How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Heat Pump in Iowa?

If your heat pump isn’t working, you’re probably concerned about how much it will cost to repair.

The cost for a heat pump repair in Iowa can run anywhere from $200 to $3,000, with the average homeowner paying about $1,000.

There are several reasons why the price can vary so much, including:

To help you anticipate your repair costs, let’s take a closer look at each of these factors.

Some heat pump repairs are more expensive than others.

Depending on what’s wrong with your heat pump, replacement parts will vary in cost. Certain parts are also more challenging to repair or replace, increasing your labor costs and time.

To give you an idea of what you might need to pay for a heat pump repair in the Des Moines area, here are some common heat pump repairs and their cost ranges:

• Fixing or replacing a broken thermostat: $
• Fixing issues with your home’s ductwork: $$
• Repairing a defective outdoor unit: $$$

If your heat pump is older, finding replacement parts can require more effort and time to source, increasing the repair price.

For example, older heat pumps might use a refrigerant that has been phased out, such as R-22 (a refrigerant known to deplete the ozone layer). Once a refrigerant is in the phase-out stage, technicians are limited to replacement supplies that have been recovered, recycled, or reclaimed as no manufacturers would still be producing new supplies.

With limited supplies, it’s often more costly and time-consuming for a technician to recharge the refrigerant for an older heat pump.

Valid parts or labor warranties might cover the cost of your heat pump repair.

First, let’s look at what makes up the two types of warranties you might have on your heat pump:

A parts warranty covers the cost of any heat pump parts that are defective or that fail due to a manufacturing error. The manufacturer issues this warranty, and it can last up to 10 years.

For a parts warranty to remain valid, there are specific requirements you have to meet, such as:

• Having a professional install the heat pump
• Using on-brand replacement parts
• Registering your heat pump within 90 days of the installation date
• Having certified technicians regularly maintain your heat pump

Unfortunately, if you don’t meet the requirements, your parts warranty may not be considered valid, which could increase the cost of your heat pump repair.

How to check if your parts warranty is valid: The best way to find out if your parts warranty is still valid or not is to locate the manufacturer’s name, model number, and serial number on your outdoor unit. (These should be listed on a label somewhere on your outdoor unit.) Then, go to the manufacturer’s website and search for your heat pump by its model number to find your unit’s warranty information.

If Golden Rule installed your heat pump, we also filed the warranty information for you at the time and would be happy to help you look up the information.

Another type of warranty you may have on your heat pump is a labor warranty. This type of warranty covers the cost of labor to repair or replace a part. The installation contractor issues the labor warranties, and they can last up to 5 years.

How to check if your labor warranty is valid: Call the contractor who installed your heat pump and ask for the warranty details. If you aren’t sure who installed the heat pump, you can contact the last contractor who serviced it.

Every HVAC contractor in the Des Moines Metro area will charge differently for their heat pump repair services.

• If the contractor charges by the hour, they will pinpoint the issue and provide an estimate for the repair costs. Depending on the circumstances, the price could change by the time you receive your final bill.
• If the contractor offers flat-rate pricing, they will give you a specific price upfront, and that price won’t ever change. At Golden Rule, we always provide upfront, flat-rate pricing.

Regardless of how a contractor charges for heat pump repair services, it’s always best to request a written estimate before they get to work.

It’s also important to know that experienced and certified technicians will charge more than less-experienced ones. While that means you might pay more for your heat pump repair upfront, you’ll have peace of mind knowing the contractor completed the repair right on the first visit. It also saves you money down the line because you don’t have to worry about your heat pump breaking down on you again due to a faulty repair.

If you’re searching for an HVAC contractor in the Des Moines area, make sure they meet the following qualifications so that you get the best repair service possible:

• Licensed and insured
• Positive customer reviews on websites like Facebook and Google
• Guarantees or labor warranties on all repair work
• Years of professional experience