It’s 10 PM, it’s -15°C outside, and your heat pump has stopped heating. It’s the kind of situation nobody wants to deal with, but it happens more often than you’d think, especially in the middle of a Quebec winter. Before you panic, here’s what to check, when to call a technician, and how to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
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Before you call: quick checks you can do yourself
In many cases, what looks like a breakdown requiring heat pump repair can be resolved in a few minutes with some basic checks. Start here before anything else.
1. Check the thermostat
This is the number one cause of unnecessary emergency calls. Make sure the thermostat is set to heating mode, not cooling mode. Also verify that the target temperature is higher than the current room temperature, otherwise the system has no reason to start.
2. Check the electrical panel
A tripped circuit breaker cuts power to the heat pump without any warning. Open your panel and look for a tripped breaker. Reset it. If the breaker trips again immediately, don’t force it: that’s a sign of an electrical issue that needs a technician.
3. Check the air filter
A clogged filter blocks airflow and forces the heat pump to run inefficiently. If you can’t remember the last time you changed or cleaned it, check it now. A blocked filter can reduce the system’s efficiency to the point where it barely heats at all.
4. Check the outdoor unit
In winter, snow and ice can accumulate around and on top of the outdoor unit and block the fan. Clear the snow by hand or with a soft brush. Don’t use a shovel or hot water. A light frost on the outdoor unit is perfectly normal: the heat pump has an automatic defrost cycle that handles it. A solid block of ice that never melts is a different story.
5. Reset the heat pump
Cut the power via the circuit breaker, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on. It’s the equivalent of restarting a computer, and it often fixes erratic behaviour caused by a hiccup in the control system.
Signs that a professional heat pump repair is needed
If the basic checks haven’t resolved the issue, or if you notice any of the following, it’s time to call a certified technician.
The heat pump blows lukewarm air continuously
In heating mode, a heat pump should produce air between roughly 30°C and 50°C. If it’s blowing barely warm air despite a clean filter and properly set thermostat, the issue may be a refrigerant problem, a faulty reversing valve, or a weakening compressor. These require a technician to diagnose.
Unusual noises
Clicking at startup, constant humming, hissing, or bubbling sounds are all warning signs. Hissing or bubbling in particular can indicate a refrigerant leak. Don’t continue running the unit if you hear these kinds of noises.
The circuit breaker keeps tripping
A breaker that trips repeatedly is never a minor issue. Don’t keep resetting it. It’s often a sign of an electrical problem or an overloaded compressor.
The outdoor unit is completely frozen and won’t thaw
The automatic defrost cycle should handle normal frost buildup. If the unit is encased in a block of ice that never goes away, it’s often a sign of insufficient refrigerant, a defective defrost cycle, or a faulty outdoor fan.
Water is dripping inside
Water flowing around the indoor unit may indicate a clogged condensate drain. It’s less urgent than a heating failure, but it needs to be addressed quickly to avoid damage to your walls or floors.
According to Natural Resources Canada, modern cold-climate certified heat pumps are designed to operate efficiently down to -25°C or -30°C. If your system isn’t performing in those conditions, something is wrong with the equipment, not with the technology itself.
Heat pump repair or replacement: how to decide?
When a technician tells you a major repair is needed, the question that follows is usually: is it worth fixing, or is it time to replace?
A simple rule of thumb: if the cost of the heat pump repair exceeds 50% of the price of a full replacement, replacement is generally the better financial option in the medium term.
Other factors to consider:
- The age of the unit. A well-maintained heat pump lasts 15 to 20 years. If yours is approaching or past that range, a planned replacement is often better than a series of repairs.
- How often it’s breaking down. One breakdown in 10 years is normal. A second one in the same season is often a sign that the equipment is nearing the end of its life.
- Parts availability. For units over 15 years old, some parts can be hard to find, which drives up both the cost and the wait time for repairs.
If you decide to replace, it’s also an opportunity to reassess your system and access the rebates still available. Read our article on heat pump rebates in Quebec in 2026.
While you wait for the technician: keeping your home warm
If you’re waiting for an appointment and your home is getting cold, here’s how to limit the damage.
Close doors to rooms you’re not using to concentrate heat in the main living areas. Add blankets and layer up. If you have a wood fireplace, now is a great time to use it.
A portable electric space heater (fan heater or oil-filled radiator) is an acceptable temporary solution for one or two rooms. Avoid combustion appliances (propane, gas) indoors: they produce carbon monoxide, an odourless gas that can be lethal in a poorly ventilated space.
How to avoid a heat pump breakdown in winter
The easiest heat pump repair to deal with is the one you never need to make. Most mid-winter breakdowns are preceded by warning signs that were ignored for months.
An annual fall maintenance visit, before the heating season begins, allows a technician to identify parts showing signs of wear and replace them before they fail. It’s also the opportunity to clean components, check refrigerant levels, and test the system in heating mode.
Read our article on heat pump maintenance to see exactly what a preventive visit includes and why it’s the best way to avoid the 10 PM January emergency.
Heat pump repair in Laval and on the North Shore
At Ventilation Hitech, we’ve been handling heat pump maintenance and installation in Laval, Blainville, Terrebonne, Mascouche, Repentigny, and Saint-Eustache for over 20 years. If your heat pump is showing signs of wear or you’re planning a replacement before the next season, now is the right time to call.
Visit our heating services page to see the equipment we install and the brands we work with.
Frequently asked questions about heat pump repair
Why is my heat pump running but not heating?
A heat pump that runs but doesn’t heat enough can have several causes: a clogged filter, insufficient refrigerant, a faulty reversing valve, or a weakening compressor. Start by checking and cleaning the filter. If the problem persists, call a technician for a diagnosis: all of these causes require professional attention.
Can I repair my heat pump myself?
Some basic checks are within a homeowner’s reach: checking the thermostat, resetting a tripped breaker, clearing snow from around the outdoor unit, cleaning the filter, or doing a system reset. Anything involving internal components, refrigerant, or electrical circuits must be done by a certified technician. Working on these without qualifications can further damage the unit and void the manufacturer’s warranty.
How much does heat pump repair cost in Quebec?
The cost varies significantly depending on the type of issue. A diagnostic visit and minor repair can run between $150 and $400. A major repair involving the compressor or a refrigerant recharge can reach $1,500 to $3,000. If the repair exceeds 50% of the cost of a new replacement, the replacement is usually the smarter financial choice in the medium term.
My heat pump is making a strange noise. Is it serious?
It depends on the noise. A slight click at startup and shutdown is normal. Constant humming, hissing, bubbling, or repeated clicking at startup are signals not to ignore. Turn the unit off and call a technician if you hear these kinds of noises, especially in winter when the system is running at maximum demand.
Your heat pump is down or you have a question?
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