Heat pump not keeping up? We'll find out why and fix
It properly.
A heat pump can keep running and still not keep you comfortable, quietly leaning on backup heat and running up your bills. Our technicians check the whole system, explain what failed in plain terms, and give you the price before any work starts.
Why Choose Markham Heating and Air Conditioning Systems
Family-owned since 1983
TSSA-Registered
WSIB Registered
1000+ Training Hours
100+ 5 Star Reviews
Running isn’t the same as working
Your heat pump should hold the temperature you set. If it doesn't, something's wrong.
When a heat pump starts drifting, the backup heat quietly takes over. The house might stay warm enough, but you pay for it on the bill, and the original problem keeps getting worse. Swapping a part without checking the whole system can miss the real cause.
We test refrigerant, airflow, defrost and controls together, show you what failed, and give you the price before we touch anything. If a repair doesn’t make sense on an older system, we’ll tell you that too.
Warning signs
Time to book a repair if you notice any of these.
It won't hold the set temperature
The house keeps drifting a few degrees off, even though the system is running.
It won't switch between heat and cool
Stuck in one mode usually points to a reversing valve, thermostat or control problem.
The outdoor unit isn't running
The indoor fan is on but nothing’s happening outside, or the outdoor fan won’t spin.
Solid ice that won't clear
Light frost in winter is normal. A thick block of ice that stays through defrost cycles is not.
It runs nonstop, or backup heat is always on
Constant running or an “aux heat” light that never goes off means the heat pump isn’t doing its share.
New noises, smells or tripped breakers
Grinding, buzzing, a burning smell or a breaker that keeps tripping means a part is failing.
Before you call
Five quick checks that might save you a visit
Ice on the outdoor unit?
A little frost is normal. A block of ice isn't.
In winter, heat pumps build up light frost and melt it off with a defrost cycle. You may see steam or hear a whoosh while it runs. That’s normal.
If the unit is encased in ice, or ice stays after an hour or two, it needs a look. Please don’t chip at it or pour hot water on it, which can damage the coil.
Turn the system to emergency heat if your thermostat has it, and give us a call.
- Thermostat mode. Make sure it's on Heat or Cool, set past room temperature, with fresh batteries.
- Filter. A clogged filter chokes airflow and can cause freezing or shutdowns.
- Power, inside and out. Check the breakers and the outdoor disconnect box beside the unit.
- Clear space outside. Keep snow, leaves and plants about two feet away from the outdoor unit.
- Vents open. Closed or blocked supply and return vents can throw off the whole system.
Still nothing? That's what we're here for. Please don't open the unit or bypass any switches. Call us to book an appointment with a certified Markham Heating technician.
What happens next
No surprises, from the first call to the last test.
You’ll know what’s wrong and what it costs before we start.
01
Book online or call
Tell us what the system is doing. On Saturdays, we take emergency no-heat calls.
02
We find the cause
We test refrigerant levels, airflow, defrost, electrical parts and controls until we know what failed.
03
You approve the price
We explain the repair in plain terms and give you the price. Other than the diagnostic, nothing gets done until you say yes.
04
Fix and test both modes
We make the repair, then run the system in heating and cooling to confirm everything works before we leave.
What we fix
Common heat pump repairs we handle
Ducted and ductless systems from most makes, including Mitsubishi, Panasonic, LG, Daikin, Fujitsu, Rheem, Goodman, Carrier and Lennox.
- Capacitors and contactors
- Reversing valves
- Refrigerant leak repair and recharge
- Defrost controls and sensors
- Condensate drains and pumps
- Thermostats, wiring and backup heat staging
- Compressors
- Ductless indoor units and remotes
- Outdoor and indoor fan motors
We carry common parts on the truck. When we don’t have it with us, we tap into our supplier network to source it as fast as possible, so you’re not left waiting.
Repair or replace? You'll get a straight answer.
If your system is older, uses R-22 refrigerant, or needs a compressor, we’ll show you both prices: the repair, and a new cold-climate heat pump with any rebates it may qualify for. Then it’s your call.
New Customer Offer
$99$149diagnostic
First time with us? Getting a certified technician out to find the problem is just $99. Call or book online and mention1you're a new customer.
Protection Plans
Members save when repairs come up.
Plan members get priority scheduling, discounts on repairs and a yearly tune-up that catches most problems before they leave you uncomfortable.
Core Comfort
$20/monthOR $240 / yr + tax
Annual furnace tune-up, priority scheduling and repair discounts. Premier plan also available.
What our customers say
Related services
More ways to stay comfortable all year
Heat Pump Maintenance
Most breakdowns start small. A tune-up catches them before peak season.
Heat Pump Installation
When repairs stop making sense, we size a new system and note any rebates.
Furnace Repair
On a hybrid system and the backup isn’t kicking in? We fix furnaces too.
Heat pump repair questions
How much does a heat pump repair cost?
It starts with a diagnostic to find the problem ($149, or $99 if it’s your first time with us). Once we know what failed, we give you the repair price before any work starts. If we make the repair on the same visit, the diagnostic counts as a labour credit: that time goes toward your repair, so you’re never charged twice for the same hour.
Do you offer emergency heat pump repair?
Yes. We’re open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm, and offer emergency no-heat service on Saturdays. Call us and we’ll get you on the schedule as soon as we can.
Do you repair heat pumps you didn't install?
Yes. We service most makes and models, ducted and ductless, no matter who installed them. We can process warranty claims with all major manufacturers and source parts for every major brand.
Is it normal for my heat pump to frost up in winter?
Light frost is normal, and the unit clears it with a defrost cycle. Thick ice that doesn’t clear, or ice covering the top of the unit, means something needs attention.
Should I repair or replace my heat pump?
For newer systems, a repair is usually the better value. If yours is older, uses R-22 or needs a compressor, we’ll price both so you can compare, including any rebates on a new system.
Do your repairs come with a warranty?
Yes. Every repair carries our standard 45-day repair warranty. Most replacement parts also come with a 1-year manufacturer warranty, and we’ll tell you the exact coverage for your part before we start.
Furnace repair across Markham and York Region
Based in Markham, serving homes nearby since 1983.
Markham
Stouffville
East York
Richmond Hill
Thornhill
Toronto
Scarborough
Aurora
Uxbridge
North York
Heat pump acting up? Let's get you comfortable again.
Book online or give us a call. We’ll find the problem, tell you the price and fix it properly.
Mon to Fri 8 am to 6 pm · Saturday emergency no-heat service available
