Heat Pump Repair & Service in Des Moines, IA
Your heat pump isn't working—and you need both heating and cooling restored. Unlike traditional AC-only systems, a failed heat pump means you've lost your entire climate solution for the season. Obsidian Heating and Cooling has been diagnosing and repairing heat pump systems since 2009. We understand the complexity of reversing valves, defrost cycles, and auxiliary heat logic—the things that make heat pump repair different from standard AC service. We're Tempstar Elite Dealers with factory training and direct manufacturer support, which means we have the tools, knowledge, and parts access to get your system running reliably. Whether it's winter heating failure, summer cooling breakdown, or strange cycling behavior, our veteran-owned team delivers fast diagnosis and honest repair recommendations.
Up to 15-Year Warranty
Parts & Labor
What Sets Our Heat Pump Repair Service Apart
Get Immediate Heat Pump Repair Service
Your heat pump is critical year-round. Contact us for same-day or emergency service:
Warning Signs Your Heat Pump Needs Professional Service
System Won't Heat (No Heat in Winter, Furnace Not Kicking In)
If your thermostat is set to heat but your home isn't warming, the problem could be the heat pump's heating cycle, the reversing valve (which switches the system from cooling to heating), or supplemental electric heat not engaging. Start simple: verify the thermostat is set to "Heat" mode (not "Cool" or "Off"). If your system has a backup furnace, check whether the furnace is responding. If only the heat pump is installed, the reversing valve might be stuck, the outdoor unit might be in defrost cycle (temporarily losing heating to shed ice), or the compressor might have failed. Our technicians test heating mode operation, reversing valve function, and system pressures to diagnose quickly.
System Won't Cool (Hot Outside, AC Not Running)
This is the AC failure scenario—but on a heat pump, losing cooling in summer is critical. First, check the thermostat is set to "Cool." Verify the outdoor unit is running (you should hear a hum). If the unit is quiet, the problem is likely electrical (no power to outdoor contactor), a failed capacitor (no compressor startup), or a tripped safety disconnect. If the outdoor unit is running but no cool air comes from your vents, refrigerant pressure might be low (leak or compressor failure), the indoor coil might be frozen (low airflow), or the reversing valve might be stuck in heating mode. Our diagnostic tools pinpoint the exact failure in minutes.
System Cycles Between Heating & Cooling Unexpectedly
Heat pumps reverse between heating and cooling as outdoor temperatures change, but the cycling should be smooth and infrequent. If your system is reversing every few minutes, short-cycling between modes, or getting stuck in one mode, the reversing valve solenoid might be failing, the control board might be glitching, or the refrigerant system might be low. Excessive cycling wastes energy and damages the compressor. We'll test valve operation and control logic to pinpoint the cause.
Defrost Cycle Causing Ice Buildup or Loss of Heat in Winter
Heat pumps enter a defrost cycle when outdoor coil temperature drops—the system reverses briefly to shed ice and maintain heating capacity. On very cold days, you might notice the outdoor unit "smoking" (actually steam from ice melting) or briefly losing heating while defrost engages. This is normal. But if defrost cycles are happening too frequently, lasting too long, or happening even when ice isn't present, the defrost control board might be malfunctioning. We'll verify that defrost timing and duration are correct for your climate.
Strange Noises During Heating Mode (Hissing, Gurgling, Screaming)
Hissing usually indicates a refrigerant leak, especially at connections near the reversing valve. Gurgling might be refrigerant flowing in an unusual way (often during defrost). Screaming or high-pitched noise could indicate a failing compressor. Banging from the outdoor unit during the heating-to-cooling transition might be a check valve issue or refrigerant surge. None of these sounds are normal—they're signals that something is wrong. Don't ignore them; the longer the system runs while failing, the more damage compounds.
Outdoor Unit Freezing Up or Icing Excessively in Winter
A light coating of ice on the outdoor coil is normal before defrost engages. But heavy ice buildup, icicles hanging from the unit, or the unit completely encased in ice suggests the defrost control is failing. An iced-over outdoor coil has no access to outside air for heating, so your system produces inadequate warmth. We'll check defrost sensor operation, control board function, and reversing valve performance to restore normal operation.
How We Diagnose and Service Your Heat Pump
From emergency dispatch to final testing, every step is handled with precision and expertise. Here's what to expect when you choose Obsidian Heating and Cooling for your heat pump repair.
Mode Assessment & System State Evaluation
When you call with a heat pump failure, we ask: Is it a heating failure, cooling failure, or cycling issue? What's the outdoor temperature? Has the system been running, or is it completely off? This helps us dispatch the right technician and prepare appropriate diagnostic tools. When the technician arrives, they'll check the mode the thermostat is in (Heat, Cool, or Auto), verify outdoor unit operation visually, and feel airflow at your vents.
Unlike standard AC repair, heat pump diagnosis requires understanding the system's current mode. Is it trying to heat or cool? Is the reversing valve working? Is supplemental heat engaging? We assess all of this before touching any components.
