Heat Pump Repair

Zuzu Plumbing Heating and Air delivers expert heat pump repair for your all in one comfort system. For fast and reliable heat pump service in Modesto, CA, call our experienced team.

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Top Heat Pump Repair in Modesto, CA

Because your heat pump works year round, you need a repair service that understands its unique complexities. Zuzu Plumbing Heating and Air specializes in diagnosing and repairing all types of heat pump issues. With 25 years of experience, owner Jay Nino ensures our team can handle any problem, from being stuck in one mode to defrost cycle failures. We are committed to restoring both your heating and cooling with prompt, efficient service. Our technicians arrive with the tools to fix most problems on the first visit. All our heat pump repairs are backed by a two year warranty for your confidence. For a five star repair experience, trust Zuzu.

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Maria R.
June 3, 2025

My AC went out during a heatwave, and Zuzu had someone at my house within hours. The tech was professional and explained everything clearly. I’ll definitely use them again.

Alex G.
May 11, 2025

I called around to several HVAC companies, but Zuzu was the only one that answered late at night. They had someone out by morning, and the issue was fixed fast.

Cynthia T.
March 26, 2025

Zuzu installed a new Daikin system for us last month. The whole process was smooth and stress-free. I appreciate that they explained all the options without pressuring us.

Tim B.
August 9, 2024

Our old unit wasn’t cooling the house evenly. Zuzu diagnosed the issue quickly and adjusted the system. It’s been running great ever since.

Robert M.
July 6, 2024

We signed up for their yearly maintenance plan and it’s been worth every penny. Our unit runs better, and they remind us when it’s time for a check-up.

Carlos S.
May 16, 2024

Great experience from start to finish. They were on time, respectful, and the final results speak for themselves. The house cools much faster now.

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Heat Pump Repair Service

A heat pump is a hardworking system, providing both heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. This year round operation means that when a problem occurs, it can affect your home’s entire comfort system. Because of their dual function, heat pumps have some unique components and potential issues that differ from standard furnaces or air conditioners. When your heat pump malfunctions, it is crucial to call a technician with specific experience in repairing these sophisticated systems. The experts at Zuzu Plumbing Heating and Air have the training and knowledge to get your system back online quickly.

One of the most common issues homeowners face is a heat pump blowing cool air when it is in heating mode. This can be caused by several factors, including low refrigerant levels, a problem with the outdoor fan motor, or an issue with the compressor. It could also simply be that the system is in its defrost cycle, which is a normal function. Our technicians will perform a thorough diagnosis to determine the exact cause. We have the tools to find and repair refrigerant leaks and to fix any mechanical or electrical issues preventing your system from producing adequate heat.

Another problem specific to heat pumps is a failure of the reversing valve. This is the component that switches the flow of refrigerant to change the system from cooling mode to heating mode. If the reversing valve gets stuck, your heat pump will be trapped in one mode. You might find it can cool but not heat, or vice versa. Our technicians can test the reversing valve and its solenoid to see if it is functioning correctly and replace it if it has failed.

During the winter, you may notice ice or frost forming on your outdoor unit, which is normal. Your heat pump has a defrost cycle that periodically melts this ice to maintain efficiency. However, if the outdoor unit becomes completely encased in a thick layer of ice, it is a sign that the defrost cycle is not working properly. This could be due to a faulty defrost control board, a bad sensor, or low refrigerant. Our team can diagnose and repair these defrost system issues to restore your unit’s performance.

Like any HVAC system, heat pumps can also experience more standard problems. This includes issues like clogged air filters restricting airflow, faulty thermostats providing incorrect signals, or failed capacitors preventing motors from starting. You might also hear unusual noises, such as grinding or squealing, which could indicate a failing motor. No matter the symptom, our comprehensive diagnostic process will pinpoint the root cause of the problem, ensuring we provide a lasting repair, not just a temporary fix.

At Zuzu Plumbing Heating and Air, we service all major brands of heat pumps. Our technicians’ ongoing training keeps them current with the latest heat pump technologies and repair methods. We arrive at your home with our service vehicles fully stocked with common replacement parts, allowing us to complete most repairs in a single visit. This commitment to preparedness helps us restore your comfort as quickly as possible. We understand how disruptive a broken HVAC system can be to your life.

When you call Zuzu for a heat pump repair, you are calling a trusted local company dedicated to excellence. We provide clear explanations of the necessary repairs and upfront, honest pricing before any work begins. We are so confident in the quality of our work that we back every repair with our robust two year warranty. For reliable, expert heat pump repair in the Modesto area, trust the team with over 25 years of proven experience.

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24/7 Emergency Heat Pump Repair in Modesto, CA

A broken heat pump means a complete loss of both heating and cooling, which can quickly create an emergency situation. Zuzu Plumbing Heating and Air offers 24/7 emergency heat pump repair to address these urgent needs. Whether your system fails on a freezing night or during a sweltering summer weekend, our technicians are on call. We are ready to respond around the clock to restore a safe and comfortable environment in your home. We prioritize emergency calls to ensure a rapid response when you need it most.

