Cold air in heating mode
A few minutes of cool air during a defrost cycle is normal. Cold air that keeps blowing usually means a refrigerant, reversing valve or control problem.
AFFORDABLE AIR HEATING & COOLING
Heat Pump Repair in Chillicothe, OH
Serving Chillicothe and surrounding areas.
Year-round comfort, back on track.
Your heat pump works in every season, so when it struggles, you notice fast. Affordable Air repairs ducted and ductless heat pumps across Chillicothe and Southern Ohio, on every major brand, with a clear diagnosis and the price up front.
Got a repair quote from someone else? Get a free second opinion.
Locally owned Chillicothe roots since 2006Licensed & insured Ohio HVAC License HV.46265Free estimates Installation & replacement
DOES THIS SOUND FAMILIAR?
Signs your heat pump needs repair
Heavy ice that won’t clear
Light frost that melts during defrost is fine. A thick shell of ice on the outdoor coil means the defrost system isn’t working.
“Aux Heat” or “Emergency Heat” running constantly
Backup heat should help out on very cold days, not run all the time. If it does, your electric bill is about to jump.
Weak cooling in summer
If your heat pump can’t keep up in July, it may be low on refrigerant or have a failing part.
Grinding, rattling or buzzing
Noises from the outdoor unit can point to a failing fan motor, compressor trouble or electrical problems.
Short cycling or constant running
Rapid on-off cycling or a system that never stops both put heavy wear on the compressor.
WHAT WE USUALLY FIND
Common causes we find
Defrost control failures
A bad defrost board or sensor lets ice build up until the heat pump can’t pull heat from the outdoor air.
Low refrigerant from a leak
Heat pumps move heat with refrigerant, so a leak cuts performance in both heating and cooling. We find and fix leaks rather than just recharging.
Stuck reversing valve
This valve switches the system between heating and cooling. If it sticks, the heat pump blows the wrong temperature no matter what the thermostat says.
Capacitor or contactor failure
The same electrical parts that fail on air conditioners fail on heat pumps, often after a hot stretch or a power surge.
Fan motor problems
If the outdoor fan won’t spin, the system can’t move heat and may shut down on a safety switch.
Thermostat setup issues
A thermostat that isn’t set up correctly for a heat pump can call for backup heat too often or never switch modes properly.
Backup heat failures
Burned-out heat strips, or a furnace problem in a dual-fuel system, can leave the heat pump struggling alone on the coldest days.
BEFORE YOU CALL
What you can safely check first
- Thermostat: Make sure it’s set to Heat or Cool as needed, and that Emergency Heat isn’t switched on by accident.
- Air filter: Replace a dirty filter.
- Breakers: Heat pumps often have separate breakers for the outdoor unit, the air handler and the heat strips. Reset a tripped one once.
- Outdoor unit: Clear snow, ice, leaves and debris from around it. Never chip ice off the coil.
Still not working? Our guide to heat pump not heating covers what’s normal in winter, or give us a call.
Diagnosis first, then a clear recommendation.
We test the full system, from refrigerant pressures and defrost controls to electrical parts and backup heat, then explain what failed and what it’ll cost before any work begins.
WEIGHING YOUR OPTIONS
Repair or replace?
Heat pumps typically last 12 to 15 years because they run in both seasons. A repair is usually worth it on a younger system. On an older heat pump facing compressor failure, a major leak or repeated repairs, replacement often costs less over time. See heat pump replacement and our repair or replace guide.
CLEAR SCOPE. INFORMED DECISIONS.
What affects the cost of heat pump repair
Cost depends on the failed part, refrigerant work, your system’s brand and age, and whether it’s a ducted or ductless system. Common repairs like capacitors, contactors and defrost sensors are usually affordable. Compressors, reversing valves and coil repairs cost more. We quote the price before we start.
Request your free estimateFROM FIRST CONVERSATION TO EVERYDAY COMFORT
From your call to a working system
- 01
Tell us what’s happening
Call (740) 779-0079 or request service online.
- 02
We diagnose the problem
A technician tests the heat pump in heating and cooling modes.
- 03
Review your options
You get a clear explanation and price first.
- 04
Repair and test
We make the repair and confirm the system is heating, cooling and defrosting properly.
BRANDS WE SERVICE
Brands we service
We repair heat pumps from every major brand, including Trane, Carrier, Goodman, Rheem and Day & Night, plus ductless systems from Mitsubishi Electric and others. We’re a Trane Comfort Specialist and a Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Contractor Preferred.
The local people behind your home comfort.
YOUR HVAC CONTRACTOR. YOUR NEIGHBORS.
Chillicothe has been home from the beginning.
Affordable Air was founded in Chillicothe in 2006 and still works out of our shop at 949 East Main Street. Heat pumps are common across rural Southern Ohio, where many homes sit beyond natural gas lines, and we service them throughout Ross, Pickaway, Pike, Scioto, Jackson, Fayette and Vinton counties.
Communities we serve: Chillicothe · Waverly · Piketon · Kingston · Frankfort · McArthur · All service areas
About Affordable AirBEFORE YOU CALL
Heat pump repair questions, answered.
Why is my heat pump blowing cold air?
It may be in defrost mode, which lasts a few minutes. If cold air continues, it may be low on refrigerant, have a stuck reversing valve or a failed control.
Is ice on my heat pump normal?
A light frost that melts during defrost is normal. Thick ice that doesn’t clear needs service.
Why is Aux Heat on all the time?
It can mean the heat pump isn’t keeping up, the thermostat isn’t set up correctly or temperatures are very low. Constant Aux Heat in mild weather should be checked.
Should I use Emergency Heat?
Only if the heat pump has failed and you’re waiting for repair. It runs backup heat alone and can be expensive.
Do you repair ductless mini-splits?
Yes. See mini-split repair.
Do you offer financing for repairs?
Yes. Financing for all credit types, including 0% APR for 72 months, with approved credit.
Do you offer same-day service?
Same-day service is often available for residential calls received before 3 PM, Monday–Friday, at no extra charge, depending on availability.
COMFORT CLUB
Keep the comfort going.
The Comfort Club is $270 a year and includes an annual furnace tune-up, an annual A/C tune-up, priority service, 10% off repairs and special access to deals.
KEEP EXPLORING
Other ways we can help
Other ways we can aid our customers
LET’S MAKE YOUR HOME COMFORTABLE AGAIN
Tell us what’s
going on.
Need a repair, a replacement estimate or routine maintenance? Start here.
(740) 779-0079Prefer to text? (740) 273-8551
For urgent service, please call.