Expert Heat Pump Repair in Portland & Vancouver
A heat pump is your home's all-in-one workhorse, providing high-efficiency heating in the winter and reliable cooling in the summer. Because it runs year-round in the Pacific Northwest, itโs one of the hardest-working components of your home, and when it fails, you don't just need a technician, you need a true heat pump specialist.
At Aviator Heating and Cooling, our team brings decades of combined, hands-on experience servicing every make and model of heat pump across Portland and Vancouver. Our NATE-certified technicians aren't just trained; they are seasoned experts who understand the unique challenges our damp winters and humid summers present. This deep, practical experience, combined with specialized diagnostic tools, allows us to accurately diagnose and fix any issue the first time and get your comfort restored fast.

If you'd like to schedule an estimate for your heat pump repair please give us a call (503) 770-4822 or fill out our online estimate request form and we'll get right back to you.
Is Your Heat Pump Showing These Warning Signs?
Because your heat pump handles both heating and cooling, its problems can be more complex than a standard furnace or AC unit. Here are the most common symptoms our technicians see in the field.
- Blowing Cool Air (in Heat Mode): This is the most common complaint. If your system is blowing lukewarm or cool air when itโs supposed to be heating, it can signal low refrigerant, a dirty filter, or a problem with the reversing valve, which is the component that switches the system from AC to heat.
- System is Frozen or Iced Over: Seeing ice on your outdoor unit in the winter is a major red flag. While a thin layer of frost is normal, a thick coating of ice means the system's defrost mode is failing, or you have a critical airflow problem (often caused by a clogged filter) or low refrigerant.
- Stuck in One Mode (Heat or Cool): If you try to switch from heating to AC (or vice-versa) and the system doesn't respond, you almost certainly have a problem with the reversing valve or the thermostat communicating with it.
- Loud Grinding or Squealing Noises: These are serious mechanical warnings. A grinding sound often points to a problem with the bearings in the compressor or fan motor. A high-pitched squeal can also indicate a motor issue or extremely high internal pressure.
- Unusually High Energy Bills: A sudden spike in your utility bills is a clear sign of inefficiency. Your heat pump may be low on refrigerant, or its supplemental heat strip (a less-efficient "emergency heat") may be running constantly when it shouldn't be.
If youโre experiencing any of these symptoms with your heat pump, itโs essential to have your heat pump inspected and repaired by a professional to avoid more costly damage.
If you'd like to schedule an estimate for your heat pump repair please give us a call (503) 770-4822 or fill out our online estimate request form and we'll get right back to you.
Our Comprehensive Heat Pump System Repair Service
Our heat pump technician team is trained to go beyond the obvious symptoms and find the root cause of the failure. We are heat pump experts, and our service trucks are stocked with the parts to handle any repair, from simple electrical fixes to complex mechanical failures.
Whether you need a full heat pump system repair or a simple thermo pump repair, weโve got you covered. Our services include:
- Reversing Valve Repair & Replacement: When your heat pump is stuck in one mode, we can blame this critical valve, which directs the flow of refrigerant. This is either electrically faulty or mechanically jammed, preventing the system from switching modes.
- Refrigerant Leak Detection and Recharge (R-410A): This is usually the reason why your system runs constantly but isn't heating or cooling effectively. You may also see a layer of ice forming on the coils (indoors or outdoors) even when it's not cold. This issue may be due to a pinhole leak has allowed refrigerant to escape. We don't just "top it off", we find and seal the leak before recharging the system to provide a long-term solution.
- Defrost Control Board Diagnostics and Replacement: If, during winter, your outdoor unit turns into a solid block of ice and the system struggles to produce heat, the โbrainโ that detects frost and tells the unit to run a defrost cycle has likely failed. This causes ice to build up until it chokes the systemโs airflow and heat transfer.
-
Outdoor Fan Motor and Blower Motor Repair: If your outdoor unit is humming but the fan on top isnโt spinning, or if you feel no air coming from your vents even though the system is running, the fan or blower motor may have burned out or its bearings may have seized due to wear and tear. This is a critical failure that can cause the entire system to overheat and shut down.
Capacitor and Contactor Replacement: When your system tries to start (you hear a โclickโ and a โhumโ) but the fan or compressor never fully kicks on, the issue is often a failed capacitor or contactor. These are the most common electrical parts to fail. The capacitor provides the jolt needed to start the motor, while the contactor acts as the switch that powers it. Fortunately, these are quick and common fixes.