What We Check
Thermostat Mode & Setpoint
Verify correct mode and temperature settings.
Outdoor Unit Operation
Visual and audible confirmation of operation.
Supplemental Heat Status
Check if electric heat is active when needed.
Airflow & Temperature
Measure air temperature at supply vents.
Defrost Control State
Assess defrost cycle status if in heating season.
System Type Identification
Electrical, refrigerant, or control-related issue.
Reversing Valve & Refrigerant System Diagnostics
This is where heat pump expertise diverges from standard AC repair. The reversing valve is a solenoid-controlled component that switches the flow of refrigerant between heating and cooling modes. If it sticks, fails to energize, or leaks internally, the entire system malfunctions. We test electrical continuity at the reversing valve solenoid to confirm it's receiving a command signal. We measure suction and discharge pressures in both heating and cooling modes to verify the valve is actually switching the refrigerant flow.
We also evaluate the expansion device (metering component) in both modes—it must adjust refrigerant flow differently for heating vs. cooling. If pressures are abnormal in one mode but normal in the other, the reversing valve is likely the culprit. If pressures are abnormal in both modes, the compressor or a different component is failing.
Diagnostic Tests
Solenoid Continuity
Test electrical signal to reversing valve.
Pressure Testing
Measure pressures in both heating and cooling.
Check Valve Operation
Verify heat pump-specific components.
Superheat Analysis
Compressor discharge in each mode.
Defrost Control & Supplemental Heat Testing
During heating season, we test the defrost control function—this is unique to heat pumps. The outdoor coil temperature sensor tells the control board when to reverse and shed ice. We verify the sensor is reading temperature accurately and that the control board is timing defrost cycles appropriately. If defrost is stuck on, the system loses heating. If defrost isn't engaging, the outdoor coil ices over and heating drops.
We also test supplemental electric resistance heat. If the compressor can't meet heating demand (especially on extreme cold days), electric resistance heat should engage automatically. We verify this activation sequence works, that the heating elements are responding, and that electrical interlocks prevent simultaneous operation of all heating sources (which would trip the breaker).
Control System Tests
Defrost Sensor Calibration
Verify accurate temperature readings.
Defrost Timing
Test cycle duration against manufacturer specs.
Control Board Relays
Verify defrost control board operation.
Resistance Heat Elements
Test electrical continuity and operation.
Heat Sequencing
Verify resistance heat engages only when needed.
Electrical Interlocks
Prevent circuit overload conditions.
Component Repair or Replacement
Once we've identified the failed component, repair or replacement happens. Common heat pump repairs include reversing valve replacement (failed solenoid or stuck valve), expansion valve cleaning or replacement (flow control failure), capacitor replacement (failed startup), defrost board repair or replacement (control failure), or compressor service (failing compression performance). We use OEM parts whenever possible—especially Tempstar components where we have priority access.
Installation follows manufacturer specifications. Electrical work is documented. All refrigerant connections are pressure-tested. The system is evacuated and recharged to factory specs if any connection is opened.
Repair Standards
OEM Parts Priority
Use factory parts whenever possible for reliability.
Manufacturer Specs
Install per technical specifications.
Pressure Testing
Test all refrigerant circuits after connection.
Electrical Verification
Verify continuity and proper grounding.
Work Documentation
Document all electrical and control connections.
Refrigerant Recharge
Exact factory quantity and type.
Heating & Cooling Verification & Safety Testing
Before we leave, we verify the system operates correctly in both heating and cooling modes. We run a full heating cycle and confirm the compressor engages, pressures normalize, temperature rises at the vents, and supplemental heat doesn't unnecessarily engage. We run a full cooling cycle and confirm the reversing valve switches, pressures are appropriate for cooling, and cooling air flows from vents. We also test the defrost cycle (if in heating season) to confirm it engages and releases properly.
You'll receive a detailed work order explaining what we found, how we fixed it, and what to watch for. We provide emergency contact information and stand behind our repair with a 1-year labor warranty.
Final Verification
Full Heating Cycle
Verify temperature rise and efficiency.
Full Cooling Cycle
Verify cooling capacity and comfort.
Defrost Cycle Test
Test timing and function if applicable.
Reversing Valve Function
Confirm switching works in both directions.
Supplemental Heat Check
Verify only engaging when needed.
Complete Documentation
Detailed work order and warranty details.
Common Heat Pump Repairs We Handle
From reversing valve failures to defrost control issues, we handle all heat pump repair needs.
Reversing Valve Solenoid Replacement
The reversing valve solenoid is the component that switches the system between heating and cooling. When it fails, the system gets stuck in one mode. We test the solenoid electrical continuity, verify the control signal is reaching it, and replace it if defective. This repair typically takes 1–2 hours and is one of the most common heat pump fixes.
