a system size. Every other quote I got just asked about square footage. That attention to detail gave me confidence in the installation. System has been perfect.”
“Good service overall. The repair took longer than expected because the reversing valve was a special order part, but they kept me informed throughout and honored the original quoted price. Would recommend.”
Heat Pump — Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to what homeowners ask most about heat pump repair, installation, and performance.
A heat pump moves heat rather than generating it. In cooling mode it extracts heat from inside your home and transfers it outside — exactly like an air conditioner. In heating mode it reverses the process, extracting heat energy from outdoor air and transferring it inside. This process is significantly more energy efficient than electric resistance heating.
Modern cold-climate heat pumps can extract heat from outdoor air at temperatures as low as -15°F. Standard heat pumps become less efficient below 35–40°F and may require a backup heating source. NorTech evaluates your climate zone and recommends the right system — including cold-climate models or dual-fuel configurations — for your specific location.
This is often caused by a malfunctioning reversing valve, low refrigerant, a defrost cycle running normally (the system temporarily switches to cooling mode to defrost the outdoor coil), or a failed compressor. If the cold air is continuous and not a brief defrost cycle, the system needs a diagnostic.
Heat pumps are designed to run longer cycles than furnaces — this is normal and efficient. However, if the system runs nonstop without reaching the set temperature, it may indicate low refrigerant, a dirty air filter, a failing compressor, or that the system is undersized for the home.
A dual-fuel system pairs a heat pump with a gas furnace backup. The heat pump handles heating efficiently down to a set outdoor temperature — typically around 35–40°F — and the gas furnace takes over when temperatures drop further. This gives you maximum efficiency in mild weather and reliable heating in extreme cold.
Air-source heat pumps typically last 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance. Ground-source systems can last 20 to 25 years for the indoor components and 25 to 50 years for the ground loop. Annual maintenance significantly extends equipment life and maintains efficiency.
Heat pump repair costs depend on the type of failure and parts required. Installation costs vary based on system type, size, and your home’s existing infrastructure. NorTech provides written upfront estimates before any work begins. Use code NORTECH15 for 15% off your first service.
Yes. Every heat pump repair and installation performed by NorTech Services is backed by a 1-year labor warranty. If a covered issue recurs within 12 months, we return and resolve it at no additional labor charge.
Heat Pump Service Available Nationwide
NorTech services and installs heat pumps across major metros. View our full service territory.
Heat Pump Issue or Ready to Install? Let’s Talk.
Get a free, no-obligation estimate from a certified NorTech heat pump technician. Same-day repair dispatch available in most areas. Use code NORTECH15 for 15% off your first service.
