What Does It Mean if a Heat Pump's Control Board Has Problems?
By Missy Nolan
May 06, 2025
Hearing an HVAC tech declare, "I know what's wrong! You have an issue with your heat pump control board," can be comforting. Now, you can request heat pump control board replacement services, even if you don't fully know why this part is necessary. But what the heck is a control board, and does your heat pump really need one?
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Your HVAC tech can answer these and other control board questions in detail. In the meantime, you can find a handy rundown of HVAC control board basics below.
What Is a Heat Pump Control Board, and What Does It Do?
Your heating and cooling system often works quietly behind your walls (well, until something goes wrong). You can thank a combination of valves, coils, electrical wires and mechanical parts for this HVAC magic. The control board for your heat pump also plays an important role.
Think of your heat pump control board as the command center or brain of your HVAC system. Your thermostat sends messages to the control board, such as, "Hey, it's too hot in here!" The control board relays these messages to the proper parts of your heat pump. These messages help your HVAC system understand which actions are necessary, such as using the fan or motor. Without a functioning control board, your heat pump can't figure out what to do.
You can usually find your control board tucked safely inside the air handler cabinet. This cabinet is typically located in a heat pump's indoor unit. Measurements vary, but the blower control board is usually compact and lightweight. Control boards are covered in capacitors, diodes, resistors and other essential electrical components. Messages between the heat pump thermostat and the rest of your HVAC system are transmitted using these components.
How Do You Know If Your Heat Pump's Control Board Is Bad?
Your control board doesn't always fail silently, so keep an eye on your heating and cooling system. High utility costs can mean your heat pump is working harder than usual to keep your home comfortable. Your blower control board may be the culprit.
You may notice some additional clues that you should replace your heat pump's control board soon, such as:
The heat pump's compressor or fan won't turn on
Rapid or inconsistent cycling
Unusual noises, such as clicking or buzzing
Error codes on your HVAC system's control panel
Hot air blowing out of vents when you try to cool your home
A frozen outdoor unit or other defrost problems
Many people mistake control board issues for thermostat problems — and understandably so. When you set your thermostat for a specific temperature and nothing happens, it's easy to blame the wrong part.
An HVAC technician can help you determine if a heat pump control board replacement is necessary. If the board can be repaired, your technician can help you decide between a repair versus a replacement.
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How Much Does It Cost to Replace the Control Board?
You may hear your HVAC technician refer to your heat pump as an AC unit when you discuss control board replacement costs. Despite its name, a heat pump is often considered an air conditioner, not a furnace. Heat pumps, like air conditioners, help cool your home by sending hot air outside.
Heat pump control board prices for replacement parts vary depending on several factors, including:
Your location
The brand, make and model of your heat pump
Whether a warranty covers your replacement board
Your decision to use new versus refurbished parts
Labor costs
HVAC repairs are generally not considered a do-it-yourself project. Expect to pay some labor costs for a skilled technician. You might spend anywhere from $150 to $700 (CAD 216 to CAD 1,008) for a new HVAC control board. Repairs are sometimes possible but aren't typically a cost-effective option. Repairing a control board can cost more than replacing it due to the hours of skilled labor required. An experienced HVAC contractor can recommend the best option for your budget.
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