Heat Pump Service & Repair in Burbank, IL
Get reliable heat pump repair, installation, and maintenance from Clucas Mechanical—your trusted heat pump experts serving Burbank and the Southwest Chicago suburbs. We service all heat pump brands and provide year-round comfort solutions with efficient heating and cooling from a single system.
Heat Pump Repair Services
Our licensed technicians diagnose and repair all heat pump issues:
Common Heat Pump Problems:
- Heat pump won't heat – Reversing valve failure, low refrigerant, or defrost control fault
- Heat pump won't cool – Compressor failure, refrigerant leak, or stuck reversing valve
- Constantly running – Undersized system, low refrigerant, or thermostat issues
- Short cycling – Oversized system, dirty filter, or refrigerant imbalance
- Ice buildup in winter – Defrost cycle malfunction or sensor failure
- Auxiliary/emergency heat always on – Compressor failure or outdoor unit lockout
- Strange noises – Reversing valve switching, compressor issues, or loose parts
- High energy bills – Efficiency loss from worn components or refrigerant leak
Heat Pump Components We Repair:
- Compressor
- Reversing valve
- Defrost control board
- Capacitors and contactors
- Outdoor fan motor
- Indoor blower motor
- Refrigerant leak repair and recharge
- Thermostat and control systems
Heat Pump Installation
Upgrade to efficient year-round comfort with professional heat pump installation:
Installation Includes:
- Manual J load calculation – Proper sizing for your home
- Equipment selection – Standard, cold-climate, or dual-fuel configurations
- Indoor coil installation – Matched to outdoor unit for optimal performance
- Refrigerant line set – Properly sized and insulated
- Electrical connections – Including backup heat strips if desired
- Thermostat installation – Configured for heat pump operation and auxiliary heat
- System testing – Heating, cooling, and defrost cycle verification
- Warranty registration – Manufacturer parts warranty activation
Heat Pump Installation Cost:
- Standard heat pump: $5,500-$9,000 installed
- Cold-climate heat pump: $7,000-$11,000 installed
- Dual-fuel heat pump + gas furnace: $8,500-$14,000 installed
Types of Heat Pumps We Install
Air-Source Heat Pumps
Most common type for Burbank homes:
- Outdoor unit extracts heat from outdoor air
- Efficient cooling and heating from one system
- 14-20+ SEER cooling, 8.5-10+ HSPF heating
- Works well in moderate climates
Cold-Climate Heat Pumps
Optimized for Chicago winters:
- Enhanced heating capacity down to -13°F
- Variable-speed compressors maintain efficiency in cold
- Reduced reliance on backup electric heat
- Brands: Mitsubishi, Daikin, Carrier Greenspeed
Dual-Fuel Heat Pumps
Best of both worlds for Burbank climate:
- Heat pump for mild weather (most efficient)
- Gas furnace for extreme cold (most cost-effective)
- Automatic switchover based on outdoor temperature
- Maximizes comfort and minimizes operating costs
Ductless Mini Split Heat Pumps
Zone control without ductwork:
- Individual room heating and cooling
- Ultra-high efficiency (up to 30+ SEER)
- Ideal for additions, finished basements, or older homes
- Learn more about ductless systems
Heat Pump Maintenance
Extend lifespan and maintain efficiency with seasonal heat pump tune-ups:
Spring/Summer AC Tune-Up Includes:
- Clean outdoor coil and indoor evaporator
- Check refrigerant charge and test for leaks
- Inspect electrical connections and components
- Test capacitors and contactors
- Lubricate motors and bearings
- Verify cooling performance and airflow
- Clean/replace air filter
Fall/Winter Heating Tune-Up Includes:
- Test reversing valve operation
- Verify defrost cycle functionality
- Check auxiliary/emergency heat operation
- Inspect outdoor unit for ice buildup issues
- Test heating performance and temperature rise
- Verify thermostat heat pump settings
Our maintenance plans include twice-yearly tune-ups, priority service, and discounted repairs.
Heat Pump vs. Furnace & AC: Which Is Better?
| Feature | Heat Pump | Furnace + AC |
|---|---|---|
| Heating Method | Electric (moves heat) | Gas combustion |
| Cooling | Included | Separate AC unit |
| Efficiency | 300%+ (HSPF 10+) | 80-98% AFUE |
| Operating Cost | Lower in mild weather | Lower in extreme cold |
| Installation Cost | $5,500-$11,000 | $5,500-$12,000 |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years | 15-20 years (furnace) |
Heat Pump Defrost Cycle Explained
In winter, heat pumps periodically enter defrost mode to melt ice from outdoor coil:
- Heat pump reverses to cooling mode briefly
- Hot refrigerant melts ice from outdoor coil
- Auxiliary heat warms indoor air during defrost
- Normal cycle lasts 5-15 minutes
- You may see steam from outdoor unit—this is normal
Defrost problems? If outdoor unit is constantly icing or defrost never activates, call for service.
Why Choose Clucas Mechanical for Heat Pump Service?
- Heat pump specialists – Experienced with all brands and configurations
- Proper sizing – Manual J calculations ensure optimal performance
- Cold-climate expertise – We know which systems perform best in Burbank winters
- Quality brands – Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Mitsubishi, Daikin, and more
- Comprehensive service – Installation, repair, and seasonal maintenance
- Licensed & insured – Professional HVAC contractors
- Transparent pricing – Written estimates before work begins
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does heat pump repair cost in Burbank?
Common repairs: Capacitor $180-$350, Reversing valve $400-$800, Defrost control $250-$500, Compressor $1,500-$3,000. We provide upfront pricing after diagnosis. - Do heat pumps work in Chicago winters?
Yes. Modern cold-climate heat pumps provide efficient heating down to -13°F. Many models include backup electric heat or can be paired with gas furnace for extreme cold. - How long do heat pumps last?
With proper maintenance, heat pumps typically last 10-15 years. Regular tune-ups and prompt repairs extend lifespan and maintain efficiency. - What's the difference between a heat pump and AC?
Heat pumps provide both heating and cooling by reversing refrigerant flow. Air conditioners only cool. Heat pumps are essentially reversible AC units. - Are heat pumps energy efficient?
Yes. Heat pumps are 2-3 times more efficient than electric resistance heating and can achieve 300%+ efficiency by moving heat rather than generating it.
Schedule Heat Pump Service Today
Whether you need heat pump repair, installation, or maintenance, Clucas Mechanical is here to help. Call (708) 674-3600 to schedule service in Burbank.