Heat Pump Repair

SWVA Mechanical provides expert heat pump repair services in Lebanon, VA, for all seasons. Our skilled technicians can diagnose and fix any issue with your year-round comfort system.

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Professional Heat Pump Repair Done Right

A broken heat pump can leave your home without cooling in the summer or without heat in the winter. When your all-in-one system fails, you need a technician who understands its complex, two-way operation. The team at SWVA Mechanical has deep expertise in diagnosing and repairing heat pump systems. We understand the components that handle both the cooling and heating cycles. Our certified technicians provide safe, fast, and reliable repairs on all major brands. We are committed to restoring your comfort, no matter the season. Trust our experience to get your heat pump back in service quickly.

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Honest Reviews From Our Clients

Homeowners across Southwest Virginia trust SWVA Mechanical for HVAC services that are done right the first time. Here’s what real customers have to say about their experience:

Shahram Totonchian
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Shahram Totonchian
May 17, 2025
Douglas Canody
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Douglas Canody
January 25, 2025

We recently had our downstairs residential heat pump fail after 17 years of service. Given the age of the system, and the newer technology available, it made sense to replace both the downstairs and upstairs systems (3- and 2-ton units respectively). I obtained quotes from 4 different installers and ultimately, we selected the Mitsubishi Hyperheat systems as the replacement. Brian at SWVA Mechanical gave us the best price and best answers to our questions and we selected them to do the work. I don't think it could have gone any better. They showed up when they said they would, staged the work so that we could stay warm (installed in December), were respectful of our property and answered all of our questions. All of the SWVA Mechanical workers were friendly, cheerful, and most importantly knowledgeable and competent. Brian encouraged us to consider the Mitsubishi Hyperheat system which would function as a heat pump to below 0 degrees F. Frankly, I had my doubts that a system without auxiliary heat would function properly at such low temperatures without an auxiliary heat source. However, this review is being written 1 week after some of the coldest temperature in years (as low as 6 degrees F and -1-degree wind chill) and I can testify that my house stayed at the temperature set point throughout this very cold period, and in fact my house has been more comfortable than it ever has in similar conditions. I have temperature monitoring data that proves the system worked as Brian said it would. Additionally, the numbers show significant electricity savings compared to the operation of the old system. I will also mention that Brian and his partner Nick, were persistent in being able to get a relatively new steam humidifier installed about 2 years ago to work with the Mitsubishi heat pump and air handler. That required a lot of effort on their part, and a non-standard installation that went beyond the manufacturers’ instructions. I can verify that what they did worked, that it was done properly and is functioning as it should. To reiterate, I would highly recommend SWVA VA Mechanical to anyone in need of their services. They check all the boxes... knowledge, expertise, dependability, reliability, and integrity. Based on our experiences, we intend to use them to service our new system in the future and would not hesitate to work with them again. In my opinion, and based on my past experiences, it would be very hard to do better than SWVA Mechanical in this line of work and expertise.

Jack McArdle
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Jack McArdle
December 5, 2024

I had emergency when the heating system stopped working during the coldest days these past 2 months and Brain came the same day I called SWVM. No other HVAC company in the area would even give me an estimate of when they could come. Brain got the system running just in time for the lows in the teens the next few nights. If you need help this company will do all they can to help you. I would highly reccommend them.

NetworkSandbox
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NetworkSandbox
November 27, 2024

Recently had an installation as well as a preventative maintenance on another unit. I received good communication about scheduling and pricing and they answered any question I had. They showed up on time and performed the work well. After the install, Brian came by to make sure I was happy with the install and that I was fully taken care of. Subsequently for the preventative maintenance that Samuel performed, he thoroughly cleaned and tested the units and communicated to me the way that the unit was originally wired may not be optimal and explained the pros/cons of making a minor adjustment which I had him do. I'm very happy with the service provided and plan to use SWVA Mechanical for any future HVAC needs.

Kristen Jones
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Kristen Jones
September 24, 2024

Called with HVAC issue on Monday had a resolution by Tuesday morning. Owner Nick is amazing. Goes above and beyond for his customers. Technician that came out was 5 star! Polite, conscientious regarding cleanliness, and super helpful. Pricing is extremely reasonable. I will never use another company!

Bill Fletcher
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Bill Fletcher
September 7, 2024

Nick Cross and his team are amazing. Did a great job for us. They are polite, professional and knowledgable. Our challenge is with a house built in 1913 and their work has given us more control over our HVAC system and made our living space more comfortable. Price was very reasonable. Highly recommended.

