Heat Pump Repair

When your heat pump stops working, trust Vortex Air HVAC for fast and expert heat pump repair. We provide emergency repair services for all heat pump systems for residents in Orem, UT.

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Top Heat Pump Repair Company in Orem, UT

When your all-in-one heat pump system fails, you can be left without heating in the winter or cooling in the summer. Vortex Air HVAC provides fast, expert heat pump repair service to restore comfort to your home, no matter the season. Because a heat pump is more complex than a standard AC or furnace, it requires a technician with specialized knowledge to diagnose it correctly. Our certified technicians are experts in all aspects of heat pump repair, from a stuck reversing valve to a malfunctioning defrost system. We service all makes and models and arrive ready to solve the problem. Trust our Orem team for professional heat pump repairs you can count on.

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What Homeowners Are Saying

See why customers trust Vortex Air HVAC for professional Heat Pump Repair. Our team is known for honest pricing, quality work, and reliable service from start to finish.

Mariah Clyde
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Mariah Clyde
July 26, 2025
Riley Griffin
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Riley Griffin
July 26, 2025

Super friendly and quick, would recommend!

Harrison Wilfley
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Harrison Wilfley
June 18, 2025

They were outstanding. Super responsive without talking to some robot to schedule. They shot right over to the house right away when our AC wasn't working. You want to use them for super quick and great service!

sam vawdrey
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sam vawdrey
April 17, 2025

Great company to work with! I felt like they were fair and honest. They were great at communicating with me and getting out to our place fast and working around our schedule! Will be using them again in the future!

Jackson Hill
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Jackson Hill
April 14, 2025

I HIGHLY recommend going with Vortex Air HVAC. My original heater in my house (1989) was having issues. I watched a ton of videos and did everything to get it back and working with one caveat. Vortex came and took a look and realized it was a simple quick fix. He didn't charge me anything for it after I insisted I paid him. He then proceeded to to a quick diagnostic to verify everything was working correctly for free. Fantastic customer service. That simple act has won me over as a lifetime customer.

Mason Phillips
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Mason Phillips
February 14, 2025

Very good and efficient

Martha McCoy
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Martha McCoy
January 18, 2025

We contacted Vortex Air HVAC when we were installing a vent fan above our stove. The Vortex team came out, climbed up in our attic to cut a hole in our roof to install the ducting for it. Not only did they weather seal around their work, they cleaned the entire mess and was very friendly and professional. Now every year we have them come out and prep our furnace and A/C for the seasons. Thank you Vortex Air for excellent, professional and friendly service everytime. 😁

Taylor Gladwell
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Taylor Gladwell
January 16, 2025

Great customer service and great pricing!

Lynsie Dawn
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Lynsie Dawn
January 16, 2025

Quick response time, very knowledgeable, and great pricing. I definitely will be calling vortex next time!

William Phillips
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William Phillips
September 6, 2024

I’ve waited a few weeks to post this review pending my full experience with Vortex air. Recently we had our ac go out, I had multiple big name and a few smaller companies out they all played the same game! Send a “tech” they tell me it’s bad few hours to a day later another “sales” man shows up to quote it.. I called these guys as I had just a coworker refer them. The Owner answered the phone and then showed up to my house within an hour! He then proceeded to give me all the options to even repair! He made thoughtful and valid suggestions on what we can really do to improve air quality as well. Day of install shows up and they were on time and had it all changed and running same day! Pricing was very competitive and not like getting the wind knocked out of you like all the other prices I got. 5 stars for service another 5 for the install and another 5 for the peace of mind we will have coming these next seasons. Thank you vortex!

ENERGY-EFFICIENT

We install high-efficiency HVAC systems designed to lower your monthly energy bills while keeping you comfortable.

FREE DIAGNOSTICS

We provide free diagnostics to identify HVAC problems quickly, giving you clear answers and upfront pricing before any work begins.

NO HIDDEN FEES

Our pricing is transparent and upfront. You’ll never be surprised by hidden costs or last-minute charges.

