Heat Pump Repair in Delta, BC
Pre-call emergency checklist, symptom guide, Lower Mainland repair costs, and licensed technicians in Delta.
Emergency service needed?
Work through the checklist below first — about 1 in 5 service calls turns out to be a tripped breaker, clogged filter, or thermostat setting.
Delta's flat, low-lying coastal location means mild winters but drainage and humidity are the primary maintenance concerns.
Delta shares Richmond's very mild coastal climate — design temperatures rarely exceed -7°C, making heat pump cold-weather failures uncommon. The primary service drivers are humidity-related: condensate drain maintenance, outdoor unit drainage, and coil corrosion from proximity to water. Tsawwassen properties near the coast may experience more outdoor coil corrosion than other Lower Mainland cities.
Most common Delta repair issues
- 1.Condensate drain maintenance (coastal humidity)
- 2.Outdoor unit drainage during heavy rain
- 3.Coastal salt air corrosion on outdoor coil
Before You Call a Technician
Run through these steps first. They resolve ~20% of service calls and save you a diagnostic fee.
Check the breaker
Find the dedicated heat pump breaker in your panel. Flip it fully OFF, then ON. If it trips immediately again, stop — call an electrician.
Check thermostat settings
Confirm it's set to HEAT (not COOL or FAN), the set temperature is above room temperature, and batteries are fresh. Many "no heat" calls are thermostat mode errors.
Check the filter
Ductless: pop open the indoor unit cover and check the filter. Ducted: find your air handler filter. A fully clogged filter causes safety shutdown. Replace or wash it.
Clear the outdoor unit
Remove snow, leaves, or debris within 30cm on the sides and 60cm at the front (discharge direction). Check that the unit isn't buried in snow.
Check for error codes
Most modern units display error codes on the indoor unit display or blink a fault pattern. Note the code before calling — it tells the technician what to bring.
For an iced outdoor unit
Switch to FAN-ONLY mode for 20–30 minutes to let it defrost. If it re-ices within an hour of defrosting, you have a defrost system issue.
Check for recent power outages
Some units require a manual reset after a power interruption. Turn the unit off at the thermostat or remote, wait 30 seconds, turn back on.
Symptom Guide
Common heat pump symptoms, likely causes, and what to try before calling.
Blowing cold air in heat mode
Medium priorityLikely Cause
Active defrost cycle (normal), stuck reversing valve, or low refrigerant
Try First
Wait 5–10 minutes — defrost cycles are normal and temporary
Call If...
Cold air continues after 10 min, or happens repeatedly throughout the day
Outdoor unit heavily iced over
High priorityLikely Cause
Defrost board/sensor failure, blocked airflow, or low refrigerant
Try First
Switch to fan-only for 20–30 min to defrost. Clear debris around unit.
Call If...
Unit re-ices within an hour, or ice covers the entire coil and fan
Mini split dripping water indoors
Medium priorityLikely Cause
Clogged condensate drain — common in humid BC climates
Try First
Flush condensate drain line with diluted vinegar. Check for blockage at drain outlet.
Call If...
Water is pooling, not just dripping. Mold visible in the unit.
Unit not turning on at all
High priorityLikely Cause
Tripped breaker, failed capacitor, communication fault, or burned contactor
Try First
Reset breaker once. Check thermostat batteries. Try unplugging remote and re-pairing.
Call If...
Breaker trips again, or unit still won't start after breaker reset
Grinding or squealing noise
Medium priorityLikely Cause
Fan motor bearing wear, loose fan blade, or debris in outdoor unit
Try First
Inspect outdoor unit for sticks, leaves, or debris caught in the fan. Turn unit off first.
Call If...
Noise persists after clearing debris, or you hear grinding from the compressor area
Short cycling (frequent on/off)
Medium priorityLikely Cause
Oversized unit, low refrigerant, dirty filter, or refrigerant metering issue
Try First
Check and clean the filter. Ensure all registers and vents are open.
