- HEP Heat and Air
- Heat-pump Repair

Heat-pump Repair
Heat-pump Repair | Heating and Air Conditioning | Kelso
When your heat pump sputters on a frosty Kelso morning, every minute without reliable warmth feels like an hour. HEP’s licensed technicians arrive fast in fully stocked vans, pinpointing issues—from worn reversing valves to faulty defrost sensors—and completing most repairs on the first visit. With clear communication and upfront pricing, we restore steady, whisper-quiet comfort to your home without surprises.
Because a heat pump powers both heating and air conditioning, our precision repairs boost efficiency year-round, shrinking energy bills today while extending equipment life for the seasons ahead. Add 24/7 emergency response, manufacturer-approved parts, and a rock-solid satisfaction guarantee, and it’s easy to see why Kelso homeowners keep HEP on speed dial whenever comfort is on the line.
FAQs
How do I know if my heat pump really needs a repair or if it just needs routine maintenance?
In Kelso’s mild-but-moist climate, heat pumps often run nearly year-round. If you notice higher energy bills, uneven temperatures between rooms, unusual noises (grinding, squealing, or rattling), short-cycling, or ice buildup on the outdoor unit even above 40 °F, it’s likely time for a repair rather than simple maintenance. Routine service typically involves cleaning coils, changing filters, and checking refrigerant pressure. A certified HVAC technician can run a full diagnostic and distinguish worn parts or electrical faults from basic upkeep needs.
What are the most common heat-pump issues you fix in Kelso?
Our Kelso technicians most frequently resolve: • Low refrigerant charge or refrigerant leaks, often caused by corroded copper lines in our damp environment. • Faulty reversing valves that prevent the unit from switching between heating and cooling. • Defective blower or fan motors leading to weak airflow. • Thermostat miscalibration or wiring problems resulting in incorrect temperature readings. • Frozen outdoor coils due to clogged filters or failed defrost controls. • Electrical component failures (contactors, capacitors, or relays) triggered by power surges during winter storms.
How quickly can you respond to an emergency heat-pump breakdown in Kelso?
We provide same-day emergency service 7 days a week within the Kelso–Longview area. Calls received before 2 p.m. usually see a technician on-site within 2–4 hours. After-hours or weekend calls are dispatched to our on-call team; typical response is under 6 hours. Our vans are stocked with common replacement parts so we can complete 80 % of repairs in a single visit.
Is it worth repairing an older heat pump, or should I replace it?
We use a 50/50 rule: if your unit is over 10 years old and repair costs exceed 50 % of the price of a new ENERGY STAR heat pump, replacement usually saves more in the long run. Modern variable-speed models are 20–40 % more efficient than systems installed a decade ago, which is significant given Kelso’s long heating season. However, if the unit is under 10 years old and the repair involves minor components such as a capacitor, fan motor, or sensor, fixing it is generally more economical.
How can I prevent future heat-pump problems?
1. Schedule professional maintenance twice a year—once in early fall and again in spring. 2. Replace or clean air filters every 1–3 months. 3. Keep at least 18 inches of clearance around the outdoor unit and rinse coils gently with a garden hose every few months to remove debris and moss. 4. Install a surge protector to guard sensitive electronics from power spikes common during Columbia River storms. 5. Program your thermostat to avoid excessive temperature swings: aim for 68 °F in winter and 76 °F in summer. 6. Address odd noises or performance drops promptly—small issues escalate quickly if ignored.
Do you offer any warranties or guarantees on your heat-pump repairs?
Yes. All repair labor is covered by a 1-year workmanship guarantee. Replacement parts carry the manufacturer’s warranty, typically 1–5 years depending on the component; we register the part on your behalf so you get full coverage. If the same problem reappears within 12 months, we’ll return at no charge. We also offer an optional Comfort Club maintenance plan that extends labor coverage to 2 years and includes priority scheduling and 15 % discounts on future repairs.