Heat Pump Repair in Memphis, Tennessee
A heat pump repair visit in Memphis, TN usually costs $160 to $780. Where you land depends on the part. A capacitor or defrost sensor sits at the low end, while a reversing valve or defrost control board pushes the bill toward the top.
Compare Free Quotes in Memphis
Memphis Weather and HVAC Load
NOAA's 1991-2020 climate normals put Memphis at 2,874 heating degree days and 2,313 cooling degree days per year. Neither season dominates in Memphis. That balance is a big reason heat pumps and dual-fuel systems sell well in Tennessee. Count on roughly 44 nights below 32°F and 72 afternoons past 90°F in a typical year. Snowfall averages about 3 inches.
| Heating degree days / year | 2,874 |
|---|---|
| Cooling degree days / year | 2,313 |
| Nights at or below 32°F | 44 |
| Days above 90°F | 72 |
| Average low / high | 53.8°F / 73°F |
Memphis Housing Stock
The median Memphis home dates to 1970, according to the Census ACS. That makes the typical house about 56 years old. A lot of these homes are on their second or third system by now. The ductwork is usually original, and leaky joints are common. Memphis has roughly 117,000 owner-occupied homes, or 46% of households. The median home value is $157,100, and median household income is $51,211. We use both figures to adjust labor and pricing for this page.
Between 2020 and 2025, NOAA's Storm Events Database logged 20 hail days and 47 days with damaging thunderstorm winds in Shelby County. The largest hail reported was 2 inches across. Hail flattens the thin aluminum fins on condenser coils and cuts airflow. After a big storm, take a look at the outdoor unit; homeowners insurance often covers the damage.
Symptoms Worth a Service Call
- Cool air coming out in heating mode
- Grinding or loud buzzing from the outdoor unit
- The system is stuck in heating or cooling
- Ice builds up on the unit and doesn't melt off
What Moves the Price
- Whether the parts warranty still covers it
- Emergency or after-hours service
- Which part needs replacing: a reversing valve, defrost board or sensor
- Finding and fixing a refrigerant leak, then recharging
- The diagnostic fee
We lowered the national figures about 8% for Memphis using local income, home values and the equipment size this climate needs. Real bids can still come in outside the range, so collect three written quotes.
What the Quote Should Cover
- Checking refrigerant pressures
- Diagnosis in both heating and cooling mode
- A defrost cycle test
- A full test run
- Replacing the failed parts
Tennessee Licensing and Efficiency Rules
Tennessee is in the DOE's Southeast region, where new split central air conditioners need at least 14.3 SEER2 (13.8 SEER2 for systems of 45,000 BTU/h and up). A repair usually goes ahead without a permit, but the tech handling refrigerant must hold EPA 608 certification. Ask the company for its Tennessee license or registration number before the visit.
Before You Hire
- Many heat pumps carry a 10-year parts warranty if they were registered. Find out whether yours was.
- Book maintenance twice a year, once before summer and once before winter.
- Keep two feet clear around the outdoor unit, including snow.
Get Free Heat Pump Repair Quotes in Memphis
Tell us where you are and up to three licensed local pros will get in touch. You don't have to hire any of them.
Heat Pump Repair Questions from Memphis Homeowners
What does heat pump repair cost in Memphis?
Most bills land between $160 and $780, including the service call. A typical visit is about $500. Night and weekend calls cost more.
Why is my heat pump blowing cold air?
For a few minutes during a defrost cycle, that's normal. If it keeps going, the usual causes are a stuck reversing valve, low refrigerant or a thermostat set to the wrong mode.
Is it normal for a heat pump to freeze?
A thin layer of frost in winter is normal, and the defrost cycle should clear it. Heavy ice that stays usually means a defrost control or airflow problem.
Heat Pump Repair Near Memphis
- Nashville $190 to $910
- Knoxville $160 to $780
- Chattanooga $170 to $830
- Clarksville $170 to $830
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-year estimates 2019-2023 and 2024 population estimates; NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020, station Memphis International Airport; NOAA Storm Events Database 2020-2025, Shelby County. Prices are our estimates, not contractor quotes. Updated 2026.