Tony
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Tony
July 12, 2024

Samuel came out and did a great job!! He serviced my unit inside and outside. Company was amazing to begin with. Answered and returned my calls every time. They were prompt in letting me know when they would arrive and informed me of all repairs before doing anything. Amazing job!! Highly recommended.

Robert Elswick
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Robert Elswick
June 3, 2024

Highly Recommend! Brian and his team done an outstanding job installing my new Mitsubishi mini splits. I couldn’t have asked for a better HVAC Team than SWVA Mechanicals!

Brian Hale
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Brian Hale
April 13, 2024

I recently had a heat pump replaced by SWVA and they did an excellent job. As we were weighing the options of repairing my old system and the cost and benefit of the new system they were very helpful. I never felt they were trying to up-sale me. I especially appreciate the fast service both on the repairs I needed on my old system and with this new install. I was in a bind because it was winter but they had me up and running with a new system fast. I would highly recommend them again!

Scott Beverly
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Scott Beverly
April 8, 2024

I can't say enough good about the folks at SWVA mechanical. They came to my house and quoted the Mitsubishi unit to me and I had it installed within a few weeks. Every tech was very professional and respectful while in our home and did an outstanding job. I had one company give me a quote for the same system and it was over $4000.00 more than what Brian at SW VA Mechanical quoted, plus the other company didn't want to even talk about the Mitsubishi units that have the best reputation in the business. These more efficient units will save us money on our electric bill and they are so quiet you can't even hear them run. If you need a HVAC system or just need your old system repaired, give Brian at SW VA Mechanical at call and you will not be disappointed. They are more than fair on their prices and will treat you with respect and not try to burn you up on the charges. They are my new HVAC company. Scott Beverly

Jackie Rife
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Jackie Rife
January 19, 2024

Our furnace went out during frigid weather. Called Brian and he came immediately. He is very knowledgeable and professional. I highly recommend this company!

bill vaden
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bill vaden
December 25, 2023

Brian and Samuel real good people sincerely want to help when you’re in trouble just installed a new heat pump force excellent job

Tully Wright
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Tully Wright
November 13, 2023

Excellent service. Friendly, good communication, punctual, quality work. I was very pleased and highly recommend this company for any of your heating and cooling needs

Joe Johnson
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Joe Johnson
October 26, 2023

I had these guys install a new American Standard 3 ton heat pump this week. I got quotes from different companies and after a great deal of research chose SWVA Mechanical. Nick and Brian explained everything in detail and Jesse and Sam did our install. We are very happy with the entire process. Nick asked me a number of times during and after the install if we were happy and everything was to our expectations. They really care about customer satisfaction and it shows. Great product and install! I would highly recommend this company to anyone on the market for a new system. Great price and great product!

Joel Clark
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Joel Clark
August 27, 2023

SWVA Mechanical took care of us quickly and efficiently! Very knowledgeable in all the services they have provided to us. Highly recommend!

mountainview retirement
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mountainview retirement
August 7, 2023
Kevin McGlothlin
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Kevin McGlothlin
July 21, 2023

Brian and his employees were wonderful to deal with. They installed a Mitsubishi Mini Split system for our office and needless to say was the best investment both for quality and cost. We truly appreciate SWVA Mechanical's willingness to go the extra mile for us.

Amy Barrett
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Amy Barrett
July 4, 2023

Excellent quick service from Brian and all of his crew! Called on Sunday and had a new heat pump on Monday they went above and beyond to get my family’s air going again. The best guys around for all your hvac needs!!

Rhonda Hale
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Rhonda Hale
June 17, 2023

Highly recommend. They did an excellent installation on our new 4 ton heat pump and electrical work. 10 year warranty on the heat pump and 1 year on all the labor. These guys are the best around!

Anthony Mullins
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Anthony Mullins
June 3, 2023

Called Brian on a Friday night after 8pm and told him my situation!! He was here in less than 5 minutes and took care of me!! He don’t have to answer his phone on a Friday night!! Very professional, knowledgeable, and courteous!! Will use this company from now on!!