Call If...
More than 4-6 short cycles per hour after filter is clean
Runs constantly but can't reach set temperature
Low priorityLikely Cause
Below unit's rated operating temperature, low refrigerant, poor insulation, or undersized system
Try First
Check outdoor temp vs unit's rated minimum. Seal obvious drafts. Check filter.
Call If...
Outdoor temp is within unit's range but performance is still poor
Musty or mold smell
Low priorityLikely Cause
Dirty evaporator coil, mold in condensate pan, or clogged drain
Try First
Clean the indoor unit filter. Run unit on cooling mode to flush condensate.
Call If...
Smell persists after filter cleaning. Visible mold on the indoor unit.
Backup heat not activating (hybrid system)
High priorityLikely Cause
Thermostat changeover threshold setting, failed gas valve, or communication fault
Try First
Check thermostat for manual override to backup heat mode.
Call If...
Cannot manually switch to backup heat — this is an emergency in cold weather
Repair Costs in Delta (2026)
Typical Lower Mainland labour and parts rates. Emergency or after-hours calls add $150–$250 to any service visit.
| Repair | Lower Mainland |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic visit | $100–$200 |
| Capacitor replacement | $250–$450 |
| Fan motor (indoor or outdoor) | $700–$1,200 |
| Refrigerant leak — detect & repair | $900–$2,500 |
| Defrost board or sensor | $350–$650 |
| Control board replacement | $900–$1,800 |
| Condensate drain service | $150–$350 |
| Reversing valve | $600–$1,200 |
| Compressor replacement | $2,500–$4,500 |
| Annual tune-up | $150–$300 |
Costs include parts and labour. Brand-specific parts (Mitsubishi, Daikin, Fujitsu) may run higher. Always get a written estimate before authorizing work.
Heat Pump Technicians in Delta
Licensed contractors serving Delta. Always confirm they hold a current Technical Safety BC refrigeration licence before booking.
Acorn Service Group
Delta, Lower Mainland
Phone: +1-604-948-9949
Services:
Service area: Delta, Ladner, Tsawwassen, North Delta, Surrey, Richmond, White Rock. Since 1999; BBB Accredited; Ladner and Tsawwassen specialist; boiler + ductless heat pump + tankless + combi boiler + gas fireplace; rebates up to $5000; 24/7; Delta Delta Chamber member
View Details →Neighbourhood Plumbing & Heating
Delta, Lower Mainland
Phone: +1-604-946-7778
Services:
Service area: Delta, Ladner, Tsawwassen, South Delta. BBB A+; twice voted Best Plumbing & Heating in Delta Optimist People's Choice Awards; Red Seal certified owner Kirby Reid; family-owned since 2013; Delta Chamber + Ladner Business Association member; South Delta community focus
View Details →PJB Mechanical
Delta, Lower Mainland
Phone: +1-604-940-2268
Services:
Service area: Delta, Richmond, Surrey, Vancouver, New Westminster, Lower Mainland. Since 1996; BBB Accredited; full-service plumbing + heating + cooling + gas + electrical + drainage; residential + commercial; sustainable/green plumbing focus; licensed technicians
View Details →Brand-Specific Repair for Delta
Looking for a technician certified on a specific brand? Use the brand pages to find authorized dealers and service technicians.
Full Service Guide
DIY maintenance schedule, when to repair vs. replace, and how to verify technician credentials.
Home Assessment Checklist
If your heat pump is underperforming (not failing), walk through this 30-minute assessment before calling.
Delta Install Guide
Climate data, installation costs, and recommended systems for Delta homeowners.
Disclaimer
Repair cost estimates are illustrative based on 2026 BC market data. Actual costs depend on brand, part availability, and access complexity. Always obtain a written estimate before authorizing repairs. Refrigerant and electrical work legally requires licensed technicians under Technical Safety BC regulations.