Heat Pump Installation in Charlottesville, VA

When your furnace or air conditioner breaks down it’s probably time to get a new heat pump installed. Whether you need a new heat pump system installation or repairs, we will be happy to help. The Otter Guys are happy to help with the heat pump installation to keep your home comfortable and answer any questions you may have along the way.

No Otter Company Compares

If you want a reliable HVAC contractor and company to install a heat pump, call The Otter Guys. With over 60 years of experience, our team can complete any repairs or installations you need. In addition, we factory-train each technician to exceed your expectations with high-quality heat pumps and maintenance. Our core values surround customer-centric beliefs because we know without you, we wouldn’t be able to do what we love, serving our community.

Hints that it’s Time to Install an Otter Heat Pump System

Figuring out your heat pump system may be faulty is half the battle. The other half is knowing if you should install a new heat pump or fix the current one. Check out the list below for some tips on when it’s time to install a new heat pump.

You Have Been Getting Your Heat Pump Repaired Regularly.

Scheduled maintenance can be good and extend the life of your heat pump system, but it becomes a problem when you need to repair your heat pump than three times a year. If this scenario occurs in your household, you may want to contact us and have one of our experts complete your heat pump installation. You’ll see a drastic difference instantly and enjoy the extra money you save from eliminating frequent repairs.

Your Home isn’t Staying at a Consistent Temperature

If you find some rooms in your house are hot while others are cold, you need to install a new heat pump. Installing a heat pump will ensure a consistent temperature throughout your home. You won’t have to keep a jacket on in some parts, while others feel like you need to take an ice bath.

It is Twelve or More Years Old

You can expect that once your heat pump, the indoor and outdoor units, reaches twelve years old, you will start noticing issues with its efficiency or repair frequency. That’s why installing a new heat pump installation is recommended when it’s between twelve and fifteen years old. A good rule of thumb is to evaluate if repairs are costing you half or more than the cost of installing a new heat pump.

You Hear the Heat Pump from Miles Away

If you keep asking yourself, “What’s that noise?” you should have one of our helpful HVAC contractor technicians inspect the problem. Chances are, they’ll tell you that your heat pump shouldn’t be making that much noise and typically should be quiet.

3 Types of Heat Pumps You Can Have Installed

Not all heat pumps are created equal. However, there are three basic types that you need to know before you have a heat pump installed. Each has unique characteristics that eventually give you the same result. So whether you need a heat pump with a certain price point or use a specific source of fuel, we’ve got you covered.

1. Air-to-Air Heat Pump Type

The air-to-air heat pump is the simplest to install and one of the less expensive options. It is excellent for more moderate climates, like Virginia, because it extracts the heat from the outside and moves it into your home like a breeze. However, this type of heat pump tends to be less efficient for houses in cold climates like the Midwest. The vast majority of Heat Pumps that are installed in the Charlottesville area are air-to-air. Ongoing maintenance of these systems is critical to ensure that the heat transfer process is happening as efficiently as possible.

2. Geothermal Heat Pump Type

Geothermal heat pumps or ground source heat pumps extract heat from the ground and soil around your home’s foundation. It transfers that heat to your home, making it optimal for houses in cold climates. Geothermal heat pumps tend to be more reliable and quieter than air-to-air heat pumps and can reduce energy needs by up to 60 percent. However, setting it up is a little more complex because the technician will have to insert long, plastic tubing underneath the home for this system to become effective and active.

3. Water Source Heat Pump Type

As the name states, a water source heat pump gets the heat from a body of water. The water source can be small, like a pond, or massive, like the ocean. If your home or property meets the requirement of being near water, it could be a good match for a water source heat pump. The water source heat pumps will extract heat by pushing the water through the heat pump to your home. This heat pump provides a more stable heat pattern than the air-to-air pump.

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out some of the most commonly asked questions about heat pumps below:

Where Can I Install a Heat Pump in My Home?

With heat pumps, you will have indoor and outdoor units as part of a complete system. Either part of the system can technically be placed anywhere you prefer. Generally, the outdoor unit should be located where it is clear of greenery or vegetation to allow the system to “breathe.” Many homeowners will opt to keep the outdoor system further away from patios or areas where people spend time outside to minimize disruption from noise. Indoor units are generally placed in an attic or a crawl space, depending on how the duct system is configured in the home.

Are Heat Pumps Best for Cold Climates?

Heat pump efficiency in cold weather has significantly improved over the last few years. However, in extremely cold weather, efficiency does decrease. We install an electric heat kit with every heat pump as a backup for these scenarios. Some homeowners will opt to pair their heat pumps with a furnace (known as a “dual fuel” configuration) as additional peace of mind for those brutally cold winter days. We can help you walk through your options to figure out what is best for you and your home.

Why Does the Heat from My Furnace Blow Out Hotter than My Heat Pump?

One consideration that homeowners should think through when switching their heating source from a gas furnace to a heat pump is yes, the air coming out of the vents will feel cooler with a heat pump than a furnace. This is because a furnace is burning a fuel source to create a flame – and flames burn at a much hotter temperature than heat pumps, which generate heat primarily through converting electricity to energy. Heat pumps are generally a more efficient way to heat a home vs. gas furnaces, but they may not generate that ‘warm and cozy’ feeling of turning on a furnace in the dead of a cold winter day.

Call Our Team For Heat Pump Installation Services 

The Otter Guys are ready to serve the Charlottesville, VA, area. We work hard to consistently provide our loyal and new customers with five-star quality service. You can always count on us to get the job done right, and we will help you select the best equipment, like a heat pump, to fit your needs. So call us today to schedule an appointment to install your new heating system.