A heat pump that stops working on a cold night is the call we take most urgently. Many faults turn out to be simple: a blocked filter, a tripped breaker, a remote set to the wrong mode or a drain that has clogged. Others need a technician with the right tools to test sensors, boards, fans and the refrigerant circuit.
We repair all the common brands in Auckland homes, including Mitsubishi Electric, Daikin, Panasonic, Fujitsu, Samsung and LG. Before we touch anything, we diagnose the fault and give you a price. If the unit is old and the repair would cost more than it is worth, we tell you and show you the options for heat pump replacement.
Pricing: every job starts with a free in-home assessment and a written quote, with a fixed price agreed before any work starts.
Unit working but due for its regular check? See heat pump servicing.
Quick checks before you call
These take five minutes and can save you a call out. If none of them help, book a repair and tell us what you have already tried.
- Check the remote is in heat mode, not cool, dry, fan or auto, and replace its batteries
- Check the switchboard for a tripped breaker and the isolating switch near the outdoor unit
- Remove and clean the filters; clogged filters can cut heat output badly
- Make sure nothing is blocking the outdoor unit, such as plants, covers or stored items
- In heating mode on a cold morning, wait 10 minutes: the unit may be in a defrost cycle
- Write down any flashing light pattern or error code shown on the unit or remote
Common heat pump faults we fix
Most repair calls fall into a handful of patterns. The symptom points us to the likely cause, but we always test before replacing parts.
Not heating or blowing cold air: low refrigerant from a leak, a failed sensor, a fan motor fault, a control board problem or a compressor issue. Leaking water inside: a blocked drain line, a dirty drain tray, a failed condensate pump on some installs or a unit mounted out of level. Noisy: a loose panel, a fan rubbing on debris, worn bearings or vibration on the outdoor bracket. Error codes and flashing lights: each brand uses its own codes, and the code tells us where to start testing. Unit will not start: power supply, fuse, communication fault between indoor and outdoor units or a failed board.
How It Works
What is normal, and what is not
Some heat pump behaviour looks like a fault but is not. In heating mode on a cold, damp morning, frost forms on the outdoor coil. The unit stops blowing warm air for a few minutes while it reverses to melt the frost, and the outdoor unit may let off steam and drip water. That is a normal defrost cycle. Water dripping from the outdoor unit is normal; water inside the house is not, as Consumer NZ points out.
A short pause and a soft click when the unit changes mode is normal. Repeated cycling on and off, ice building up on the outdoor unit, a burning smell or loud grinding are not. Turn the unit off and call us.
Repair costs and repair versus replace
Every repair starts with a diagnostic visit. We test the unit, find the fault and give you a fixed price before any work starts. Simple fixes such as clearing a blocked drain, replacing a remote or resetting a fault are often done on the first visit. Parts such as fan motors, sensors and circuit boards may need to be ordered from the manufacturer.
Refrigerant leaks need careful handling. We find and repair the leak before recharging, because simply topping up gas on a leaking system is money you will lose again. Refrigerant is recovered properly, never vented. For older units, especially those using the phased out R22 gas, a repair can cost a large share of a new inverter unit that uses R32 and runs more efficiently. We will show you both numbers so you can decide. Our heat pump prices guide covers the typical cost of a new system.
Repairs across Auckland
We cover the whole Auckland region, from the Hibiscus Coast to Pukekohe. Coastal homes tend to see more corrosion on outdoor units, so salt damage to coils, fixings and electrical connections is a common repair on beachside properties. Apartments and townhouses often have outdoor units on balconies, roofs or plant decks, so tell us about access when you book and we will come prepared.
In winter, demand for repairs peaks in the first cold weeks. If your heat pump is struggling in autumn, book early rather than waiting for it to fail. A regular service catches many of these faults before they become breakdowns.
Electrical safety and warranty
Heat pumps run on mains power and contain refrigerant under pressure, so repairs are not a DIY job beyond the basic checks above. Electrical work on the supply must be done by a licensed electrician, and we provide the correct certification for any prescribed electrical work we do.
If your heat pump is still under the manufacturer's warranty, tell us the brand and install date when you book. Warranty repairs usually need to go through the manufacturer's process, and unauthorised work can affect your cover. We will tell you which route makes sense.
Why Choose Cheeky's Heat Pumps for Heat Pump Repairs
Diagnose first, price second
We test before replacing parts and give you a fixed price before any repair starts.
All common brands
Mitsubishi Electric, Daikin, Panasonic, Fujitsu, Samsung, LG and more, high wall, floor console and ducted.
Straight advice on old units
If repairing makes no sense, we say so and show you the replacement cost side by side.
Leaks fixed, not topped up
We find and repair refrigerant leaks before recharging, so you are not paying for the same gas twice.
Heat Pump Repairs FAQs
Why is my heat pump blowing cold air in heat mode?
Check it is in heat mode and not auto or cool. If it is, it may be in a defrost cycle, which lasts a few minutes. If cold air continues, the cause could be low refrigerant, a sensor or a board fault, which needs a technician.
Why is my heat pump leaking water inside?
Usually a blocked drain line or dirty drain tray. Turn the unit off to avoid wall damage and book a repair. A deep clean of the unit often goes with the fix.
What does the flashing light or error code mean?
Each brand uses its own codes. Note the code or the number of flashes and tell us when you book, so we can bring the likely parts.
Is it worth repairing an old heat pump?
It depends on the fault and the age of the unit. A drain or sensor repair is usually worth it. A compressor fault on an older R22 unit often is not. We give you both prices to compare.
Can you repair any brand?
Yes, we work on all common brands. Some parts may need to be ordered from the manufacturer, which can add a few days.
Why is steam coming from my outdoor unit?
On cold mornings in heat mode, that is normally the defrost cycle melting frost off the outdoor coil. It is not a fault unless ice keeps building up.
Heat Pump Repairs Near You
Find your region or suburb for local heat pump repairs information:
Related Heat Pump Services
Heat Pump Repairs Guides
- Heat Pump Not Heating? Common Causes and Fixes
- Best Heat Pump Settings for Winter (and What Dry Mode Does)
- Heat Pump Leaking Water Inside? Causes and Fixes
See the heat pump prices guide or every service we offer.