Heat Pump Repair Service

Our professional heat pump repair service is designed to address the unique challenges of a system that provides both heating and cooling. We understand that a heat pump failure can leave you uncomfortable and concerned, regardless of the season. Our team is committed to providing a fast response and an accurate diagnosis to get your system back online quickly. Our certified technicians have deep expertise in the complex components of heat pumps, from the refrigeration cycle to the electronic defrost controls. We are Orem’s trusted experts for reliable and effective heat pump repairs.

The repair process begins with a rapid response to your service call. We know that a loss of heating or cooling is an urgent issue. Our technician will arrive promptly and will start by discussing the specific symptoms you have been experiencing. We will then perform a thorough, systematic diagnosis of the entire heat pump system. This includes inspecting the outdoor unit, the indoor air handler, and the thermostat. We use advanced diagnostic tools to test the refrigerant pressures, the electrical components, and the system’s control logic. Our goal is to find the root cause of the problem, not just address the symptom.

Once the cause of the failure has been identified, our technician will explain the issue to you in clear, easy-to-understand terms. We will show you the faulty component and detail the steps required for the repair. You will receive a complete, upfront quote for the total cost of the repair before we begin any work. We believe in honest and transparent communication, so there are never any surprises on your final bill. We will also give you our professional assessment of your system’s overall health and help you make an informed decision about the repair.

With your approval, our technician will perform the repair using high-quality parts and expert workmanship. Our service vehicles are stocked with a wide range of common heat pump replacement parts, such as capacitors, fan motors, contactors, and defrost control boards. This preparation allows us to complete most repairs in a single visit, restoring your home’s comfort as quickly as possible. We are meticulous in our work, ensuring every repair is done safely and according to industry best practices.

After the repair is complete, we thoroughly test the system to ensure it is operating correctly. We will test the heat pump in both its heating and cooling modes to verify that the repair was successful. We will monitor the system’s performance, check the temperature output, and ensure it is cycling properly. If the issue was winter-related, we will manually initiate a defrost cycle to confirm it is working. This comprehensive testing is our guarantee that the problem has been fully resolved.

We are equipped to handle any type of heat pump failure. One of the most common issues we see is a unit that is blowing cold air in heat mode. We also frequently repair systems that are stuck in one mode, units where the outdoor coil is a solid block of ice, or systems that are making loud or unusual noises. Whether the problem is a failed reversing valve, a bad defrost sensor, a refrigerant leak, or a faulty compressor, our skilled technicians have the expertise to fix it.

A broken heat pump can be a major inconvenience. You can rely on the professionals at Vortex Air HVAC to provide a fast, effective, and professional repair service that restores your year-round comfort. We have the specialized knowledge that these complex systems demand. For dependable heat pump repair in Orem, we are the team that homeowners trust. We are ready to help you, no matter the season.

Schedule now (801) 400-2422
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Need Emergency HVAC Service? We’re Available 24/7!

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Schedule now (801) 400-2422
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Common Heat Pump Repair Questions

We understand that a broken heat pump can be confusing. Our goal is to provide clear answers to common questions about heat pump failures. Below are answers to frequent repair inquiries.

If your heat pump is blowing cold air when it is set to “heat,” there are a few potential causes. The first thing to understand is that your heat pump may be in its normal defrost cycle. During this cycle, which lasts for a few minutes, the unit temporarily reverses to melt ice off the outdoor coil, and this can cause the air to feel cool. However, your auxiliary heat strips should turn on during this time to prevent a cold draft. If the air is uncomfortably cold, it could mean your auxiliary heat has failed.

If the problem is not the defrost cycle, it could be a more serious issue. A common culprit is a low refrigerant charge due to a leak. A heat pump needs a precise amount of refrigerant to absorb heat from the outdoor air, and if it is low, its heating ability will be severely diminished, resulting in lukewarm or cool air. The outdoor fan motor could also have failed, which would prevent the coil from absorbing any heat from the air.

The most common heat pump specific failure that causes this is a bad reversing valve. If the reversing valve is stuck in the cooling position, your heat pump will essentially function as an air conditioner, even in the winter. Our technicians can diagnose whether the problem is with the auxiliary heat, the refrigerant charge, or the reversing valve. We will pinpoint the exact cause and perform the right repair to get your warm air flowing again.

