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Heat Pump Repair for Toronto Condos

Heat pump not heating or cooling? Compressor making noise? High electricity bills? We diagnose and repair condo heat pumps across Toronto—often same-day.

Water-source heat pumps are complex systems with compressors, refrigerant, and reversing valves—far more intricate than simple fan coils. When they fail, you need a technician who truly understands these systems. Hudson HVAC specializes exclusively in condo HVAC, with deep expertise in ClimateMaster, Florida Heat Pump, Mammoth, and all major WSHP brands.

Compressor Failure or Water Leak?
Turn off your heat pump at the breaker immediately. Continuing to run a failing compressor causes permanent damage.
Call (437) 448-0640 Request Service Online
Water-source heat pump repair service Toronto
#1 Most Trusted By Property Managers

24/7 Emergency Heat Pump Service

Compressor seized? No heat in January? Refrigerant leak smell? Our emergency technicians respond around the clock with the tools and parts to diagnose complex heat pump failures. We carry refrigerant recovery equipment, electrical diagnostic tools, and common replacement parts on every truck.

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(437) 448-0640

Average response: 60 Minutes

Signs your heat pump needs repair

Heat pumps show distinct warning signs before major failures. Recognizing these early can save you from emergency situations and costly compressor replacements.

Not Heating or Cooling

Fan runs but air isn't conditioned. Often reversing valve, low refrigerant, or compressor failure—more serious than fan coil issues.

Compressor Noise

Loud humming, clicking, or grinding from the compressor section. Could indicate failing bearings, electrical issues, or internal damage.

Short Cycling

Unit turns on/off every few minutes. Usually low refrigerant, overheating compressor, or electrical fault—causes rapid wear.

Ice on Unit

Frost or ice forming on coils even in summer. Low refrigerant, airflow restriction, or metering device problem.

High Electric Bills

Sudden spike in electricity usage. Struggling compressor or low refrigerant makes the system work harder and longer.

Runs Constantly

Heat pump never reaches setpoint and runs 24/7. Low charge, failing compressor, or building loop temperature issues.

Common heat pump problems in Toronto condos

What causes heat pump failures in Toronto condos?

Water-source heat pumps are sophisticated systems with more failure points than fan coils. Understanding the causes helps you recognize warning signs early.

Compressor Wear

The compressor is the heart of your heat pump and typically the first major component to fail after 12-18 years. Symptoms include reduced output, noise, and high electricity usage.

Refrigerant Loss

Even small refrigerant leaks degrade performance significantly. Low charge causes icing, short cycling, and compressor damage. Leaks must be found and repaired, not just recharged.

Reversing Valve Failure

The reversing valve switches between heating and cooling modes. When it fails, your heat pump may be stuck in one mode or provide weak output in both directions.

Building Loop Issues

Heat pumps depend on the building's water loop temperature. If the loop is too warm (summer) or too cold (winter), all units in the building suffer reduced capacity.

Electrical Stress

Heat pumps draw significant electrical current. Failing capacitors, contactors, and control boards are common—especially after power surges or in buildings with electrical issues.

Our heat pump repair process

Heat pumps require specialized diagnostic tools and refrigeration expertise. Our systematic approach ensures accurate diagnosis and lasting repairs.

1
Intake & History

We gather symptoms, history, and building details. Knowing if neighbors have issues or if the unit was recently serviced helps us diagnose faster.

2
Refrigeration Diagnosis

We check pressures, temperatures, and superheat/subcooling to assess refrigerant charge and system performance. This reveals compressor, metering device, and coil issues.

3
Electrical Testing

We test compressor windings, capacitors, contactors, control boards, and wiring. Heat pumps have complex electrical systems that require thorough inspection.

4
Quote & Options

We explain findings clearly and provide written quote. For aging units, we'll give honest repair vs. replacement advice based on cost, age, and reliability.

5
Expert Repair

Refrigerant work uses proper recovery and charging procedures. Electrical repairs follow code. We carry common parts—capacitors, contactors, thermostats—on our trucks.

6
Performance Verification

We test heating and cooling modes, verify pressures and temperatures, and confirm proper operation before leaving. Service report with photos provided.

