Many Reston, VA homeowners replacing an aging furnace and AC are switching to a single heat pump instead, and the reason is efficiency. A heat pump does not burn fuel or heat a resistance coil; it moves heat. In cooling mode it carries heat out of the house, and in heating mode a reversing valve sends the refrigerant the other way so the compressor gathers heat from outdoor air and releases it indoors. That lets it deliver two to three times more heat than the electricity it consumes. Modern cold-climate equipment with inverter-driven compressors keeps working well below freezing, which the older units behind the technology's old reputation simply could not do.
Most of our service calls are for AC Repair and Furnace Repair. If something has stopped working, start there.
Warning Signs for Heat Pump Installation
Catching these issues early helps you avoid costly problems. Watch for these telltale signs:
- You heat with electric resistance, propane, or oil and the bills show it
- Your AC and furnace are both aging and you would rather replace once, not twice
- You would like a single system for heating and cooling with one maintenance plan
- An older system that only survives on refrigerant top-offs and major repairs
- Your utility company is offering incentives for heat pumps
- Solar on the roof, or plans for it, and a goal of going all-electric
- Your current system leaves rooms too warm in summer and too cool in winter
- You want steady, even comfort instead of blast-and-coast temperature swings
Act Before It Gets Worse
Most HVAC failures start small, a weak capacitor, a squealing blower, a system that runs a little longer each week. If you notice any of these signs, call (571) 741-3122 for a prompt inspection.