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Most Common Heat Pump Repair Questions

When your year round comfort system stops working, it is natural to have questions. Zuzu Plumbing Heating and Air is here to provide the answers you need. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about heat pump repair.

It can be very alarming when your heat pump is running in heat mode but blowing cool or lukewarm air. One of the most common and simple reasons for this is that the system has entered its defrost cycle. To prevent ice buildup on the outdoor coil in winter, a heat pump will periodically reverse itself for a few minutes to melt the frost. During this brief cycle, it will blow cooler air indoors. If the air warms up again after 5 to 10 minutes, the system is likely operating normally.

However, if the cool air persists, it indicates a more significant problem. A low refrigerant charge is a very common culprit. If your system has a refrigerant leak, it will not have enough of the substance needed to effectively transfer heat into your home, resulting in weak or cool air. Our technicians are experts at finding and repairing these leaks. Another possibility is an issue with the outdoor unit’s fan or compressor. If the fan is not spinning or the compressor is not running, the system cannot gather heat from the outside air.

The issue could also be related to the system’s supplemental heating. Most heat pumps have auxiliary electric heat strips that turn on to help heat the home during the defrost cycle or in very cold weather. If these heat strips are not working, you will feel the temperature drop significantly during the defrost cycle. Our technicians will thoroughly inspect all these components, from the refrigerant level to the auxiliary heat, to determine exactly why your heat pump is not performing as it should.

The defrost cycle is a normal and necessary function of a heat pump during its winter operation. As the heat pump extracts heat from the cold outdoor air, the moisture in that air freezes onto the surface of the outdoor unit’s coil. A thin layer of frost is normal, but a thick buildup of ice will block airflow and prevent the system from working. The defrost cycle is the system’s way of cleaning itself. It temporarily switches back to cooling mode to send hot refrigerant through the outdoor coil, quickly melting any accumulated ice.

You can tell the defrost cycle is running because the fan on your outdoor unit will stop spinning, and you might see a puff of steam rising from the unit as the ice melts and evaporates. This cycle is controlled by a timer and sensors and typically lasts for only 5 to 15 minutes before the system returns to normal heating. It is a completely normal part of the heat pump’s operation. You should not be alarmed if you see this happening periodically on a cold day.

You will know the defrost cycle is not working correctly if you see the outdoor unit completely encased in a thick shell of ice. This indicates that the system is unable to initiate or complete the defrost process. This can be caused by a variety of issues, including a faulty defrost control board, a bad temperature sensor, low refrigerant levels, or a problem with the reversing valve. A severely iced over unit will not be able to heat your home effectively and requires professional repair to correct the underlying issue.

While a thin layer of white frost on your outdoor heat pump unit is normal during winter, a thick layer of solid ice is a clear sign of a problem. One of the most common reasons for excessive ice buildup is a malfunctioning defrost cycle. The system is designed to melt this ice off periodically. If the defrost controls, sensors, or reversing valve fail, the ice will just keep accumulating until the entire unit is encased. This will severely restrict airflow and can cause serious damage to the fan blades and the coil itself.

Another common cause of a frozen outdoor unit is a low refrigerant charge. If your system has a leak, the pressure inside the coils will drop, which can cause temperatures to fall below freezing and lead to excessive icing. A dirty outdoor coil can also contribute to the problem. If the coil is clogged with dirt, leaves, or other debris, it can restrict airflow and prevent the coil from absorbing as much heat from the air, causing it to get too cold and freeze over.

Other potential culprits include a failing outdoor fan motor or physical obstructions. If the fan motor is not working, it cannot pull air across the coil, which is necessary for the heat exchange process. Also, be sure that the unit is not blocked by snowdrifts, leaves, or anything else that could impede airflow. If your unit is heavily iced over, you should call Zuzu for professional service. Do not try to chip the ice off yourself, as you could easily damage the delicate coil fins.

The cost of a heat pump repair can vary widely depending on the specific part that has failed and the complexity of the repair. Minor repairs, such as replacing a capacitor, fixing a simple wiring issue, or cleaning a clogged filter, are relatively inexpensive. These are common issues that can often be resolved quickly by our technicians. The total cost for such a service will typically include our standard diagnostic fee plus the cost of the part and a small amount of labor. We always provide upfront pricing before beginning work.

Mid range repairs involve replacing more significant components. This could include replacing an outdoor fan motor, a thermostat, or a defrost control board. These parts are more expensive than smaller components, and the labor involved is more intensive. Repairing a refrigerant leak also falls into this category. The cost for a leak repair will depend on how difficult it is to locate the leak and the amount of refrigerant that needs to be added to the system after the repair is complete.

