Keep Your Heat Pump Running Year Round

Heat pump repair, maintenance, and installation throughout Niagara County, New York

Heat pumps move warmth in and out of your home depending on the season, but when refrigerant levels drop, coils freeze, or the reversing valve fails, the system stops heating or cooling effectively. You may notice ice building up on the outdoor unit during winter, rooms that stay too warm or too cold, or the system running constantly without reaching the temperature you set. Great Lakes heating and cooling handles heat pump repairs, maintenance, and new installations across Niagara County, restoring performance and keeping your system balanced through all four seasons.


Heat pump service includes checking refrigerant charge, cleaning indoor and outdoor coils, testing the reversing valve that switches between heating and cooling modes, and inspecting electrical connections and capacitors that keep the compressor and fan motors running. In Niagara County, outdoor units face heavy snow and ice during winter, which can block airflow and reduce heating capacity if not cleared regularly. Maintenance also involves checking defrost controls that prevent the outdoor coil from freezing over during cold weather operation.


If your heat pump is not keeping up with seasonal temperature changes or you are considering a new installation, get in touch to discuss service options in Niagara County.

A water heater is sitting in a room next to a brick wall.

What Happens During Heat Pump Maintenance and Repair

Service starts with inspecting both the indoor air handler and outdoor condenser unit, checking for loose wiring, worn contactors, or capacitors that need replacement. Great Lakes heating and cooling cleans the coils with a commercial coil cleaner, removes debris from the outdoor unit, and tests the reversing valve to make sure it switches modes correctly. In Niagara County, homes that rely on heat pumps as their primary heating source often need twice-yearly maintenance to keep the system running through winter cold snaps and summer humidity.


After service, you will notice more consistent temperatures in every room, quieter operation from both the indoor and outdoor units, and better airflow from the vents as the system cycles on and off. The heat pump will reach your set temperature faster and use less electricity because the coils are clean and refrigerant levels are correct.


The technician measures refrigerant pressures, checks for leaks using an electronic detector, and adjusts the charge if levels are low. If the reversing valve or defrost control is malfunctioning, those components get replaced to restore proper heating mode operation. Some older heat pumps in Niagara County may benefit from a supplemental heating source during extended cold periods, but most modern cold-climate models handle temperatures well below freezing without backup heat.

Things people want to know before booking service

Homeowners in Niagara County often ask how heat pumps perform in winter, how often maintenance is needed, and what signs indicate a repair is necessary.

How often should I service my heat pump?

Heat pumps should be serviced twice a year, once before heating season and once before cooling season. Regular maintenance prevents refrigerant loss, keeps coils clean, and catches worn components before they fail.

Why is my heat pump covered in ice during winter?

Some frost on the outdoor coil is normal, but heavy ice buildup means the defrost cycle is not working correctly. The technician tests the defrost control board and sensors to restore proper operation.

What does it mean when my heat pump runs constantly?

If your heat pump runs without reaching the set temperature, it may be low on refrigerant, have dirty coils, or need a new reversing valve. The technician checks each of these during a service call in Niagara County.

When should I replace my heat pump instead of repairing it?

If your heat pump is over fifteen years old, requires frequent refrigerant recharges, or has a failed compressor, replacement usually costs less than continuing to repair an aging system.

Will a heat pump work during a Niagara County winter?

Modern cold-climate heat pumps work efficiently down to negative temperatures, but older models may struggle below twenty degrees. If your system cannot keep up during cold snaps, upgrading to a newer model improves winter performance.

Great Lakes heating and cooling provides heat pump services in Niagara County, Erie County, Amherst, Wheatfield, Ransomville, and Youngstown, handling repairs, maintenance, and new installations for homes that rely on heat pumps year round. If your system is not heating or cooling as it should, or you want to schedule preventive maintenance before the season changes, contact us to set up a service visit.