Heat Pump Services

Is Your Heat Pump Failing to Hold Temperature?

You rely on your heat pump to handle the double duty of cooling during humid summers and heating during freezing winters, but when the airflow weakens or the system refuses to switch modes, your home comfort is immediately compromised. Whether you are dealing with a frozen outdoor unit, a broken reversing valve, or a system that simply cannot keep up with the thermostat setting, you need immediate professional intervention. Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive diagnostic visit or to discuss financing options for a new system.

Metropolitan Heating & Air Conditioning understands the urgency of a malfunctioning HVAC system in Scarborough, where the climate swings drastically between seasons. Inefficient equipment not only leaves you uncomfortable but also causes your electricity bills to spike unnecessarily.

• Professional diagnostics and repairs: We handle everything from mechanical failures and refrigerant leaks to routine seasonal maintenance.
• Quick, reliable service: Our team ensures your heat pump operates optimally all year round, minimizing downtime.
• Access to local rebates: We guide you toward efficient, cost-saving models that may qualify for current government or utility incentives.‍
• Reassurance: Secured with warranties and straightforward financing options to make your decisions easier.

Immediate Assistance and Comprehensive Service Scope

When you request service for a heat pump, you are looking for a solution that restores balance to your indoor climate immediately. A heat pump is a complex piece of machinery that relies on the precise interaction between refrigerant, electricity, and airflow. Unlike a standard furnace or air conditioner, a heat pump runs year-round, meaning the wear and tear on components like the compressor and the reversing valve is significantly higher.

Our service scope covers the full lifecycle of the equipment. For repairs, this means we arrive with fully stocked trucks prepared to address common failure points such as stuck reversing valves, burnt-out capacitors, or iced-over outdoor coils. We do not just swap parts; we investigate why the part failed. For example, if your compressor has failed, we check for acid in the refrigerant lines or airflow restrictions that caused the unit to overheat.

For homeowners in Scarborough considering a new installation, our scope includes a complete assessment of your home’s thermal envelope. We look at your current ductwork to ensure it can handle the airflow requirements of a modern heat pump. We also verify that your electrical panel has the capacity to support the new equipment, specifically if you are switching from a fossil-fuel-based system to an all-electric or hybrid solution.

Our maintenance services are equally rigorous. We do not simply hose down the unit. We measure refrigerant superheat and subcooling to ensure the charge is exact. We test the defrost cycle, a critical function for Ontario winters; to ensure the unit can melt ice accumulation on the outdoor coil without manual intervention; learn about our service plans.

Step-By-Step Service Process

We believe in a transparent, structured approach to HVAC service. Whether you are calling for an emergency repair or a scheduled replacement, we follow a strict protocol to ensure quality and safety.

The Repair Process

• Initial Triage: When you call, we gather details about the symptoms; strange noises, error codes on the thermostat, or lack of airflow. This helps our technicians arrive prepared.
• On-Site Diagnostic: The technician performs a static pressure test to check airflow and uses gauges to measure refrigerant pressures. We test electrical components including the start capacitor and contactor.
• Quote and Explanation: Before any work begins, we provide a clear explanation of the issue and a quote for the repair. We explain why the part failed and if other components are at risk.
• Execution and Testing: After the repair, we cycle the system through both heating and cooling modes (weather permitting) to verify the fix. We also check the temperature differential (Delta T) across the coil.

The Installation Process

• Load Calculation: We perform a load calculation to determine exactly how many BTUs your home requires. Oversized units short-cycle and waste energy; undersized units run constantly and fail to heat.
• System Selection: We help you choose between ducted central systems or ductless mini-splits based on your home's layout. We specifically look for Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pumps (ccASHP) capable of operating efficiently in temperatures as low as -25°C or -30°C.
• Site Preparation: We protect your floors and clear the workspace. If existing equipment needs removal, we reclaim old refrigerant according to environmental regulations.
• Installation: We set the outdoor condenser on a snow stand or bracket to keep it above the snowline. We run new line sets and electrical wiring, ensuring all connections are brazed and sealed to prevent leaks.
• Commissioning: This is the most critical step. We pull a vacuum on the lines to remove moisture and non-condensables. We then weigh in the refrigerant charge to factory specifications and program the thermostat for optimal efficiency.

Deciding Between Repair and Replacement

Determining whether to invest in another repair or upgrade to a new system is a financial and practical decision. Heat pumps have evolved significantly in the last decade, particularly regarding their ability to handle Canadian winters. Keeping an aging system alive might be costing you more in monthly utility bills than the monthly payment on a new, high-efficiency unit.