Benjamin Price
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Benjamin Price
April 18, 2023

Excellent service and quality installation job for my business on a total install of 12 mini split units. The units have a 10 year warranty and with the savings in my power bill, the units will pay for themselves in 5 years. Highly recommend this small business for anything related to HVAC

April Dawson
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April Dawson
September 6, 2019
Sami J.
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Sami J.
June 3, 2018

Excellent service , on time, freindly, very knowledgeable, reasonable prices, definitely will use again if needed, thank you

Heat Pump Repair Service

The diagnostic process for a heat pump requires a versatile, year-round approach. The first step is to understand the mode of failure. Is the unit failing to cool, failing to heat, or not running at all? The answer to this question guides our technician’s entire diagnostic strategy. We use advanced tools and a systematic process to test the system’s components. This allows us to accurately identify the root cause, whether it lies within the cooling cycle, the heating cycle, or the shared electrical components. A proper diagnosis is key to an effective and lasting repair.

Many heat pump issues that occur during the summer are identical to those of a standard air conditioner. The system’s compressor can fail, or the capacitors that help it start can wear out. The fan motor on the outdoor unit can seize up, preventing the system from releasing heat. Your system can also develop a refrigerant leak, which will diminish its cooling capacity until it is repaired. Our technicians are fully equipped to handle all of these common cooling cycle repairs. We can get your home cool and comfortable again during the hot summer months.

Repairs related to the heating cycle often involve components that are unique to a heat pump. The most common of these is the reversing valve, which can get stuck and trap your system in cooling mode. The defrost control board is another critical part that can fail, preventing the system from melting ice off the outdoor unit. A faulty outdoor temperature sensor can also cause performance issues in the winter. Our technicians have the specialized training to diagnose and repair these heat pump-specific parts. This expertise is crucial for restoring your system’s heating capabilities.

One of the most common winter complaints is a heat pump that is blowing cool or lukewarm air. This can happen for several reasons. The system could be low on refrigerant, which severely reduces its ability to produce heat. The problem could also be a failure of the supplemental heat strips inside the air handler. Without this backup heat to assist, the air from the vents may feel cool by comparison. In many cases, the unit is simply in its defrost cycle, which is a normal but temporary state. A technician can determine the precise cause of the issue.

A heat pump that is completely covered in ice or frost during the winter has a serious problem. While a thin layer of frost is normal, a thick buildup of ice indicates a failure in the defrost system. This is a critical heating-season repair. The problem could be a bad defrost control board, a faulty temperature sensor, or a reversing valve that is stuck. Continuing to run a heat pump that is iced over can cause severe damage to the fan blades and the compressor. You should turn the system off and call for professional repair immediately.

In addition to the main heat pump, we also repair the supplemental heating system. The auxiliary electric heat strips are a vital backup for the coldest days of winter. These components can fail over time. The sequencers that control the heat strips can burn out, or the heating elements themselves can break. A failure in this system will leave you with inadequate heat when the temperature drops below freezing. Our technicians can test and replace any faulty components in your auxiliary heat package. This ensures your backup system is ready when you need it.

No matter how complex the repair, we are committed to a transparent and honest service process. Once our technician has accurately diagnosed the problem with your heat pump, they will explain the issue to you clearly. We will show you the failed component and describe the necessary repair steps. You will then receive a firm, upfront price for the job before we begin any work. This policy ensures you are in full control and that there are no hidden costs or surprises. Our goal is to earn your trust through our expertise and integrity.

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Emergency Heat Pump Repair Near You

A heat pump failure is an emergency regardless of the season. In the summer, it means sweltering heat; in the winter, it means a dangerously cold home. SWVA Mechanical understands this urgency and offers emergency heat pump repair service across the Lebanon area. We prioritize repair calls to get a skilled technician to your home as quickly as possible. Our team is ready to restore your heating or cooling right away. You can count on our fast, professional response to any heat pump breakdown, any day of the year.

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Most Common Heat Pump Repair Questions

A problem with your year-round heat pump can be stressful. Homeowners often have urgent questions about what could be wrong and what to expect. We have answered some of the most common heat pump repair questions we hear from our Lebanon customers.

If your heat pump is blowing cold air when it is set to “heat,” it indicates a problem. First, it is important to know that the air from a heat pump in heating mode often feels cooler than air from a furnace. Air temperatures of 90 to 100 degrees are normal, which is cooler than body temperature and can feel lukewarm. However, if the air is truly cold, there is a definite issue. The most common cause is that the system has switched to its auxiliary heat mode, but the electric heat strips themselves have failed.

