Heat Pump Repair

Heat pumps are the fastest-growing HVAC category in the Bay Area, driven by California's electrification mandates, BAAQMD regulations, and generous rebate programs through BayREN and local utilities. Many Bay Area homeowners are replacing gas furnaces with heat pump systems for the first time — and the transition brings unique service needs that traditional HVAC companies don't always anticipate. The Bay Area's mild climate is actually ideal for heat pump efficiency. Air-source heat pumps perform best when outdoor temperatures stay above 30°F, and our region rarely dips below 35°F even on the coldest winter nights. This means a properly sized heat pump in San Jose, Sunnyvale, or Mountain View should handle 95%+ of heating needs without auxiliary electric resistance heat — if auxiliary heat kicks in frequently, that's a diagnostic red flag, not normal operation. Ductless mini-splits from Mitsubishi, Daikin, and Fujitsu are increasingly popular in Bay Area homes without existing ductwork — particularly in San Francisco Victorians, Palo Alto bungalows, and converted garages/ADUs throughout Santa Clara County. These systems require specialized refrigerant line installation and commissioning that differs significantly from central ducted systems. Heat pump diagnostic checklist: ✓ Not heating in winter → check that thermostat is in "heat" mode (not "cool" from summer), then suspect reversing valve or low refrigerant. ✓ Ice on outdoor coils → normal in light frost; if thick ice persists, defrost board or sensor failure. ✓ Runs constantly without reaching set temp → dirty outdoor coil, low refrigerant, or undersized system. ✓ Blowing lukewarm air → reversing valve stuck in cooling mode; requires professional diagnosis. ✓ High electricity bills → auxiliary heat engaging too often; usually indicates a refrigerant charge or airflow issue.