Heat Pump Repair in Slidell, LA Cooling in July, Heat in January
A heat pump runs almost all year here, so small faults show up fast. We repair and replace heat pumps on every major brand. You see the price in writing before any work starts.
- Licensed and insured
- EPA 608 certified
- All major brands
- Written price first
One machine, running in two directions
A heat pump is an air conditioner that can run in reverse. In summer it moves heat out of the house. In winter a reversing valve flips the flow, and the same equipment pulls heat in from the outdoor air.
That suits Slidell, where most winter nights stay above freezing. When it gets colder, electric heat strips in the air handler add extra warmth. The January 2025 storm brought record snow to southeast Louisiana and quickly showed which homes had working strips.
Because it works in both seasons, a heat pump logs more hours than a cooling-only system. The capacitor, contactor and outdoor fan motor wear out sooner as a result. Catching that wear early is most of the job.
Heat pump faults we fix most
Ice that will not clear
In cold, damp weather the outdoor coil frosts over. The system should switch into defrost and melt it off. If ice keeps building, the defrost board, a sensor or the refrigerant charge is usually behind it.
Cold air in heat mode
The valve that flips the system between modes can stick, or its solenoid coil can fail. We test the solenoid and the valve before replacing either one.
Emergency heat running on its own
If the thermostat shows auxiliary heat all the time, the heat pump has stopped doing its share. Power bills climb fast when the strips carry the house.
Outdoor unit will not start
A failed capacitor or contactor stops the compressor and fan. These are the heat pump repairs we make most, and usually the least expensive.
Weak heat at the vents
Heat pump air feels cooler than furnace air, usually 90°F to 100°F at the vent. Air well below that points to low charge, a dirty coil or a failing blower.
Grinding or banging outside
A short whoosh when the valve shifts is normal. Grinding, banging or a rattling fan is not, so we check motor bearings and blade mounts.
When a heat pump is worth fixing
| Situation | Our usual advice |
|---|---|
| Under 10 years old with a failed capacitor, contactor or fan motor | Repair |
| Under 10 years old with a failed compressor | Repair if the parts warranty still covers it |
| 12 years or older with a compressor or coil failure | Replace |
| Runs on R-22 | Repair small electrical faults only |
| Backup heat carrying the house all winter | Diagnose first, since the fix is often a small part |
Most heat pumps in our climate last 12 to 15 years. A full new system in the Slidell area usually costs $4,000 to $10,000, depending on size, efficiency and duct condition.
Choosing a new heat pump
Standard split heat pump
The usual choice for homes with existing ducts. An outdoor unit pairs with an indoor air handler that holds the coil, blower and heat strips.
Variable-speed models
These run at low speed for long stretches. That handles humidity better in summer and gives steadier heat in winter.
Ductless heat pumps
Every mini-split is a heat pump. It suits additions, garages and older rooms without ducts.
Dual-fuel systems
A heat pump paired with a gas furnace does most of the heating and lets the furnace take the coldest nights. Our furnace page covers the gas side.
More help with heating and cooling
Heat pump questions
How long does a heat pump last in Louisiana?
Most last 12 to 15 years here. They run in both seasons, so they log more hours than a cooling-only system. Yearly maintenance helps one reach the upper end.
Can a heat pump keep my house warm in a Slidell winter?
Yes. Most winter nights here stay above freezing, well within a heat pump’s range. On the rare hard freeze, the electric heat strips take over part of the load.
Is it normal for my heat pump to steam in winter?
Yes. During defrost, the outdoor coil warms up to melt frost, and the melting ice gives off steam for a few minutes. Ice that stays on the coil for hours is a problem.
Why is my power bill so high in winter?
The most common cause is the system leaning on backup heat strips instead of the heat pump. A failed defrost control, low refrigerant or a miswired thermostat can all cause it.
Should I use emergency heat?
Only if the outdoor unit has stopped working. Emergency heat shuts the heat pump off and runs the strips alone, which costs far more. Call us if you need it for more than a day.
How much does heat pump repair cost?
Capacitor and contactor repairs usually cost under $300. Most other repairs fall between $150 and $650. A compressor runs $800 to $1,500 and up, and we compare that with replacement in writing.
Which heat pump brands do you work on?
We install and repair Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Rheem, Goodman and other major brands. We recommend equipment based on your house and budget.
Get your heat pump working in both modes
Call between 7am and 9pm, any day of the week. Tell us whether the problem shows up in heating, cooling or both. We will give you an arrival window and a written price.
We service heat pumps beyond Slidell too, in Covington, Mandeville homes, New Orleans and Baton Rouge. For cooling-only systems, start with Slidell AC repair.