Heat pump repairs we perform daily

Our technicians are certified for refrigerant handling and experienced with all aspects of water-source heat pump repair. Here's what we fix most often in Toronto condos.

Refrigeration System
  • Refrigerant recharge – Proper recovery, leak check, and recharge to spec
  • Leak detection & repair – Finding and fixing refrigerant leaks
  • Compressor replacement – Failed or failing compressors
  • Reversing valve service – Stuck or failed heating/cooling changeover valve
  • TXV/metering device – Stuck or failed expansion devices
Electrical & Controls
  • Capacitor replacement – Run and start capacitors for compressor and fan
  • Contactor replacement – Pitted or stuck compressor contactors
  • Control board repair – Failed circuit boards and relays
  • Thermostat service – Replacement and programming
  • Wiring repair – Burned connections, loose terminals, shorts
Water Side & Drainage
  • Water loop valve service – Isolation valves, flow control, and strainers
  • Condensate drain clearing – Clogged lines causing water backup
  • Drain pan repair – Cracked or overflowing pans
  • Water coil cleaning – Scale and buildup removal from heat exchanger
  • Float switch replacement – Overflow safety protection
Air Side & Cleaning
  • Blower motor service – Replacement, bearing lubrication, cleaning
  • Evaporator coil cleaning – Chemical cleaning for efficiency and air quality
  • Mold remediation – Removal from coils, pans, and internal surfaces
  • Filter system upgrades – Higher-efficiency filtration options
  • Cabinet sealing – Air leak repair and insulation

Heat pump brands we service

We repair all major water-source heat pump brands found in Toronto condominiums. Our technicians know the quirks of each manufacturer and carry common parts.

ClimateMaster

Most common in GTA

Florida Heat Pump

Now Bosch

Mammoth

Horizontal units

WaterFurnace

Premium series

McQuay

Now Daikin Applied

Carrier

50 Series WSHP

Trane

Console & Vertical

Johnson Controls

York WSHP

Also servicing: Daikin, First Co., IEC, Enviro-Tec, Command-Aire, Bard, and all other water-source heat pump brands. Don't see yours? We've likely serviced it—just ask.

Why Toronto condo owners trust Hudson for heat pump repair

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Heat pump specialists

We service water-source heat pumps daily—not occasionally. Our technicians know ClimateMaster, Florida Heat Pump, and Mammoth systems inside and out.

Refrigeration certified

Heat pumps require ODP certification for refrigerant handling. All our technicians are properly licensed for refrigerant recovery, leak testing, and charging.

24/7 emergency response

Heat pump failures don't wait for business hours. Call (437) 448-0640 anytime—we dispatch technicians with diagnostic tools and common parts.

Honest repair vs. replace

If your aging heat pump needs a $2,000 compressor, we'll give you an honest assessment of whether repair or replacement makes more sense.

Proper diagnosis first

We don't guess. Our systematic diagnostic process—pressures, temperatures, electrical testing—identifies the actual problem before recommending repairs.

Building coordination

We work with property managers for water loop isolation, access scheduling, and documentation. If your building uses Hudson, service is even faster.

For property managers

Managing heat pump repairs across your building? Hudson streamlines service coordination for water-source systems that require more technical expertise than fan coils.

  • Water loop coordination: We schedule repairs around loop isolation requirements and coordinate with your engineering team.
  • Refrigerant documentation: Complete records of refrigerant recovery, leak repairs, and recharging for environmental compliance.
  • Building-wide diagnostics: If multiple units have issues, we can assess whether problems are unit-specific or loop-related.
  • Digital reporting: Service reports with photos, diagnosis, and recommendations delivered to your dashboard.
Contact for Building Programs
Hudson property manager dashboard for heat pump service Hudson resident portal for heat pump service requests

Related services & resources

Related repair services
Maintenance & replacement

Frequently asked questions

Common reasons a condo heat pump won't heat include: 1) A stuck or failed reversing valve preventing the system from switching to heating mode, 2) Low refrigerant charge from a leak, 3) A faulty thermostat or control board, 4) A failed compressor, or 5) Problems with the building's water loop temperature. Unlike fan coils that rely on the building's boiler, heat pumps generate their own heat through compression. If your heat pump runs but blows room-temperature air, call for service.

