A failed heat pump leaves you without heating in winter or cooling in summer. Spencer Heating and Air responds to heat pump breakdowns with same-day service, expert diagnosis of both heating and cooling modes, and honest repair recommendations. Heat pumps are more complex than single-mode AC units. Diagnosis requires understanding reversing valves, heating mode operation, and mode-switching issues. We have that expertise.
Is your system not heating, not cooling, making strange sounds, or having other issues? Call us with details and we will prioritize your service. Same-day service in Auburn and Opelika; rapid scheduling in surrounding communities.
334-887-9020Five reasons families across Auburn, Opelika, and Lee County trust Spencer with their heat pump heating and cooling repairs. Click any card to read the detail.
A system that won’t heat might have a reversing valve failure, defrost cycle fault, or heating mode electrical issue.
A system that won’t cool might have compressor failure or cooling-mode specific problems. We diagnose both modes accurately with systematic testing of reversing valves, defrost cycles, and mode-switching components.
We arrive with testing equipment and systematic diagnostic approach.
Most heat pump problems are identified within 30–60 minutes. We test electrical systems, refrigerant pressures, reversing valve operation, and defrost cycle function to pinpoint the exact failure.
We explain repair options and costs. If replacement makes more sense than repair, we will say so.
Heat pumps are complex systems. When repair costs approach replacement value, we walk you through new system options and financing so you can make an informed decision.
Factory training and parts access on quality equipment.
As a certified American Standard Customer Care Dealer, Spencer’s technicians receive factory training on heat pump systems, reversing valve operation, and defrost cycle diagnostics — expertise that translates to faster, more accurate repairs.
Heating failure in January and cooling failure in July are both urgent.
We respond quickly because heat pump failure affects both your heating and cooling comfort. We prioritize no-heat and no-cooling calls for same-day response during business hours when possible.
Tap a symptom to see why it matters and how soon you should call.
Furnace-less homes depend entirely on heat pumps. No heat means rapid temperature drop inside. Call immediately. Problem might be reversing valve (stuck in cooling mode), defrost cycle fault, or compressor failure.
What to do: Check that the thermostat is set to heat mode and the temperature is set above current room temperature. If the system still won’t heat, call us immediately.
When to Call
Right Now
No heat in winter is urgent — indoor temperatures drop quickly.
No cooling on hot days requires a fast response. Problem could be compressor failure, refrigerant leak, or cooling mode electrical fault. Call today.
What to do: Verify the thermostat is set to cool mode and the temperature is set below current room temperature. If the system runs but doesn’t cool, turn it off and call us.
When to Call
Same Day
Running a failed compressor without cooling can cause permanent damage.
Water pooling inside or outside indicates drain line blockage or refrigerant leak. Refrigerant leaks worsen quickly. Call for immediate diagnostic.
What to do: Water inside your home requires immediate attention to prevent damage. Turn off the system and call us today.
When to Call
Same Day
Water damage and refrigerant leaks both compound quickly.
Grinding sounds mean bearings are failing. Squealing suggests a belt or fan-bearing issue. Hissing indicates a refrigerant leak. Banging often points to a loose component or compressor failure.
What to do: Don’t run the system — call us. These sounds indicate internal failure that can worsen if the system continues to operate.
When to Call
This Week
Grinding noise especially — a bearing today is a compressor next month.
Burning smells indicate electrical failure or overheating. Chemical odors suggest a refrigerant leak. Musty smells point to mold or biological growth in your ductwork.
What to do: Turn the system off if the smell is burning or chemical and call today. None of these should be ignored.
When to Call
Today
Electrical odors signal a safety risk — do not let the system keep running.
Electrical fault requires professional diagnosis before system runs again. Safety issue.
What to do: Leave the breaker off and call us. Electrical faults require professional diagnosis before the system should run again.
When to Call
Right Now
Repeatedly resetting a tripped breaker is a fire risk — do not do it.
Methodical testing of both heating and cooling modes, transparent results, no guessing. Every Spencer heat pump repair follows the same six-step process — from the first call through the final system test.
We ask about the problem (heating mode, cooling mode, or both), when it started, and whether symptoms are sudden or gradual. We confirm electrical power to the outdoor unit and check for obvious damage.
We measure voltage to compressor, fan motors, and control board. We test capacitors. Bad voltage or failed capacitors indicate electrical faults.
We measure high-side and low-side pressures in both heating and cooling modes (if applicable). Abnormal pressures indicate leak, blockage, or compressor failure.
