Blowing cold air, iced over, running nonstop, or not starting at all? We test the refrigerant charge, reversing valve, defrost controls, and electrical parts, then fix what failed. We finish most repairs the same day. The diagnostic is $189, applied toward the repair, and we quote the repair before any work starts. Average response time is 90 minutes, with no overtime charges.
A NATE-certified Efficiency Heating & Cooling technician does the work. We're based at 14913 SE Kellogg Ave in Milwaukie, licensed as Oregon CCB #187834, in business since 2008, and rated 4.9 stars on Google. We repair every type of heat pump system, and when it's time to upgrade, our heat pump installation contractor handles that too.
We diagnose and repair all major heat pump brands, serving Portland since 2008
No heat in winter or no cooling in summer? We diagnose reversing valve, refrigerant, and compressor issues to restore both functions fast.
System turning on and off repeatedly? We fix thermostat issues, refrigerant levels, and electrical problems that cause short cycling.
Grinding, squealing, rattling, or hissing can mean a fan motor, compressor, or refrigerant problem. We diagnose and repair same day.
Heavy frost or ice on your heat pump? We repair defrost boards, check refrigerant levels, and restore proper operation.
Heat pump running but only cold air? Common causes include low refrigerant, a faulty reversing valve, or auxiliary heat problems.
Hot and cold spots throughout your home? We balance airflow, check ductwork, and optimize your system for even comfort.
Check the thermostat first: Heat mode, fan on Auto. With the fan on On, the blower runs between cycles and moves room-temperature air that feels cool. Heat pump air is also warm, not hot, so it feels cooler than furnace air. A few minutes of cool air during defrost is normal.
If the air stays cool, the usual cause is a reversing valve stuck in cooling mode, low refrigerant from a leak, or an outdoor fan or compressor that has stopped. If it only happens on the coldest days, the backup heat may not be coming on. See what to do when a heat pump won't heat in cold weather.
A light coat of frost is normal in heating mode, especially on damp days near freezing. The defrost cycle clears it by switching to cooling mode for a few minutes to warm the outdoor coil. You may hear a whoosh, see steam, and notice the outdoor fan stop. None of that is a fault.
Ice is a problem when it builds for hours, covers the whole coil, or encases the fan. That points to a defrost cycle that has stopped working, low refrigerant, or blocked airflow.
Do not chip at the ice or pour water on it; the coil is easily damaged. If the house is getting cold, switch to emergency heat and call us.
Yes, if the heat pump has stopped heating or the outdoor unit is iced over. Emergency heat shuts off the outdoor unit and runs your backup heat: electric heat strips in most homes, or the gas furnace in a dual-fuel system. Without a backup heat source, the setting does nothing.
Heat strips cost more to run than the heat pump, so switch back to Heat after the repair. If their breaker trips, leave it off and call us.
Auxiliary heat is different. It turns on by itself during defrost, on cold mornings, or after a big setpoint change. If auxiliary heat stays on for hours, the heat pump is not carrying its share.
Long run times are normal. A heat pump delivers steady, moderate heat, so it runs longer than a furnace. On cold, damp days, it may run almost nonstop, pausing only to defrost. If the house holds its setpoint, it is working. Here is what normal heat pump operation looks like in winter.
Running nonstop in mild weather while the house falls short is not normal. Common causes are a clogged filter, leaves matted against the outdoor coil, low refrigerant, leaky ducts, or a failing outdoor fan. Large nighttime setbacks also force long morning recoveries, often on aux heat.
These checks are safe and sometimes fix the problem:
Do not open either unit. Wiring, capacitors, fan blades, and refrigerant lines are a job for a licensed technician.
Call our 24/7 line, and we dispatch a NATE-certified technician. Average response time is 90 minutes.
We test refrigerant pressures, electrical parts, airflow, and the defrost controls.
Clear explanation of the problem with exact repair costs before any work begins. No surprises.
We use OEM parts and finish most repairs on the same visit, then test the system.
We confirm the heat pump heats and cools normally before we leave. All work is guaranteed, with parts warranty included.
No surprises, no overtime fees, no hidden charges
$189
Applied to repair cost
Quoted before work starts
You approve the exact price first
No overtime charges
Nights, weekends, and holidays
Most heat pump problems are worth repairing, and we will tell you when one is not. Replacement is worth pricing when the system is older, needs a compressor, or keeps breaking down.
If you decide to replace, our heat pump installation page explains the process. Energy Trust of Oregon may offer incentives; we confirm current offers in your estimate.
Central systems with ductwork
Mitsubishi, Daikin, Fujitsu
Heat pump + gas backup
Standard & cold-climate
We work on all major brands, including ductless mini-splits, in these communities.
Technicians standing by 24/7, call now and we'll get your system running again
Expert insights from our Portland HVAC professionals
Heat pump repair starts with a $189 diagnostic, applied toward the repair if you go ahead. We quote the repair before any work starts, so you approve the exact price first. There are no overtime charges.