Heat pump compressor noise is a common complaint in Toronto condos. Causes include: 1) Normal operation—compressors are inherently louder than fan coil motors, 2) Worn compressor bearings or internal components, 3) Refrigerant issues causing strain, 4) Loose mounting or vibration, or 5) Hard starting due to a failing start capacitor. If noise suddenly increased or changed character, schedule service before the compressor fails completely.

Heat pump repairs are generally more expensive than fan coil repairs due to their complexity. Diagnostic service calls run $99-$175. Minor repairs like thermostat or capacitor replacement cost $200-$500. Refrigerant recharge costs $300-$600 depending on type and amount. Major repairs like compressor replacement range from $1,500-$3,500. Complete heat pump replacement typically costs $6,500-$12,000 installed. We provide written quotes before any work begins.

If your heat pump runs continuously without cooling, possible causes are: 1) Low refrigerant charge—the most common cause, often from a slow leak, 2) A dirty air filter restricting airflow over the evaporator coil, 3) A failing compressor unable to build adequate pressure, 4) Building water loop temperature too high to reject heat effectively, or 5) Frozen evaporator coil. Continuous running wastes electricity and stresses components—don't ignore this symptom.

A well-maintained water-source heat pump typically lasts 15-20 years. The compressor is usually the first major component to fail, often around 12-18 years. Many Toronto condos built in the 2000s-2010s are now seeing their original heat pumps reach end of life. Signs it's time to replace include frequent repairs, declining efficiency, excessive noise, and refrigerant leaks requiring repeated recharging. Annual maintenance extends lifespan significantly.

A water-source heat pump (WSHP) is a self-contained HVAC unit with its own compressor that transfers heat to and from a building's water loop. In cooling mode, it extracts heat from your air and transfers it to the water loop. In heating mode, it extracts heat from the water loop and transfers it to your air. Unlike fan coils that rely on the building's boiler and chiller, heat pumps work year-round using the moderate-temperature water loop. They're common in Toronto condos built after 2005.

A burning smell from your heat pump is serious and requires immediate attention. Causes include: 1) Dust burning off after a long idle period (usually harmless, clears quickly), 2) An overheating motor or compressor, 3) Electrical issues like failing capacitors or burned wiring, or 4) A seized fan motor. If the smell persists more than a few minutes or is accompanied by smoke, turn off the unit at the breaker and call for emergency service immediately.

Residents can safely replace air filters and clean accessible surfaces, but heat pump repairs require a licensed HVAC technician with refrigeration certification. Heat pumps contain pressurized refrigerant (often R-410A), high-voltage electrical components, and connect to building water systems. DIY repairs can cause refrigerant release (harmful and illegal), electrical hazards, water damage, and void warranties. In most Toronto condos, heat pump work also requires management approval.

Short cycling—where the heat pump turns on and off every few minutes—is usually caused by: 1) An oversized unit for the space, 2) Low refrigerant causing the compressor to trip on low pressure, 3) A dirty filter restricting airflow, 4) A failing compressor overheating and tripping on thermal protection, 5) Faulty thermostat or control board, or 6) Electrical issues like a weak capacitor. Short cycling dramatically increases wear and energy costs—schedule service promptly.

Hudson HVAC offers 24/7 emergency response for heat pump issues across Toronto and the GTA. For complete heating or cooling failure, we typically dispatch a technician within 2-4 hours. For water leaks or electrical concerns, we treat these as urgent priorities. Routine repairs are usually scheduled within 1-2 business days. Call (437) 448-0640 anytime for immediate assistance.

The reversing valve is a critical component that switches your heat pump between heating and cooling modes by reversing refrigerant flow direction. When it fails, your heat pump may be stuck in one mode—often heating only or cooling only. Reversing valves fail due to age, electrical coil failure, or internal wear. Symptoms include the unit not switching modes, or providing weak heating/cooling. Replacement typically costs $600-$1,200 including labor.

