Common Heat Pump Problems
- Cools but won't heat: usually the reversing valve or its solenoid, the part that switches the system between modes.
- Steam from the outdoor unit in winter: normally fine. The unit runs a defrost cycle to melt frost off the coil.
- Ice that never clears: a defrost control or sensor problem, or low refrigerant.
- "Aux" or "Em heat" on all the time: backup electric heat is doing the work, which shows up fast on a TEP bill.
Heat Pump Repair Costs
Most heat pump repair in Tucson involves parts heat pumps share with central AC. Capacitors run $100 to $250, contactors $200 to $450 and fan motors $200 to $700, based on HomeGuide's 2026 averages. Compressor and coil failures are the expensive repairs. See the Tucson AC repair cost guide.
Replacing a Heat Pump
TEP pays up to $720 toward a high-efficiency heat pump installed by a participating contractor. Mini split heat pumps qualify for up to $100 per ton. Compare that against AC replacement in Tucson before you decide. Call (520) 303-1924 for heat pump repair in Tucson from a licensed company.
Sources: HomeGuide, TEP Efficient Home Program.