Heat Pump Defrost Board Replacement Cost in Vancouver

Published: July 22, 2026 — BC Wide Home Services Ltd, doing business as BC Wide Heating & Air Conditioning — Greater Vancouver, BC

What the Defrost Board Does

The defrost board controls when and how long the defrost cycle runs. It monitors the outdoor coil temperature sensor and initiates defrost when frost is detected. A failed defrost board either never initiates defrost (causing ice buildup) or runs defrost too frequently (wasting energy).

Signs of Defrost Board Failure

The outdoor coil is completely covered in ice and the defrost cycle does not activate, the unit goes into defrost every 15-20 minutes (too frequent), the defrost runs for more than 20 minutes without stopping, or the unit loses heating capacity as ice accumulates.

Replacement Cost

Defrost board replacement costs $300-600 including the board ($150-350) and labour ($150-250). Different brands use different boards — Mitsubishi, Daikin, and Fujitsu boards are not interchangeable. Our technicians carry common defrost boards for same-day replacement.

Safety Reminder

If you smell gas, suspect carbon monoxide or believe there is an immediate danger, leave the property and contact emergency services or the appropriate gas emergency authority. Do not remain inside — exit the building immediately and call for help from outside.