Water leaking from a heat pump is usually from: 1) A clogged condensate drain line—the most common cause, 2) A cracked or overflowing drain pan, 3) A frozen evaporator coil thawing (from low refrigerant or airflow issues), or 4) Water loop connection leaks (less common but more serious). Turn off your heat pump, contain the water, notify neighbors below, and call for service. Water leaks can cause significant damage quickly.

In virtually all Toronto condos, yes. Heat pumps connect to building water loops, electrical systems, and often have specifications set by the building. You'll typically need: 1) Written approval from property management or board, 2) Compliance with building's approved equipment list, 3) Proof of contractor insurance, 4) Coordination for water loop isolation, and 5) Electrical inspection. Hudson HVAC handles all this coordination as part of our replacement service.

Heat pumps and fan coils both provide heating and cooling in condos but work differently. A fan coil is simpler—it just blows air over coils carrying hot or cold water from the building's central boiler and chiller. A heat pump has its own compressor and generates heating or cooling using the building's water loop as a heat source/sink. Heat pumps are more complex, more expensive to repair, but often more efficient. Buildings typically have one or the other, not both.

Ice forming on your heat pump's evaporator coil in summer usually indicates: 1) Low refrigerant charge from a leak—the most common cause, 2) Severely restricted airflow from a dirty filter or blocked return, 3) A failing blower motor not moving enough air, or 4) Metering device problems restricting refrigerant flow. Turn off the unit to let ice thaw, check your filter, and if it happens again, call for service. Running while iced damages the compressor.

Heat pumps should be professionally serviced at least once per year—ideally twice, before heating and cooling seasons. Annual service includes coil cleaning, refrigerant check, electrical inspection, and component testing. You should change your filter every 3-6 months between service visits. Regular maintenance prevents breakdowns, maintains efficiency, and extends equipment life. Many issues we see could have been prevented with routine maintenance.

For a 15-year-old heat pump, minor repairs under $500-700 (capacitor, thermostat, small refrigerant top-up) are usually worthwhile. However, major repairs like compressor replacement ($1,500-3,500) often don't make financial sense when the unit is past its typical lifespan. At 15+ years, efficiency has declined and other components are also aging. We'll provide an honest repair vs. replace recommendation based on your specific situation and costs.

Most condo heat pumps installed since 2010 use R-410A, a more environmentally friendly refrigerant. Older units may use R-22, which is being phased out and is increasingly expensive. If your heat pump uses R-22 and needs significant refrigerant work, it may be more cost-effective to replace the unit with a new R-410A system. We can identify your refrigerant type and advise on the best approach.

Yes, in most cases. Heat pump thermostats can be upgraded to smart thermostats for scheduling and remote control via phone app. However, heat pump thermostats must be specifically compatible—they need to control both heating and cooling modes, and some require compatibility with the reversing valve energize setting. We recommend professional installation to ensure proper wiring and configuration.

A hissing sound from your heat pump often indicates a refrigerant leak—this is serious and requires immediate attention. Other causes include a failing expansion valve or normal refrigerant flow noise. If the hissing is new, loud, or accompanied by reduced performance, turn off the unit and call for service. Refrigerant leaks waste energy, damage compressors, and the refrigerant should be properly recovered, not released.

If your heat pump blows warm or room-temperature air when set to cool, possible causes include: 1) The reversing valve is stuck in heating mode, 2) Low refrigerant preventing the system from cooling effectively, 3) A failed compressor not pumping refrigerant, 4) A faulty thermostat not signaling cooling mode, or 5) Building water loop is too warm for effective heat rejection. Check your thermostat settings first, then call for service.

Yes. For rental units, we can work with either the tenant, landlord, or property manager—whoever is responsible for HVAC maintenance per the lease agreement. In most cases, the unit owner (landlord) is responsible for heat pump repairs. We can provide separate invoices for insurance claims and coordinate access as needed. Just let us know the situation when you book.

Heat pump not working? We can help.

Call now for same-day service or book online. Our refrigeration-certified technicians will diagnose the problem, explain your options, and restore your comfort.

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Toronto's trusted condo heat pump repair specialists

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