For heating failures, we test the reversing valve and defrost cycle. For cooling failures, we test compressor operation and cooling mode refrigerant flow.
We explain what’s wrong, costs for repair, and options for replacement if appropriate.
Most repairs are same-day. If parts must be ordered, we schedule rapid callback. Every repair ends with full cycle testing in both heating and cooling modes.
Our maintenance members enjoy priority scheduling, consistent system performance, and the confidence that comes from knowing a trained professional is keeping an eye on their equipment throughout the year.
What’s Included In Our Maintenance Plan?
We know that a new HVAC system or a major repair can be a significant investment. That is why Spencer Heating and Air works with trusted lending partners to make quality comfort accessible to every homeowner. We want you to make the best decision for your home — not the cheapest one because of budget pressure.
Why Consider Financing?
Hover over the section to see the full list. The first card shows the most common heat pump repair we run — the rest fan out as you explore.
From reversing valve failures to defrost cycle problems, our technicians diagnose, explain, and repair every kind of heat pump issue homeowners run into. We will walk you through what is happening, what it will take to fix, and whether a repair or replacement is the smarter call.
Symptom: Cools fine, doesn’t heat (stuck in cooling mode). The reversing valve switches between heating and cooling. Failure prevents heating operation. Repair requires valve replacement.
Symptom: In heating mode, outdoor coil ices up and system shuts down (frost buildup protection). Defrost cycle isn’t activating. Might be sensor failure or control board fault. Diagnostics required.
Symptom: Weak heating or cooling. A leak reduces charge. We find, repair, and recharge with electronic leak detection and proper evacuation procedures.
Symptom: System runs but doesn’t heat or cool. Compressor failure. Major repair but necessary. We will walk you through whether it makes financial sense versus replacement.
Symptom: Compressor or fan won’t start, humming sound. Failed capacitor. Affordable repair that prevents compressor damage from hard starting.
Symptom: System won’t switch between heating and cooling modes, or won’t respond to adjustments. We test, recalibrate, or replace with smart-thermostat upgrades available.
Same-day diagnosis usually. Urgent repairs get priority. Call with details and we will give you estimated arrival time.
Call 334-887-9020 during business hours. We’re open Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, and we prioritize no-heat and no-cooling calls.
Varies widely with the part — from a minor capacitor fix to a major compressor repair. We diagnose, provide a quote upfront, and let you decide.
If your system is 10+ years old and repair is expensive, replacement may be better. If it’s newer and one repair is needed, repair is usually the choice. We explain the math.
Yes. If a repair doesn’t fix the problem, call us back. We will diagnose further at no charge.
Check your documentation. Most systems have 10-year compressor and 5-year parts warranties. We verify during diagnosis.
Schedule annual fall heating tune-up and spring cooling tune-up. Join our maintenance plan. Keep outdoor unit clear of debris.
Heat pumps are complex systems with refrigerant, electrical components, and reversing valves. EPA certification is required for refrigerant work. Professional repair is essential for safety and proper operation.
Usually a reversing valve or thermostat issue. The reversing valve controls mode switching. If it fails, the system gets stuck in one mode. We test the valve and thermostat to identify the cause.
In heating mode, the outdoor coil can ice up. The defrost cycle temporarily switches to cooling mode to melt the ice, then returns to heating. If this cycle fails, the coil stays iced and heating stops.
Spencer Heating and Air operates from two convenient locations to serve communities across East Alabama. Whether you live in the heart of Auburn or along the shores of Lake Martin, our team is never far away.
Our Jackson’s Gap location brings Spencer service to the entire Lake Martin region — tailored for lake homes, vacation properties, and the seasonal startup-shutdown cycle that lakefront living demands.
Call Jackson’s Gap Location 256-373-3165Our Lake Martin team understands the realities of lakefront properties — humidity loads, seasonal idle periods, and the fast response a weekend at the lake deserves.
Book Service at Lake Martin Location
For over 55 years, Spencer Heating and Air has set the standard for honest, expert HVAC service in Auburn, AL and the Lake Martin area. Our customers keep coming back because they know they can count on us — for fair pricing, skilled workmanship, and the kind of genuine care that only comes from a family-owned business with deep roots in the community.
Whether you need a brand-new American Standard system, a quick repair, or a comprehensive maintenance plan, we are here and ready to help. Do not settle for anything less than the best — your home and your family deserve it.
No heating in winter or no cooling in summer is urgent. Spencer Heating and Air responds with same-day diagnosis and experienced repair. We understand heat pump systems and will get yours working again.
