Diagnostic guide
Heat pump high electric bill? Here is what is happening and what to do.
A heat pump driving up your electric bill is almost always one of five things: dirty coils reducing efficiency, dirty filters reducing airflow, low refrigerant, the backup electric heat strip running too often, or aggressive thermostat settings. Dirty system is the most common, and the cheapest to fix. Annual cleaning typically saves 10-20 percent on heat pump operating costs.
Likely causes, ranked by probability
- 1
Dirty coil and filter
Reduces efficiency, increases runtime.
Likelihood 35%
- 2
Backup electric heat running
Strips kick in when heat pump can't keep up.
Likelihood 25%
- 3
Low refrigerant
Reduced capacity means more runtime.
Likelihood 20%
- 4
Aggressive thermostat setpoints
Set too high (heat) or too low (cool).
Likelihood 20%
What you can try first
- · Wash filter
- · Rinse outdoor coil
- · Check if backup heat is enabled
- · Reduce setpoint aggressiveness
When to call us: Cleaning and setpoint adjustment don't reduce bills after one full month.
Our diagnostic process
We arrive within a one-hour window, inspect the system end-to-end, read any active error codes, test temperatures and pressures, and identify the actual cause. You get a written quote before any repair work starts. The $129 diagnostic fee is applied to any repair you proceed with.
Frequently asked questions
Is heat pump high electric bill dangerous?
Most causes of "heat pump high electric bill" are not immediately dangerous, but ignoring them can damage the system or raise repair cost. Cleaning and setpoint adjustment don't reduce bills after one full month.
Can a cleaning fix this?
Sometimes. Biofilm, dirty coils, and clogged drain lines often resolve after a deep clean. Mechanical or electrical issues require a diagnostic visit instead.
How much does diagnosis cost?
Our diagnostic visit is $129 flat, applied to any repair you proceed with. We will quote any repair before starting work.
Need a tech to take a look?
$129 flat diagnostic. Same-week scheduling across Vermont. Credited toward any repair.