It is normal for a thin layer of white frost to form on your heat pump’s outdoor coil during cold, damp winter weather. It is also normal for the unit to periodically run a defrost cycle to melt this frost. However, if your outdoor unit is encased in a thick shell of solid ice, it is a clear sign that something is wrong with the defrost system, and you should call for repair. An iced-over unit cannot function correctly and will not be able to heat your home. Do not try to chip the ice off yourself, as you can easily damage the delicate coil fins or the refrigerant tubing.

The failure is almost always within the defrost control system. The defrost control board, which is the brain of the system, could have failed. The temperature sensor that tells the board when to initiate a defrost cycle could be faulty. Or, the system could be low on refrigerant, which can actually cause the coil to get colder than normal and create more ice than the defrost cycle can handle. A failing outdoor fan motor can also contribute to this problem by reducing airflow.

Our technicians will first need to safely and completely thaw the unit. We can often do this by manually placing the unit into defrost mode or by using other professional methods. Once the unit is free of ice, we will perform a detailed diagnosis of the entire defrost system. We will test the control board, sensors, and refrigerant pressures to find the root cause of the problem. We will then replace the faulty component to ensure your heat pump can keep itself ice-free for the rest of the winter.

The reversing valve is a highly specialized but critical component that is unique to heat pumps. It is a type of four-way valve that controls the direction of the refrigerant flow throughout the system. By changing the refrigerant’s path, it allows the heat pump to switch from cooling mode in the summer to heating mode in the winter. In cooling mode, it directs the hot, compressed refrigerant to the outdoor coil to release heat. In heating mode, it directs that same hot refrigerant to the indoor coil to release heat into your home. It is the part that makes your heat pump a year-round comfort system.

A reversing valve can fail in a few ways. The most common failure is for the valve to become stuck in one position, either due to an internal mechanical failure or a problem with the small electrical solenoid that controls it. If the valve is stuck in the cooling position, your heat pump will only produce cold air, even in the winter. If it is stuck in the heating position, it will only produce hot air, even in the summer. Sometimes, the valve’s internal seals can wear out, causing it to leak refrigerant internally, which will severely degrade its performance in both modes.

Diagnosing a failed reversing valve requires a trained technician with a set of refrigeration gauges. By checking the system’s pressures, we can determine if the valve is shifting correctly or if it is leaking internally. Replacing a reversing valve is a major refrigeration repair that requires a full recovery of the system’s refrigerant, brazing in a new valve, and then performing a vacuum and recharge. Our technicians have the expertise to perform this complex repair correctly.

Your auxiliary heat (AUX heat), which is typically a set of electric heat strips, should only run under two conditions: when the outdoor temperature is too cold for the heat pump to keep up on its own, or for a few minutes at a time when the heat pump is in its defrost cycle. If you notice that your thermostat’s AUX heat indicator is on frequently, even during mild weather, it is a sign of a problem. This is a costly problem, as auxiliary heat uses significantly more electricity than the heat pump itself.

One possible cause is a problem with the heat pump itself. If the heat pump is not producing enough heat due to an issue like low refrigerant or a dirty coil, the thermostat will sense that it is not satisfying the temperature setting and will call for the auxiliary heat to help out. In this case, the problem is not with the auxiliary heat, but with the main heat pump. We would need to diagnose and repair the heat pump to solve the issue.

Another possibility is that the problem lies with the thermostat or its settings. The thermostat could be faulty and may be calling for auxiliary heat unnecessarily. The “lockout” temperature, which is the outdoor temperature at which the auxiliary heat is allowed to come on, may be set too high. Our technicians will check the thermostat’s settings and operation to ensure it is controlling the system correctly. We will find out why your expensive auxiliary heat is running too often and fix the problem to save you money.

Loud or unusual noises from your heat pump are a warning sign that a component is failing and should be investigated immediately. A loud grinding, squealing, or screeching sound usually indicates a problem with a motor bearing. This could be in the large outdoor fan motor or the indoor blower motor. This noise means the motor is under extreme stress and is likely close to failing completely. It is important to shut the system down and call for service to prevent a more serious failure.

A rattling or clanking sound can sometimes be caused by a loose panel, but it can also indicate that the outdoor fan blade is loose, unbalanced, or has been hit by debris. It could also signal a problem with the compressor. A very loud buzzing or humming sound can indicate an electrical problem, such as a failing contactor or capacitor, or a compressor that is struggling to start. These electrical issues should be addressed promptly.

