Licensed HVAC professionals serving West Palm Beach since 1988.
Most West Palm Beach homeowners do not think about their heating system until a cold front arrives and the house will not warm up. Palm Beach County relies almost exclusively on heat pumps for heating, the same system used for cooling all summer, so when heating fails, the underlying problem often affects cooling too. West Palm Beach winters bring overnight temperatures that dip into the low 40s from December through February.
Hopkins Air Conditioning has been repairing heat pumps across Palm Beach County since 1988. Schedule your heating repair online.
Why West Palm Beach Homeowners Choose Hopkins Air Conditioning
Heat pump repair in South Florida is a distinct discipline from furnace or boiler repair. Our technicians know that the reversing valve, defrost control board, and refrigerant circuit are the components most likely to cause heating loss in this climate, and they arrive prepared to test all of them on the first visit. We service all makes and models, not only the Carrier equipment we install as a Factory Authorized Dealer.
Our BBB A+ rating and 4.9-star average across 2,752 Google reviews reflect a standard of honesty maintained for 38 years. Thom S., a West Palm Beach homeowner dealing with an unreliable HVAC system, reached out to Hopkins in urgent need of heat. He later shared: "I called Hopkins out of a dire need for heat in my house as I have not had any."
What Our Heating Repair Process Includes
We use a systematic diagnostic process that traces heating failures to their root cause rather than replacing components by elimination.
Step 1: System Mode Verification and Thermostat Test
We confirm the thermostat is calling for heat correctly and that the system is switching from cooling to heating mode. Many heat pump heating failures are first identified here.
Step 2: Reversing Valve Test
The reversing valve switches refrigerant flow between heating and cooling modes. When it sticks or fails, the system stays in cooling mode regardless of the thermostat. We test it electrically and mechanically to determine whether it is stuck, failing to energize, or leaking internally.
Step 3: Refrigerant Pressure and Charge Verification
A manifold gauge set measures operating pressures against manufacturer specifications. Low refrigerant in heating mode causes inadequate heat output and compressor stress; anomalies reveal leaks or circuit restrictions.
Step 4: Capacitor Testing
The start capacitor provides the electrical boost the compressor needs to start under load. We measure capacitance against the component's rated value; a reading below specification is a common cause of hard-start conditions and compressor failure.
Step 5: Defrost Control Board and Sensor Check
When the defrost control board or its sensor fails, the outdoor coil ices over, and heat output drops. We test the board's inputs, outputs, and timing circuit to confirm whether defrost is initiating and completing correctly.
Step 6: Auxiliary and Emergency Heat Strip Testing
We use a non-contact thermometer to measure air temperature at the air handler when auxiliary or emergency heat is activated, confirming rated output and correct sequencer contactor operation.
Step 7: Full System Test and Documentation
After repairs, we run the system through a complete heating cycle and provide a written service report documenting findings, repairs, and any items requiring future attention.
Flo B., a West Palm Beach homeowner, had an AC service call with Hopkins and noted how communication stood out throughout. He later shared: "Their communication was top-notch from the day that I contacted them to service my AC to now that the work is complete. Danat2 is a superstar. He was very professional and helpful."
Performance Verification
After every heating repair, we verify system performance before leaving your home. We record supply air temperature at the register nearest the air handler and compare it against return air temperature to confirm the correct temperature rise across the coil. For systems with auxiliary heat strips, we document the temperature contribution separately.
All measurements, along with refrigerant pressures and electrical readings, are recorded on a written service report left with you and saved in your customer account. We do not consider the job complete until performance is confirmed and documented.
Why Professional Heating Repair Matters
A heat pump that is not heating correctly in West Palm Beach is also your primary cooling system for the other ten months of the year. A failing reversing valve, an undercharged refrigerant circuit, or a stressed compressor will affect cooling season performance if left unaddressed. West Palm Beach overnight temperatures in December and January regularly fall into the low 40s, making a failed heat pump genuinely difficult for the elderly, infants, and those with respiratory conditions.
A heat pump with a stuck reversing valve or low refrigerant charge consumes more electricity to deliver less heat. Our heating installation and air handler replacement services cover replacement options if that path makes more sense.
Why Choose Hopkins Air Conditioning
Hopkins Air Conditioning has served West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County since 1988. Our NATE certification and National Comfort Institute certification confirm technicians are tested in both technical skills and performance diagnostics. We are a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer with a BBB A+ rating and 4.9 stars across 2,752 reviews.
Eric R., a West Palm Beach homeowner, described what working with Hopkins consistently delivers. He later shared: "Highly recommend Hopkins Air Conditioning if you are looking for an AC contractor in Palm Beach. Great experiences with them; on time, quality service and they stand behind their work. Do not hesitate to use!"
Our maintenance agreement catches early signs of heating failure before cold nights arrive.
Schedule Heating Repair in West Palm Beach Today
If your heat pump is not heating, is producing cold air in heating mode, is short-cycling, or is making unusual sounds when it tries to start, call our team now. We serve West Palm Beach and all of Palm Beach County, including Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Jupiter, Lake Worth Beach, and Palm Beach Gardens. See our full service areas for details.
Book your heating repair at hopkinsair.com/contact-us. We will confirm your appointment quickly and send a NATE-certified technician prepared to diagnose and repair most heating problems on the first visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my heat pump blowing cold air when it is set to heat?
The most common cause is a failing or stuck reversing valve, which switches refrigerant flow direction between heating and cooling modes. Other possibilities include low refrigerant charge, a continuously running defrost cycle, or a thermostat wiring issue. Our technicians test all of these in a structured sequence to identify the correct repair on the first visit.
Does my heat pump need a different type of service in winter than in summer?
The physical components are the same, but the diagnostic priorities differ. In heating mode, we focus on reversing valve function, refrigerant charge at heating pressures, defrost cycle operation, and auxiliary heat strip output. Heating performance issues do not always show up during a summer maintenance visit.
How cold does it have to get in West Palm Beach before my heat pump struggles?
Standard heat pumps begin to lose efficiency below approximately 40 degrees. West Palm Beach winter lows rarely fall below that threshold, which is why heat pumps are so well-suited to Palm Beach County. A heat pump with low refrigerant charge, a stuck reversing valve, or a failing defrost board will show heating problems at higher outdoor temperatures than a healthy system.
Can you repair a heat pump that is making a loud noise when it starts?
Yes. Loud startup sounds typically indicate a failing start capacitor, a loose fan blade, or a compressor laboring to start due to low refrigerant charge or electrical issues. We recommend addressing startup noise promptly because capacitor failure is one of the most common causes of total compressor failure.
How do I know if I need a repair or a full heating system replacement?
Systems under 10 years old that require a single repair are generally worth fixing. Systems 15 years or older, with multiple compressor or refrigerant issues, or a failed compressor, are usually better candidates for replacement. Our technicians will give you a frank assessment of both options. Check our heating installation service for more info on replacement.
What is the difference between auxiliary heat and emergency heat on my thermostat?
Auxiliary heat activates automatically alongside the heat pump when outdoor temperatures are too low for the heat pump to meet demand alone. Emergency heat bypasses the heat pump entirely and runs only the electric heat strips, which is far less efficient and is intended only when the heat pump has failed. If your system is running in emergency heat mode for everyday comfort, the heat pump needs service.