Heat Pump Repair and Installation in Kissimmee

How a heat pump heats and cools

In cooling mode, a heat pump moves heat from inside your home to the outdoor unit, exactly like a standard air conditioner. In heating mode, a reversing valve flips the direction, and the system pulls heat from the outdoor air and brings it inside. Because Central Florida winters are mild, a heat pump can handle most of the heating on its own.

Most systems also have electric heat strips in the indoor air handler. They act as backup (auxiliary) heat when it's very cold or when the system is defrosting, and as emergency heat if the heat pump itself fails.

Signs your heat pump needs repair

• It blows cool air when the thermostat is set to heat
• It heats but won't cool, or won't switch between modes
• The outdoor unit is covered in ice that doesn't clear
• The thermostat shows auxiliary or emergency heat running most of the time
• A loud whoosh or bang when it switches modes that's new or getting worse
• The outdoor fan doesn't spin, or the unit hums and won't start
• Power bills jump during cool weather
• A burning smell that doesn't fade after the first few minutes of heating

Some things that look like problems are normal. A heat pump in heating mode will periodically run a defrost cycle: the outdoor fan stops, you may see steam rising from the unit and hear a whoosh as the valve shifts. That usually lasts a few minutes. Ice that stays, or a defrost that never seems to end, is worth a call.

What we check on a heat pump repair

• The reversing valve and its solenoid, which switch the system between heating and cooling
• Defrost controls and sensors
• Capacitors, contactors and the outdoor fan motor
• Refrigerant operation and signs of a leak
• Backup heat strips, sequencers and limits in the air handler
• Thermostat settings and wiring, including the reversing valve wire that heat pumps need

We explain what we find in plain language and give you the price before any repair. If the system is older and the repair doesn't make financial sense, we'll say so and show you the options.

Emergency heat: when to use it

Emergency heat runs only the electric heat strips. It will keep the house warm if the outdoor unit fails, but it's an expensive way to heat. If you have to switch to emergency heat, call us so we can get the heat pump itself working again. If the house is staying warm only on emergency heat, the heat pump isn't doing its job.

Heat pump replacement and installation

If your heat pump is aging, needs frequent repairs, or has a major failure like a compressor, replacement may make more sense. We size the new system for your home, check the existing ductwork and electrical, and match the indoor and outdoor equipment so they work together. You get a written price before work begins, and we walk you through the new thermostat and system before we leave.

Efficiency ratings matter in Florida because the cooling side runs so many hours. Our article on SEER2 and your Florida power bill explains the ratings, and our repair-or-replace guide can help you think it through.

Heat pump or AC with heat strips?

Some Central Florida homes have a straight air conditioner with electric heat strips instead of a heat pump. Both cool the same way, but a heat pump heats far more efficiently than strips alone. If you're replacing an older system, it's worth asking whether a heat pump would fit your home. We'll explain the difference in operating cost and comfort so you can decide.

Get ready before the first cold night

• Switch to Heat for a few minutes on a mild fall day to make sure it works
• Expect a light dusty smell the first time; a strong or lasting smell means turn it off and call
• Replace the air filter before heating season
• Keep the outdoor unit clear of leaves and debris so it can defrost properly
• Know where your thermostat's emergency heat setting is, and use it only if the heat pump fails

The Central Florida factor

Because heat pumps here cool far more than they heat, the heating side can sit unused for months. Problems often show up on the first cold night of the year. Turning the heat on briefly in the fall, before you need it, is an easy way to find out early.

Heat Pump Repair & Installation near you

We provide heat pump repair & installation in Kissimmee, Buenaventura Lakes, St. Cloud, Celebration, Hunters Creek, Poinciana, Orlando, Lake Nona, Meadow Woods, Southchase, Lake Buena Vista, Narcoossee, Four Corners, Harmony, Windermere, Dr. Phillips, Winter Garden, Avalon Park, ChampionsGate, Reunion, Kissimmee Bay, Bellalago.

Common questions

Is a heat pump the same as an AC?

A heat pump cools exactly like an air conditioner, and it can also reverse to heat your home. It's one of the most common heating and cooling setups in Central Florida.

Why is my heat pump blowing cold air in heat mode?

It could be in a defrost cycle, which is normal for a few minutes. If it continues, the cause may be the reversing valve, a thermostat setting or wiring issue, a refrigerant problem or a failed outdoor unit component.

Is it normal for a heat pump to have ice on it?

A light frost that clears during defrost is normal in cold weather. A thick block of ice that stays, or ice in summer, means something needs attention.

Should I use emergency heat?

Only if the heat pump isn't working. Emergency heat uses the electric heat strips alone and costs more to run. Call us so we can repair the heat pump.

Do you install heat pumps?

Yes. We replace and install heat pump systems sized for your home, with a clear price before any work starts.

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