When to Repair

• Age of System: The unit is under 10 years old and has been well-maintained.
• Warranty Status: The parts or labor are still covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.
• Cost Ratio: The cost of the repair is less than 50% of the value of the system, and you have not had other major repairs recently.
• Minor Component Failure: The issue is isolated to a replaceable part like a fan motor, capacitor, or control board, and the compressor is still in good health.

When to Replace

• Compressor Failure: If the compressor fails and the unit is out of warranty, replacement is almost always the more better financial choice.
• Refrigerant Type: If your older unit uses R-22 refrigerant (Freon), repairs involving refrigerant are prohibitively expensive and environmentally unsound. Modern systems use R-410A or newer, eco-friendly alternatives.
• Inconsistent Comfort: If your current heat pump requires auxiliary heat (electric strips) constantly even when it is not extremely cold outside, the unit has lost efficiency. Modern cold-climate heat pumps can maintain 100% capacity at much lower temperatures, reducing reliance on expensive backup heat.
• Frequency of Repairs: If you have required professional service more than twice in the last two years, the system is becoming a liability.
• Efficiency Ratings: Older units may have a SEER rating of 10-12. New units can reach upwards of 20 SEER, drastically cutting summer cooling costs and winter heating bills.

Navigating Local Regulations and Seasonal Tips

Operating a heat pump in Scarborough requires specific attention to local climate conditions and municipal regulations. The transition from humid summers to freezing winters creates a demanding environment for HVAC hardware.

Local Permits and Codes

• Electrical Requirements: Installing a new heat pump often requires a dedicated electrical circuit. This work must adhere to the Ontario Electrical Safety Code. We handle the coordination to ensure all wiring is up to code.
• Mechanical Permits: Major alterations to your heating system may require municipal building permits. Professional contractors ensure these are filed correctly to avoid issues when you eventually sell your home.
• Noise Bylaws: Heat pump outdoor units produce sound. Local bylaws dictate where these units can be placed relative to property lines to avoid disturbing neighbors. We site equipment carefully to comply with these regulations.

Seasonal Maintenance and Operation

• Snow Management: In our region, heavy snowfall is common. You must keep the outdoor unit clear of snow drifts. If the unit is buried, it cannot pull in air, leading to system failure or ice damage to the fan blades. We install units on stands to mitigate this, but homeowner vigilance is still required.
• The Defrost Cycle: It is normal for your heat pump to steam or make a "whooshing" sound during winter. This is the defrost cycle melting ice off the outdoor coil. However, if the unit remains encased in solid ice for days, call for service immediately.
• Filter Changes: Because heat pumps run year-round, filters clog faster than in homes with separate AC and furnace systems. Check your filter monthly.
• Thermostat Management: Avoid "setback" strategies with heat pumps during deep winter. unlike gas furnaces, heat pumps work best when left at a constant temperature. Drastic temperature drops force the system to use expensive auxiliary heat to recover.

Incentives and Rebates

• Greener Homes & Utility Rebates: Government and utility programs frequently offer rebates for upgrading to ENERGY STAR® certified cold-climate heat pumps. These incentives can significantly offset the upfront cost. Metropolitan Heating & Air Conditioning stays updated on current criteria to help you maximize these returns.

Trusted Local Expertise

Your heat pump is the heart of your home’s comfort system. Entrusting it to a general handyman or an inexperienced contractor can lead to improper sizing, refrigerant leaks, and voided warranties. You need a partner who understands the specific thermal loads of homes in this area.

We differentiate ourselves through technical precision. Our technicians are trained on the specific inverters and control boards found in modern, variable-speed heat pumps. We understand that a "charge and go" approach does not work with these sophisticated systems. We utilize digital manifolds and micron gauges to ensure every installation meets strict manufacturer tolerances.

Furthermore, we recognize that HVAC emergencies rarely happen at convenient times. Our service model is built around responsiveness. When your heat stops working in January or your cooling fails during a July heatwave, you need a team that prioritizes your call. We carry a wide inventory of universal parts to increase the likelihood of a same-day fix.

Call Us Now

Choosing the right service provider means choosing peace of mind. You get transparent pricing, clear communication regarding the scope of work, and the assurance that your home will remain comfortable regardless of the forecast.

Secure the longevity and efficiency of your heating and cooling system today.

Contact us now to schedule your heat pump service or consultation.