A distinct “whooshing” sound when the system starts or shuts down is often the normal sound of the reversing valve shifting. However, if this sound is new, very loud, or constant, it could indicate a problem with the valve. Because these different noises can signal a wide range of problems, it is crucial to have a professional technician from Vortex Air HVAC diagnose the issue. We can identify the source of the noise and perform the right repair to restore your system to quiet operation.

Short cycling is when an HVAC system turns on and off in very short, frequent bursts, often running for only a few minutes at a time. This is very hard on the equipment, especially the compressor, and it is very inefficient. One of the most common causes of short cycling in a heat pump is an incorrect refrigerant charge. If the system is overcharged with refrigerant, it can cause the high-pressure safety switch to trip, shutting the system down prematurely. This is a problem that requires a professional to correct the refrigerant level.

Another common cause is restricted airflow due to a severely clogged air filter or blocked vents. If the system cannot get enough air moving across its coils, it can overheat (in cooling mode) or over-pressurize (in heating mode), causing a safety switch to trip. This is why regularly changing your air filter is so important. The location of your outdoor unit can also be a cause. If it is installed in an area with poor clearance, it can cause the system to overheat and shut down.

The thermostat itself or its location can also be the culprit. A faulty thermostat might be reading the temperature incorrectly, or it could be located in a spot where it is being directly hit by sunlight or a draft, causing it to shut the system off too early. Our technicians will perform a comprehensive diagnosis of your entire system to determine the root cause of the short cycling and perform the necessary repair or adjustment to get your system running in long, efficient cycles again.

The decision to repair or replace your heat pump is a major one that depends on three factors: the system’s age, the cost of the repair, and its current efficiency. Most heat pumps have a service life of 10 to 15 years. Because they run year-round, they tend to have a slightly shorter lifespan than a standard air conditioner. If your heat pump is over 10-12 years old and is facing a major repair, replacement is often the more financially sound option. Investing a lot of money into an aging system is often not a good long-term strategy.

The cost of the required repair is the most critical factor. If the system needs a simple and affordable repair, like a new capacitor or fan motor, it almost always makes sense to repair it. However, if the system has suffered a catastrophic compressor failure or a major refrigerant leak in the coils, the repair cost can be very high. A good rule is that if the repair cost is 50% or more of the cost of a new system, you should strongly consider replacement. We will always provide you with a clear, upfront quote to help you make this comparison.

Finally, consider the efficiency of your current unit. Heat pump technology has advanced significantly in recent years. A new, high-efficiency heat pump with a high SEER and HSPF rating can be dramatically more efficient than a unit from a decade ago. If you are already facing a costly repair on an inefficient, older unit, replacing it allows you to start saving a significant amount of money on your utility bills immediately. Our technicians can help you weigh all these factors to make the best decision for your home and budget.

We understand that when your heat pump fails, you need your comfort restored as quickly as possible. We prioritize repair calls and aim to get a technician to your home on the same day. The actual time to complete the repair will depend on the problem. A common repair, like replacing a faulty capacitor or a defrost sensor that we have on our truck, can often be completed in about an hour or two after the initial diagnosis. Our goal is always to complete the repair in a single visit if possible.

More complex repairs will naturally take longer. A major repair, such as replacing a reversing valve or finding and fixing a refrigerant leak, is a more labor-intensive process that could take several hours. These types of repairs involve recovering refrigerant, brazing, and then evacuating and recharging the system, all of which are time-consuming but necessary steps for a proper repair. Our technician will be able to give you a clear time estimate after they have diagnosed the problem.

The only potential for a significant delay is if a major, non-stock component has failed, such as a specific compressor or control board for an older unit. In this case, we may need to order the part from our suppliers. We will always communicate clearly with you about the timeline and will work to get the part as quickly as possible. Our goal is always to minimize your inconvenience and restore your heating or cooling in a timely and professional manner.

Get The Best Heat Pump Repair Near You

Contact Vortex Air HVAC today to schedule your heat pump repair in the Orem area. We offer free estimates and expert advice for your home or business.

Book now call now
Schedule now (801) 400-2422