Another major cause is a problem with the heat pump’s defrost cycle. If the outdoor unit is frozen over with ice, it cannot absorb heat from the air. The system will continue to circulate indoor air, but without adding any heat to it, making it feel cold. This is caused by a failure in the defrost controls. A low refrigerant charge can also cause the system to produce very weak heat, which will feel cool coming from the vents. A technician will need to diagnose which of these issues is the root cause.

In some cases, the system may be stuck in air conditioning mode due to a failed reversing valve. The thermostat is telling the system to heat, but the valve is not switching over, so it continues to cool instead. If this is the case, you should shut the system off immediately and call for a repair. Running the system in cooling mode during the winter can cause serious damage.

The cost of a heat pump repair can vary dramatically based on which component has failed. Many common repairs are on the lower end of the cost spectrum. For example, replacing a failed capacitor, which is a very frequent repair, is relatively inexpensive. Other affordable repairs include fixing minor wiring issues or replacing a thermostat. These are parts that are easy to access and quick for a trained technician to replace. We can often complete these repairs in a single, short visit.

The cost of a repair increases for more complex or specialized components. Replacing the outdoor fan motor or the indoor blower motor is a more moderately priced repair. The same is true for replacing a defrost control board or a reversing valve. These parts are more expensive, and the labor required to replace them is more involved. A refrigerant leak detection and repair can also fall into this mid-range cost category, depending on the location and severity of the leak.

The most expensive heat pump repair is almost always a compressor replacement. The compressor is the heart of the system, and it is the most costly component. When the compressor fails on an older unit, it is often more economical to replace the entire heat pump. Our technicians will always give you an upfront price for any repair. This allows you to compare the cost of the repair to the cost of replacement and make an informed financial decision.

If your heat pump is stuck in one mode, meaning it will only produce heat or only produce cool air regardless of the thermostat setting, the problem is almost certainly the reversing valve. The reversing valve is a small but critical component in the outdoor unit. Its sole job is to change the direction of refrigerant flow. This change in direction is what allows the system to switch from absorbing heat inside your home to releasing heat inside your home. It is the key part that separates a heat pump from a standard air conditioner.

When a reversing valve fails, it typically gets stuck in its last position. If it fails in the summer, you will be stuck in cooling mode. When winter arrives, you will find that your system will not switch over to produce heat. If it fails in the winter, you will be stuck in heating mode, which becomes a problem when summer returns. The valve can fail mechanically, meaning the internal slide gets jammed, or the electronic solenoid that controls it can burn out.

A stuck reversing valve is a repair that requires a certified technician. If only the solenoid has failed, it can sometimes be replaced on its own. If the valve is mechanically stuck, the entire part must be replaced. This is a complex job that involves recovering the system’s refrigerant, cutting out the old valve, brazing in the new one, and then recharging the system. Our technicians are fully equipped to perform this specialized repair.

A thin layer of frost on the outdoor unit is perfectly normal during winter operation. However, if your outdoor unit is covered in a thick layer of ice, it is a clear sign that the defrost system has failed. Heat pumps are designed to automatically melt this frost buildup periodically. They do this by briefly switching back into cooling mode, which sends hot refrigerant gas through the outdoor coil to melt the ice. If this defrost cycle is not working, the frost will continue to build until the unit is encased in ice.

A defrost system failure can be caused by several different faulty components. The most common cause is a bad defrost control board, which is the brain of the defrost system. The system also relies on sensors to tell the board when to start and stop the cycle; a failed sensor can also cause the problem. In some cases, a reversing valve that is stuck in heating mode will prevent the system from entering the defrost cycle. You should never try to chip the ice away yourself, as you can easily damage the delicate coil fins.

If your unit is frozen over, you should turn the system to the “off” position at the thermostat. You can turn the fan to “on” to help it thaw. Running the system while it is frozen can cause serious damage to the fan blades and put immense strain on the compressor. Once you have turned the system off, you should call SWVA Mechanical for a repair. A technician will need to diagnose and fix the defrost system.

The “AUX Heat” or auxiliary heat light on your thermostat should only come on occasionally. It should engage during very cold weather or for brief periods during a defrost cycle. If you notice that this light is on frequently, or seems to be on all the time, it is a clear warning sign. It means that your primary heat pump is not producing enough heat on its own, and the system is constantly relying on the very expensive electric backup heat. This is a symptom of an underlying problem with the heat pump itself.