Schedule Reversing Valve ServiceExpansion Valve Service & Replacement
The expansion device meters refrigerant flow through the indoor coil. Heat pumps use different expansion devices or configurations for heating vs. cooling. If the device sticks or clogs, system performance suffers. We'll clean it if blockage is the issue, or replace it if internal failure is present. This repair usually takes 2–3 hours depending on configuration.
Get Expansion Valve ServiceDefrost Control Board Replacement
The control board manages defrost cycles, supplemental heat sequencing, and reversing valve operation. If it malfunctions, the system might not defrost properly, might not switch between heating and cooling, or might fail to engage supplemental heat. Board replacement restores proper operation. We install factory-authorized boards with full diagnostics afterward.
Schedule Control Board ServiceCapacitor Replacement
A failed capacitor prevents the compressor from starting in heating or cooling mode. The system hums but doesn't run. This is an inexpensive, fast fix—usually 30 minutes. We use capacitors rated for your exact equipment and verify compressor operation after replacement.
Get Capacitor RepairSupplemental Electric Heat Element Repair
The resistance heating elements provide emergency warmth in extreme cold. If an element fails or the circuit controlling it malfunctions, supplemental heat won't engage. We'll test element continuity, verify the control relay, and replace any failed components. This repair takes 1–2 hours depending on element accessibility.
Schedule Resistance Heat ServiceCompressor Service or Replacement
A failing compressor produces inadequate cooling or heating pressure. We'll diagnose whether the compressor is truly failed (internal damage) or just struggling from a control or pressure issue. Compressor failure is the most serious heat pump repair. We'll discuss replacement cost, timeline, and warranty options.
Discuss Compressor OptionsRefrigerant Leak Detection & Repair
Heat pump systems lose refrigerant from leaks at solder joints, connections, or coil failures. Finding and fixing the leak is critical. We use electronic leak detectors, identify the leak location, repair or replace the component, evacuate, and recharge the system properly.
Schedule Leak Detection ServiceOutdoor Coil Icing & Defrost System Repair
If the outdoor coil is icing excessively or defrost isn't engaging, sensors, control boards, or the reversing valve might be at fault. We'll diagnose the defrost control function and repair the underlying issue. This often involves sensor replacement or control board service.
Get Coil & Defrost Service
Heat Pump Repair Service Throughout Des Moines
We provide same-day and emergency heat pump repair service across Des Moines and surrounding communities, year-round:
Emergency Service Available in:
Ankeny, IA
North metro Des Moines homeowners rely on us for fast heat pump diagnostics and repair. We maintain emergency availability and keep heat pump-specific parts in stock for rapid service.
Urbandale, IA
Throughout northwest Des Moines and Urbandale, we repair heat pumps in every home type. Our technicians understand heat pump reversing valves and defrost systems and can diagnose failures quickly.
Altoona, IA
Southeast of Des Moines, we provide same-day repair with emergency availability year-round. We've built trust with Altoona homeowners who need reliable, honest heat pump service.
Grimes, IA
North of Des Moines, Grimes residents trust us for heating and cooling emergencies. Our fast response and technical expertise make us the logical choice when your heat pump fails.
Clive, IA
West of Des Moines, we repair heat pump systems throughout Clive's established and newer neighborhoods. Our 15 years of local experience means we've serviced heat pumps in virtually every Clive home.
Emergency Heat Pump Service
Heat pump failures are urgent—you lose both heating and cooling. We provide 24/7 emergency service throughout Greater Des Moines with same-day availability.
Keep Your Heat Pump Running with Related Services
Beyond repair, we offer complete heat pump support:
Heat Pump Installation & Replacement
If your system is beyond repair, we'll install a new efficient unit that heats and cools year-round.
Explore Heat Pump InstallationHeat Pump Maintenance & Tune-Ups
Regular maintenance prevents emergency repairs. Spring and fall tune-ups keep your system reliable.
Schedule Heat Pump MaintenanceFurnace Service & Repair
If you have a furnace as supplemental backup, we maintain and repair that too.
Get Furnace ServiceCentral AC Repair
We also repair dedicated cooling systems if that's what you have.
Schedule AC RepairIndoor Air Quality Solutions
Improve your home's air while your heat pump handles temperature.
Improve Indoor Air QualityFrequently Asked Questions About Heat Pump Repair
Need Emergency Heat Pump Repair in Des Moines?
A failed heat pump means you've lost both heating and cooling—often at the worst time. Obsidian Heating and Cooling is ready to diagnose your system, explain what went wrong, and get you comfortable again. Our veteran-owned team has the heat pump expertise, diagnostic tools, and parts access to handle any failure quickly.
We serve Des Moines, Ankeny, Urbandale, Altoona, Grimes, and Clive with same-day and emergency service availability. We're Tempstar Elite Dealers with direct factory support, and we stand behind every repair with a 1-year labor warranty.
Explore All Heat Pump Services
See everything we handle for heat pump systems, or jump straight to a related service.
