Heat Pump Repair in Prince George, BC
Pre-call emergency checklist, symptom guide, Interior BC repair costs, and licensed technicians in Prince George.
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.
Prince George's -31°C design temperature is among BC's coldest — backup heat is not optional and must be tested before winter.
Prince George has the most demanding winter climate of any major BC city. At design temperatures of -31°C, even the best cold-climate heat pumps operate at reduced capacity, and backup heat (electric resistance or gas) is essential — not a suggestion. Service calls here in deep winter are often backup heat failures rather than heat pump failures. The backup system that was never serviced is what leaves homeowners without heat at -25°C. Pre-season service in September/October must include testing backup heat activation under load.
Most common Prince George repair issues
- 1.Backup heat failure during extreme cold (most dangerous)
- 2.Heat pump lockout below rated operating range
- 3.Defrost system failure in sustained severe cold
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 Prince George (2026)
Typical Interior BC labour and parts rates. Emergency or after-hours calls add $150–$250 to any service visit.
| Repair | Interior BC |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic visit | $85–$175 |
| Capacitor replacement | $220–$400 |
| Fan motor (indoor or outdoor) | $620–$1,050 |
| Refrigerant leak — detect & repair | $800–$2,200 |
| Defrost board or sensor | $300–$575 |
| Control board replacement | $800–$1,600 |
| Condensate drain service | $125–$300 |
| Reversing valve | $550–$1,050 |
| Compressor replacement | $2,200–$4,000 |
| Annual tune-up | $135–$265 |
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 Prince George
Licensed contractors serving Prince George. Always confirm they hold a current Technical Safety BC refrigeration licence before booking.
HVAC Strong Mechanical Ltd.
Prince George, Interior
Phone: +1-778-999-5815
Services:
Brands:
Mitsubishi, GE, Continental, Tosot
Service area: Prince George, Northern BC. First HPCN accredited contractor in Northern BC; TSBC licensed; Mitsubishi dealer + sole GE dealer in PG; 5-star 124 reviews; 24/7; listed on Better Homes BC; 4780 Wood Place Prince George BC V2M 6C4
View Details →Heat Tech Heating & Ventilation Ltd.
Prince George, Interior
Phone: +1-250-962-0041
Services:
Brands:
Trane
Service area: Prince George. BBB A+; family-owned since 1998; Trane authorized dealer; 24/7/365 emergency; 123 Ruggles St Prince George BC
View Details →Canuck Mechanical Ltd.
Prince George, Interior
Phone: +1-250-564-4567
Services:
Brands:
Amana, Goodman, Viessmann
Service area: Prince George, Central Interior BC. BBB accredited; since 1983; 40+ years; Viessmann boiler dealer; largest stocked trucks in town; 100+ years combined technician experience; 24/7 emergency; 100-1797 Lyon St S Prince George BC V2N 1T3
View Details →Polar Refrigeration Sales & Service Ltd.
Prince George, Interior
Phone: +1-250-563-6444
Services:
Brands:
Lennox
Service area: Prince George, North Central Interior BC. Lennox Premier Dealer; Lennox 20 Years of Service Award; 50+ years in business; residential and commercial; Prince George Chamber + Homebuilders Association member; 24/7 emergency; 910 3rd Ave Prince George BC V2L 3C9
View Details →Mainline Plumbing & Heating Ltd.
Prince George, Interior
Phone: +1-250-564-9808
Services:
Brands:
Multiple
Service area: Prince George, Central Interior BC. 50+ years in business; BBB accredited; boiler + heat pump + plumbing specialty; 24/7 emergency; Northern BC Homebuilders Association member; 3658 Opie Crescent Prince George BC V2N 1C1
View Details →Budget Choice Heating & Cooling
Prince George, Interior
Phone: +1-250-617-9510
Services:
Brands:
York, KeepRite, Continental
Service area: Prince George, Williams Lake. BBB A+; City of Prince George business directory listed; since 2013; 24/7; serves Prince George and Williams Lake; CAUTION: no physical street address confirmed in public records
View Details →Prince George Plumbing & Heating Ltd.
Prince George, Interior
Phone: +1-250-614-3767
Services:
Brands:
Multiple
Service area: Prince George. Residential and commercial; 24/7 emergency; 6716 Edelweiss Rd Prince George BC V2K 3G4
View Details →Brand-Specific Repair for Prince George
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.
Prince George Install Guide
Climate data, installation costs, and recommended systems for Prince George 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.