There are many potential reasons why a heat pump would struggle to produce heat. The most common issues are a low refrigerant charge due to a leak or dirty coils that are preventing proper heat transfer. A problem with the outdoor fan motor or even a failing compressor can also drastically reduce the system’s heating output. The thermostat will sense that the heat pump is not keeping up with the temperature demand and will engage the auxiliary heat to compensate. This results in extremely high electricity bills.

If your auxiliary heat light is on too often, you should schedule a repair visit. A technician will need to perform a full diagnostic on the heat pump to find out why its performance is suffering. Ignoring the problem will not make it go away; it will only cost you a significant amount of money in wasted energy. By finding and fixing the root cause, we can restore your heat pump’s efficiency and ensure the auxiliary heat is only used as intended.

The defrost control board is the electronic brain of your heat pump’s defrost system. Its job is to monitor a set of sensors that measure the temperature of the outdoor coil and the ambient air. When the sensors indicate that frost is beginning to build up and restrict airflow, the control board will initiate the defrost cycle. It tells the reversing valve to switch and turns on the outdoor fan. Once the sensors indicate that the ice has melted, the board will end the cycle and return the system to normal heating operation.

A defrost control board is a moderately expensive part to replace. It is more costly than a simple capacitor or contactor, but it is significantly less expensive than a major component like a compressor or a reversing valve. The part itself is a complex circuit board that must be matched to your specific heat pump model. The labor to replace it is relatively straightforward for a trained technician. They must safely power down the unit, disconnect the old board, install the new one, and ensure all sensor wiring is reconnected correctly.

While it is a notable expense, a functioning defrost control board is absolutely essential for your heat pump to work correctly in the winter. Without it, your system will inevitably turn into a solid block of ice, ceasing to produce any heat and potentially causing further damage. If our technician diagnoses a failed defrost board, its replacement is a necessary repair to ensure your comfort and protect your equipment from serious harm.

The decision to repair or replace your heat pump is a major one that depends on three main factors: age, repair cost, and efficiency. Most heat pumps have a service life of 10 to 15 years. Because they run year-round, they often wear out faster than separate furnace and AC units. If your heat pump is over 10 years old and is facing a major repair, you should strongly consider replacement. Investing a large sum of money into an old unit that is likely to have more problems soon is often not a wise financial move.

You should always compare the cost of the repair to the cost of a new system. A good rule of in thumb is if the repair cost is more than 50% of the price of a new unit, replacement is usually the better option. For example, it does not make sense to spend $2,500 to replace the compressor on a 12-year-old heat pump when a brand new system might cost $6,000. It is better to put that money toward a new, reliable, and warrantied piece of equipment.

Finally, consider the efficiency of your old unit. A 12-year-old heat pump might have a SEER rating of 10 and an HSPF of 7. A new high-efficiency model could have a SEER of 18 and an HSPF of 10 or higher. This jump in efficiency can lead to a dramatic reduction in your year-round electricity bills. These long-term savings can help offset the cost of the new unit. Our technicians will always give you the price for the repair and the price for a replacement so you can make an informed choice.

While a standard air conditioning technician can likely handle problems related to the cooling cycle, they may not be the best choice for a heat pump repair. A heat pump contains several critical components related to its heating function that a standard AC unit does not have. An experienced heat pump technician needs a thorough understanding of the reversing valve, the defrost control board, and the supplemental heat system. This is specialized knowledge that not every AC technician possesses.

Hiring a technician without specific heat pump experience can lead to a misdiagnosis. For example, an inexperienced technician might not recognize the symptoms of a failing defrost system and might mistakenly think the unit is low on refrigerant. This could lead to an incorrect and ineffective repair that does not solve the root problem. You could end up paying for a service that does not fix your issue, only to have to call for another repair soon after. It is always best to choose a company that highlights its expertise in heat pump systems.

When you call SWVA Mechanical, you can be confident you are getting a technician with the experience to work on your complete system. We can diagnose problems in both the cooling and heating modes. We understand how the unique components work and how to test them correctly. This ensures a faster, more accurate diagnosis and a lasting repair. Do not risk your year-round comfort by hiring someone who only understands one half of your system.

Schedule Your Heat Pump Repair

If your heat pump is not working right, contact SWVA Mechanical for expert year-round repair service. Our technicians can fix any heating or cooling issue with your Lebanon home’s heat pump.

Book nOw (276) 971-9514
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