Compressor Diagnostics and Repair: If you hear loud grinding, clanking, or shaking noises coming from the outdoor unit (often followed by the system tripping the circuit breaker) the compressor may have failed. As the โheartโ of your heat pump, a compressor failure is a major issue, often caused by underlying problems like a refrigerant leak or a malfunctioning fan motor.
Thermostat Communication and Wiring Fixes: If your thermostat screen is blank, unresponsive, or seems to be sending the wrong commands (for example, heating when set to cool), the problem could stem from a simple programming error, a dead battery, or a damaged low-voltage wire between the thermostat and the heat pump.
If you'd like to schedule an estimate for your heat pump repair please give us a call (503) 770-4822 or fill out our online estimate request form and we'll get right back to you.
The Key to a Long-Lasting Heat Pump: Maintenance
Your heat pump works twice as hard as separate furnace and AC units. Because it runs nearly every month of the year, it requires consistent care to prevent breakdowns and maintain efficiency.
The most important task you can do is check your filter. During periods of heavy use (like the coldest parts of winter and the hottest parts of summer), we strongly recommend checking your filter every 30 days and replacing it at least every 3 months. A clogged filter is the #1 cause of airflow problems, which leads to icing, inefficiency, and compressor failure.
Our professional heat pump service and maintenance plans go even further, including a full cleaning of the coils, testing electrical components, and ensuring your refrigerant charge is perfect. This preventative care is the single best way to avoid costly emergency repairs.
If you'd like to schedule an estimate for your heat pump repair please give us a call (503) 770-4822 or fill out our online estimate request form and we'll get right back to you.
Repair or Replace? An Honest Assessment
We will always do everything possible to repair your system. However, sometimes a replacement heat pump is the more financially sound decision. Heat pumps in the Pacific Northwest typically last 10-15 years.
We'll recommend a replacement if:
- Your system is over 12 years old and requires a major, expensive repair (like a compressor).
- It uses the older, phased-out R-22 refrigerant, making repairs cost-prohibitive.
- You've had to call for multiple repairs in the last two seasons.
If it is time for an upgrade, we can guide you through the latest high-efficiency options from brands like Lennox that can significantly lower your monthly energy bills.
If you are unsure what you should do with your heat pump reach out to schedule an estimate for your heat pump repair.ย Give us a call (503) 770-4822 or fill out our online estimate request form and we'll get right back to you.
Why Choose Aviator's Heat Pump Specialists?
When your all-in-one system fails, you don't just need a general technician; you need a heat pump expert. Our commitment to you is built on three promises:
- Expert Craftsmanship: Our NATE-certified technicians receive specialized training on heat pump diagnostics and repair.
- Transparent Pricing: You'll receive a clear, detailed estimate before we start any work. No surprises, no hidden fees.
- Satisfaction Guarantee: We stand behind our work. If you're not completely satisfied, we'll do what it takes to make it right.
Don't be left uncomfortable. If your heat pump is struggling, please give us a call (503) 770-4822 or fill out our online estimate request form and we'll get right back to you.
Do You Have Questions About Heat Pump Repairs?
Do you have questions about heat pump repair that weren't answered here?ย Please give us a call (503) 770-4822 or fill out our online estimate request form and we'll get right back to you.
Get Your Quote For
Heat Pump Repairs
OUR SERVICES
TESTIMONIALS
Great deal and friendly service
I had a great experience with Aviator when my AC went out during one of Portlandโs warmer days. From the moment I called, their team was professional, responsive, and incredibly knowledgeable.
I received great service in a timely manner from Aviator heating and cooling at a reasonable price. Friendly communicative and fast service.
Technician David was very professional and highly knowledgeable about the job. He was fast and great customer service.
Was impressed I could get the repair done on the hottest day of the year so far. David went and got parts and came back so we could have air as soon as possible. Would recommend Aviator.
Daniel and Surge were great to work with! They came out quickly when our HVAC stopped working and were able to install a whole new system in just a couple days. Weโre very happy to have a brand new AC just in time for the summer heat!
Daniel did an amazing job for quickly fixing our malfunctioning AC/Furnance unit. The entire process from scheduling service to completion was quick and seamless. Highly recommend Aviator for anyoneโs HVAC needs.
He did a great job, was quick and gave great service. Very nice, and would recommend them to others
On time, fixed Lennox heating system, did air conditioning maintenance, connected smart thermostat to WiFi. All done. Iโm happy.


