Cost of fixing heat pumps – what you’ll actually pay

If your heat pump stopped blowing warm air, the first thing on your mind is likely the bill. How much will it cost to fix? The answer depends on a few things, but you can get a solid estimate without guessing.

What drives the price?

Most heat‑pump repairs fall into three cost buckets:

• Labor: Technicians charge by the hour, usually between £45 and £80. A simple fix like a thermostat reset may take 30 minutes; a major part swap can need 2‑3 hours.
• Parts: A faulty fan motor costs around £80‑£150, a compressor can be £300‑£600, and a refrigerant refill is usually £100‑£200.
• Travel & call‑out fees: Many companies add a £30‑£50 fee just to get to your home. Some waive it if you book a repair.

Combine those numbers and a typical repair lands between £150 and £500. Anything over £600 is usually a sign the unit is near the end of its life.

DIY vs professional

DIY fixes can save you money, but only if the problem is simple and you have the right tools. Re‑setting a circuit breaker or cleaning the outdoor coil are safe tasks for most homeowners. Anything involving refrigerant, wiring, or the compressor should be left to a certified technician – it’s illegal to handle refrigerant yourself and a mistake can cost more in the long run.

When you decide to call a pro, ask these three questions before they start:

1. What’s the exact fault code or symptom you’ve seen?
2. Can you give a written estimate that breaks down labor and parts?
3. Do you offer a warranty on the repair?

Clear answers help you avoid surprise charges.

Regular maintenance is the cheapest way to keep repair costs down. A yearly service – cleaning filters, checking refrigerant levels, and testing safety controls – typically costs £80‑£120. Skipping that service often leads to bigger failures that run you hundreds more.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet to gauge whether you should repair or replace:

If the repair is more than a third of a brand‑new unit, replacement usually makes sense.

Bottom line: expect £150‑£500 for most fixes, keep an eye on labor vs parts, and schedule a yearly service to dodge costly breakdowns. Got a heat pump acting up? Call a local certified tech, ask for a detailed quote, and compare it with the numbers here. You’ll know exactly where you stand and can decide if you’re fixing or moving on.