Heat Pump Repair in Rochester, NY

EM Heat is a backup heating function (usually electric strips) that kicks in when your heat pump can’t keep up—often during extreme cold. It’s less efficient and more expensive, so proper heat pump maintenance helps avoid relying on it.

No—it requires electricity to operate, just like a furnace or boiler. If your area has frequent outages, consider adding a generator or battery system.

A light frost is expected in cold weather—your system’s defrost cycle handles that. But heavy or persistent ice is a warning—possibly due to airflow blockage, refrigerant issues, or faulty defrost controls.

Yes—when it switches between modes (like defrost), you might hear fans stop and start. However, this sound should be brief. Extended rattling, grinding, or buzzing usually means component wear or electrical faults.

Ideally—and especially in Rochester’s climate—you should schedule a professional tune-up twice a year: once in spring, once in fall. This helps catch issues before they become expensive repairs.

Labor costs vary, but HVAC service calls typically range from $80 to $190, depending on the complexity. Specific repairs like capacitor or compressor replacements are noticeably higher.

Repairs are worthwhile if your system is under 10–15 years old and the issue is local (like a capacitor or sensor). But frequent breakdowns or major component failure may justify replacement—especially when weighing the long-term efficiency gains of newer units.

Absolutely. Incorrect thermostat differential settings, or a mismatch between the thermostat and heat pump, can lead to short cycling or inefficient heating. A professional can calibrate or replace it to optimize performance.