Heat pump services: a guide for pros

What customers ask, how to win the job, and what to put on your profile.

Offering heat pump services

Heat pumps reward a technician who tests both modes, because a fault often shows up in only one. Win by proving the system works in heating and cooling, and by explaining the defrost and backup heat in plain terms.

What customers ask

  • Why is my heat pump running the backup heat so much?
  • Is it normal for the outdoor unit to ice up?
  • Why does it heat less than it used to?
  • Should I switch to a different system?
  • How do I run the system most efficiently?
  • What does a service visit cover for a heat pump?

How to win the job

  • On the first call, ask whether the problem happens in heating, cooling or both, and whether the backup heat is running.
  • Bring pressure gauges, a clamp meter, a multimeter and a thermometer set for both modes, so you can test heating and cooling on the same visit.
  • Record the defrost cycle timing and the sensor readings, and show the customer the defrost data.
  • Explain the reversing valve test, the defrost board test and the backup heat check in simple words before you quote.
  • Quote each fault and its fix on its own line, and state the refrigerant amount and leak repair as separate items.
  • Leave a written summary with readings for heating and cooling, and the next service date.

What to put on your profile

  • Photos of finished service visits with the defrost board and reversing valve labeled.
  • The brands and models you service, with ducted and ductless heat pumps listed separately.
  • Your heating and cooling mode testing as a stated part of every service visit, if you do it.
  • Your refrigerant handling certification status, listed only if you hold it.

Follow-up that helps the customer

  • Send a written summary with heating and cooling readings and the next service date.
  • Offer a settings review for the thermostat, the backup heat and the defrost setup, explained in writing.
  • Call back after the first cold spell to check defrost cycles and backup heat use.

Licenses and permits

Heat pump work is commonly done under a contractor license, and the technician doing refrigerant work commonly needs a certification. Confirm your requirements with your state or local licensing agency before you take the work.

Questions

Does infinibell charge me for leads?

Joining is free. You pay only for leads you accept, and you can decline a lead for free. Your profile is reviewed before it goes live.

Who sees a heat pump request?

Customers describe the job and pick the pros they want by name. Only the pros a customer picks see the request.

What does the Insured badge show?

The Insured badge appears when we have checked your current insurance.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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