Repair usually makes sense when the system is in good shape. Price a replacement when it is older, needs a compressor, or keeps breaking down. Newer heat pumps are more efficient. Energy Trust of Oregon may offer incentives on a new system; we confirm current offers in your estimate.
Most heat pump repairs are finished the same day. The diagnostic takes 30-60 minutes. Simple repairs, such as a capacitor or thermostat, take 1-2 hours. Refrigerant leaks and compressor work can take 3-4 hours.
Common causes are low refrigerant, a stuck reversing valve, an iced outdoor coil, a failed capacitor or fan motor, or the wrong thermostat setting. Check the thermostat mode, the filter, and the breakers first. If those look fine, call us.
Yes. We repair all major ductless mini-split brands, including Mitsubishi, Daikin, Fujitsu, and LG. Common issues include refrigerant leaks, clogged indoor drains, and failed fan motors or boards.
Yes. Our emergency line is open 24/7, and the average response time is 90 minutes across the Portland metro area. We handle no-heat, no-cooling, and refrigerant leak calls, and technicians carry common parts.
Light frost in heating mode is normal, and the defrost cycle melts it off. Heavy ice that stays on the coil or covers the fan points to a defrost control problem, low refrigerant, or blocked airflow. Don't chip it off; switch to emergency heat and call us.
We repair all major heat pump brands, including Carrier, Bryant, Trane, Lennox, Rheem, Mitsubishi, Daikin, and Fujitsu, on ducted, ductless, and dual-fuel systems.
A few recent Google reviews from homeowners across the metro. We don't edit them.
Phil did a great job of carefully examining all the components of our almost 20 year old HVAC system. He took detailed photos and videos to show me the status. And he didn’t try to sell me anything else! Great experience 10/10System inspection
Efficiency Heating and Cooling came out to our home to do general maintenance on our furnace and heat pump, and also level our heat pump. Tristan was our technician. His work was efficient and thorough. He explained everything he did and told me what Efficiency H&C had to offering the way of maintenance programs. I am very happy with the services we received.Furnace & heat pump maintenance
This was my first time working with this company, and it was an amazing experience! Wayne was super personable, and explained things thoroughly and transparently. The cost was reasonable and that was with the maintenance membership program we joined. Highly recommend this business!Maintenance membership
I definitely recommend Efficiency! On this year's hottest day my AC quit working and Efficiency was able to send a technician right out. He fixed it quickly (luckily it was not a major issue) and now I'm basking in cool air. Thank you so much!AC repair
Tristan was very thorough with diagnosing the issues with my system and walked me through them so I could better understand my options for repair. We’ve had a few HVAC techs look at our system over the last decade or so, and Tristan was by far the best.System diagnosis
Jason came out for an estimate for a heat pump for my house. He listened to what I was looking for function-wise, evaluated the property, gave me a quote with 4 options, and explained the pros and cons of each. He was thorough, friendly, and not at all condescending (women, if you know, you know). Very professional.Heat pump estimate
I bought a furnace from these folks over 10 years ago and was very impressed with their work. I've had them tune up my furnace every year since and it's still the great quality and friendly service. They are dependable and knowledgeable every time I deal with them. I highly recommend them.Furnace install & tune-ups
Efficiency Heating and Cooling is a great company to work with. They gave me multiple options based on personal wants/needs with my 100+ year old house and were patient helping educate me and navigate to a decision. They were prompt, scheduling was easy, very professional, knowledgeable, and walked through with me how my system works once the job was complete. Couldn’t be happier from beginning to end and would heartily recommend them!100+ year old home
Called so many companies to find someone who did duct work beyond cleaning (I had a leak in the duct) and.so glad I got a hold of these guys. Professional, fast, and thorough. Great all around!Duct leak repair
Hire them immediately! Super fair pricing, great service. My Technician, Tristian was communicative and thorough. I tried hiring another company prior and they had me pre-pay, after tons of no shows and shoddy work followed by more no shows I demanded my money back and happily gave it to Efficiency Heating and Cooling.HVAC service
Tristan was very professional. He was on time and explained everything thoroughly. I appreciated the no pressure conversation of future work that could be done with my heating system.Heating system service
What a great experience with Efficiency. From the estimate process to installation, they made everything seamless and easy. When we hit an unexpected snag during installation, they kept us well informed about what was going on how it might affect the timeline. They got everything done and the system is working great!System installation
Two tune-ups a year, priority scheduling and 15% off repairs. No contract, cancel anytime.
Month-to-month · No long-term contract · Covers one system; add more for a discount
You'll talk to someone in our Milwaukie office, not a call center. We'll get a tech out and give you the price before any work starts.
(503) 698-5588Rather talk to someone?