The most expensive heat pump repairs involve replacing the compressor or the reversing valve. The compressor is the heart of the system and is a very costly component. The reversing valve is also a critical and complex part to replace. When faced with such a major repair, especially on an older system, we provide our customers with a clear comparison. We will show you the cost of the repair versus the cost of installing a new, more efficient heat pump, helping you make the best financial decision for the long term.

If your heat pump seems to be running all the time without shutting off, it is a sign that it is struggling to either heat or cool your home effectively. In the winter, this could be due to extremely cold outdoor temperatures that are pushing the limits of the heat pump’s capacity. However, if it runs constantly during more mild weather, it likely points to an underlying problem. A low refrigerant charge is a common reason, as the system has to run longer to compensate for its reduced heating or cooling ability.

A dirty air filter or blocked coils can also be the cause. If airflow is restricted, the system cannot effectively transfer heat. It will continue to run and run, trying to reach the temperature set on your thermostat, but it will struggle to do so. This is why regular filter changes and professional maintenance are so important. An undersized heat pump that was not correctly sized for your home in the first place will also run constantly, as it simply does not have the power to keep up.

Other potential issues include leaky ductwork, which allows conditioned air to escape into your attic or crawlspace, or a malfunctioning thermostat that is not accurately sensing the room temperature. Our technicians will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your entire system, from the heat pump itself to the ductwork and thermostat, to determine why it is running excessively. Finding and fixing the root cause will not only restore your comfort but will also save you a significant amount of money on your energy bills.

Yes, the team at Zuzu Plumbing Heating and Air has the training and extensive field experience to repair all major brands and models of heat pumps. We service equipment from top manufacturers like Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Rheem, Goodman, York, and many others. Our technicians are familiar with the specific designs, components, and diagnostic procedures for a wide variety of brands. This broad expertise ensures that we can provide high quality repair service no matter what type of heat pump you have in your home.

We continuously invest in training and tools to keep our team at the forefront of the HVAC industry. As heat pump technology evolves, we evolve with it. We have the sophisticated diagnostic equipment needed to communicate with the advanced control boards found in modern heat pump systems from any manufacturer. This allows us to quickly and accurately identify the problem, which saves you time and money. Our commitment is to be the single, reliable source for all heat pump repair needs in the Modesto area.

Our strong relationships with local HVAC parts suppliers give us access to a vast inventory of replacement parts for all the brands we service. This means that in most cases, we can get the necessary parts quickly to complete your repair without a long delay. You can be confident that when you call Zuzu, we have the knowledge, tools, and resources to get your specific brand of heat pump running again, backed by our solid two year warranty.

Deciding whether to repair or replace an aging heat pump is a major decision, and several factors should be considered. The first factor is the age of your system. Most heat pumps have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. If your unit is approaching or has exceeded this age, and it requires a major repair, replacement is often the more financially prudent choice. Investing a large sum of money into an old system that is likely to have more problems soon may not be the best use of your funds.

The cost and frequency of repairs is another critical consideration. If the estimated cost of a repair is more than 50% of the cost of a new system, replacement is almost always recommended. You should also consider the history of the unit. If you have had to call for multiple repairs over the last couple of years, it is a strong indication that the system is nearing the end of its reliable service life. Continuing to pay for one repair after another can quickly add up to more than the cost of a new unit.

Finally, consider the efficiency of your current system. Heat pump technology has advanced significantly in recent years. A new, high efficiency heat pump can have SEER2 and HSPF2 ratings that are much higher than your old unit. This means a new system can dramatically lower your monthly utility bills for both heating and cooling. The long term energy savings can help to offset the initial cost of the replacement. Our technicians will provide you with an honest, clear assessment to help you weigh all these factors.

Yes, absolutely. At Zuzu Plumbing Heating and Air, we stand behind our work with confidence. We are proud to offer our comprehensive two year warranty on all completed heat pump repairs. This warranty is our promise to you that we use high quality parts and perform repairs to the highest standards of workmanship. It provides you with protection and peace of mind, knowing that your investment in a professional repair is secure. We are committed to providing durable, long lasting solutions for our customers.

Our two year warranty covers both the specific parts we install during the repair and the labor performed by our technician. If a part that we replaced fails within that two year period due to a manufacturing defect, we will replace it for you at no charge. If the same issue comes back because of a problem with our initial workmanship, we will return to correct the problem. This level of commitment to quality sets us apart and shows that we truly care about our customers’ long term satisfaction.

We believe that when you pay for a professional repair service, you deserve to have confidence in its longevity. Our warranty is a key part of our dedication to providing a five star experience from start to finish. It is a testament to the skill of our technicians and our use of reliable, factory authorized parts. When you choose Zuzu for your heat pump repair, you can rest assured that the work is guaranteed.

Get The Best Heat Pump Repair Near You

For expert repair of your year round heating and cooling system, call Zuzu Plumbing Heating and Air. We are ready to handle any heat pump issue in the Modesto area, so contact us today for fast service.

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Schedule now (209) 477-9722