How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Heat Pump That Is Freezing Up in Colliers?
February 26th, 2026
4 min read
Quick Answer: Fixing a heat pump that is freezing up in Colliers typically costs $150–$4,000 depending on the cause. Minor airflow or sensor issues cost $150–$500. Defrost board or fan motor repairs cost $500–$1,500. Refrigerant leaks or compressor damage cost $1,500–$4,000.
If your outdoor unit is icing over during 30–35°F windy weather, long refrigerant line runs and open-lot wind exposure are common contributors in Colliers.
Here is what causes freezing — and what it costs to fix locally.
Why Is My Heat Pump Freezing Up in Colliers?
Quick Answer: Heat pumps in Colliers freeze up due to wind-driven icing, refrigerant imbalance from long line sets, defrost control failure, or airflow restriction. Open-lot exposure increases frost buildup during damp winter conditions.
Freezing typically occurs when:
- Static pressure exceeds 0.8” WC
- Defrost cycle fails every 30–90 minutes
- Refrigerant line sets exceed recommended length without proper charge adjustment
- Outdoor fan motor stops running
- Refrigerant charge is incorrect for line length
Long line sets require precise refrigerant calibration.
What Is the Most Common Cause of Freezing in Colliers?
Quick Answer: In Colliers, wind-driven icing and improper refrigerant calibration on long line sets are common causes of freezing, followed by defrost control malfunction.
Root cause ranking:
- Wind-driven icing in open lots
- Refrigerant imbalance from long line sets
- Defrost board malfunction
- Airflow restriction
- Outdoor fan motor failure
Longer refrigerant runs increase sensitivity to charge accuracy.
Is It Normal for a Heat Pump to Freeze at 30–35°F?
Quick Answer: Light frost during damp 30–35°F weather is normal. Ice thicker than ¼ inch or ice that remains after a full defrost cycle is not normal.
Defrost cycles should activate every 30–90 minutes during frost conditions. Persistent ice signals imbalance.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Frozen Heat Pump in Colliers?
Quick Answer: Repair costs range from $150–$4,000 depending on severity. Minor airflow or sensor issues cost $150–$500. Defrost board or motor repairs cost $500–$1,500. Refrigerant leaks or compressor damage cost $1,500–$4,000.
Freeze-Up Repair Cost Breakdown
| Cause of Freezing | Repair Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Defrost sensor issue | Minor | $150–$500 |
| Airflow restriction | Minor | $150–$500 |
| Defrost board failure | Medium | $500–$1,500 |
| Refrigerant calibration correction | Medium | $500–$1,500 |
| Refrigerant leak | Medium–Major | $500–$4,000 |
| Compressor damage | Major | $1,500–$4,000 |
Ice visibility does not determine cost. Measured diagnostics do.
How We Diagnose a Freezing Heat Pump in Colliers
Quick Answer: Diagnosis includes static pressure testing, refrigerant verification adjusted for line length, defrost timing confirmation, outdoor fan amperage testing, and wind exposure assessment.
Our process includes:
- Static pressure testing (target under 0.8” WC)
- Superheat and subcool measurement
- Refrigerant adjustment verification for line-set length
- Defrost timing confirmation
- Outdoor fan amperage test
Long line sets require precise charge calculation.
How Long Does It Take to Fix a Freezing Heat Pump?
Quick Answer: Diagnostics typically take 45–90 minutes. Minor refrigerant adjustments or sensor corrections are often completed the same visit. Major repairs may require additional scheduling.
Repair time depends on confirmed cause.
When Should You Call Immediately?
Quick Answer: Call immediately if the outdoor unit is fully encased in ice, airflow indoors is weak, breakers trip repeatedly, or the system runs without heating below 35°F.
Immediate service is required if:
- Indoor temperature drops below 60°F
- Ice covers the entire coil housing
- Auxiliary heat runs continuously
- Electrical breaker trips
Continued operation increases compressor strain.
Why Does My Heat Pump Keep Freezing After It Was Repaired?
Quick Answer: Repeat freezing usually occurs when refrigerant calibration for line-set length was not verified, airflow was not measured, or defrost timing was not confirmed.
Temporary fixes may include:
- Adding refrigerant without recalculating for line length
- Thawing ice without verifying defrost cycle
- Skipping static pressure measurement
Measured repair prevents recurrence.
Why Proper Diagnosis Matters
Quick Answer: Simply thawing ice or adjusting refrigerant without verifying line-set length and airflow often leads to repeat freezing during windy cold periods.
We are not the lowest-priced option.
We focus on:
- Verified refrigerant balance
- Confirmed defrost timing
- Measured airflow
- Warranty-backed repairs
Long-term reliability matters.
What Protection Comes With a Freeze-Up Repair?
Quick Answer: Qualifying repairs are protected under our Service Trust Guardian with up to 5 years of labor coverage when maintenance is documented. New systems are protected under our Lifetime Trust Shield with extended labor and satisfaction guarantees.
Structured protection supports documented repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Freezing Heat Pump in Colliers
Can long refrigerant lines cause freezing?
Quick Answer: Yes. Long line sets require precise refrigerant charge adjustment. If charge is not calibrated properly, coil temperature imbalance increases icing risk.
Line length must be factored into diagnosis.
Does wind exposure increase freezing risk?
Quick Answer: Yes. Open-lot wind exposure increases frost buildup during 30–35°F weather and can stress defrost cycles.
Defrost timing must be verified.
Will freezing damage the compressor?
Quick Answer: Continued operation while encased in ice increases compressor strain and pressure imbalance. If refrigerant or airflow is incorrect, compressor damage risk rises.
Switch to emergency heat if not defrosting.
Do you charge overtime for freezing repairs?
Quick Answer: Overtime rates apply for non–Priority Service Maintenance Plan members after normal hours. Priority members and warranty-covered systems receive front-of-line scheduling during peak winter demand.
Clear policies prevent confusion.
What guarantees do you offer?
Quick Answer: Repairs are protected under our Service Trust Guardian with up to 5 years of labor coverage when maintenance is documented. New systems are covered under our Lifetime Trust Shield with extended labor and satisfaction guarantees.
We stand behind documented work.
Colliers Freeze-Up Repair Snapshot
Fixing a freezing heat pump in Colliers costs $150–$4,000. Wind exposure and long refrigerant line sets are common contributors. Diagnosis must confirm airflow, refrigerant calibration, and defrost timing before repair decisions are made.
Final Thoughts
A freezing heat pump in Colliers is rarely random. It is typically:
- Wind-driven icing.
- Refrigerant imbalance.
- Defrost malfunction.
Correct measurement prevents repeat failure.
Call Honest Fix for a free exact quote.
Ask Leo, our AI assistant, about freezing heat pump causes.
Or schedule your in-home visit online now.
No upsells. No games. Just Honest Fixes.
Scott Merritt is a co-founder of Honest Fix Heating, Cooling and Plumbing and brings more than 30 years of experience across HVAC, leadership, and industry education. He serves in a senior leadership and oversight role, providing licensed guidance, reviewing HVAC educational content, and supporting technician training and documentation standards. Prior to co-founding Honest Fix, Scott founded and owned Fire & Ice Heating & Air Conditioning in Columbus, Ohio, which he operated for more than two decades before selling the company in 2025. During that time, he led programs and partnerships including Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer, Trane Comfort Specialist, and Rheem Pro Partner, helping establish high technical and training standards. Scott is the Ohio State HVAC license holder for Honest Fix and provides licensed oversight to help ensure work meets applicable codes and manufacturer requirements. Learn more about Scott’s background and role at Honest Fix by viewing his full leadership bio.
