A heat pump is an air conditioner that can also run in reverse, and that is why it is the most efficient way to heat a house in a climate like ours.
Because a heat pump works year-round it accumulates roughly double the run hours of a system that only cools. That shows up as earlier wear on compressors, contactors, capacitors and reversing valves, and it is why heat pumps need service twice a year rather than once.
The faults we see most are defrost-cycle problems, reversing valves sticking between modes, and auxiliary strip heat running when it should not be, which can triple an electricity bill without any warning. All three are diagnosable in a single visit.
We service, repair, maintain and replace heat pumps of every brand, including ductless mini-splits and dual-fuel systems paired with a gas furnace.
What heat pump service covers
- All brands repaired
- Defrost board and sensor faults
- Reversing valve diagnosis and replacement
- Auxiliary and emergency heat verified
- Ductless and mini-split heat pumps
- Dual-fuel changeover set correctly
- Cold-climate heat pump installation
- Spring and fall maintenance visits
What is normal, and what is not
We recommend service twice a year, because a heat pump runs roughly double the hours of a system that only cools. We work on all brands, including ductless mini-splits and dual-fuel systems paired with a gas furnace.
Normal
- Steaming outside in winter
- That is the defrost cycle melting ice off the outdoor coil.
- Cool air from the vents
- Heat pump supply air feels cool against your hand while still heating the house.
Worth a call
- Staying iced over, or defrosting constantly
- A normal defrost cycle clears the coil and then stops.
- Emergency heat on by itself
- In mild weather this is not normal. Backup strip heat running unnoticed can triple an electricity bill.
How a repair visit works
- 1
You call the office
Tell us what the system is doing, and we will let you know the diagnostic fee before we come out.
- 2
We find the real fault
A NATE-certified technician tests the system and pinpoints the cause before any parts are replaced.
- 3
You decide
We explain what the repair will cost, and the decision is yours. On an older unit, we show you the repair-versus-replace numbers as well.
- 4
We fix it
We carry common parts on our trucks, so many repairs are finished on the first visit.
One system, two directions
In summer it moves heat out of the house. In winter it reverses and brings heat in.
We service, repair, maintain and replace heat pumps of every brand.
Family owned in Church Hill, Tennessee, since 2001
Before you book
Why is my heat pump steaming outside in winter?
That is the defrost cycle, and it is normal. The outdoor coil ices up in cold damp weather, so the unit briefly reverses to melt it off. The steam is that ice evaporating. What is not normal is the unit staying iced over, or defrosting constantly.
What is emergency heat and when should I use it?
Emergency heat locks out the heat pump and runs the backup electric strips or furnace alone. Use it only when the heat pump has failed — it is far more expensive to run. If your system is calling for it by itself in mild weather, something is wrong.
How long do heat pumps last?
Typically twelve to fifteen years here, a little less than a cooling-only system because of the year-round run hours. Twice-yearly maintenance is the single biggest factor in reaching the top of that range.
Are heat pumps any good in an East Tennessee winter?
Modern ones, yes. Cold-climate models hold useful capacity well below freezing — a long way from the reputation heat pumps earned in the 1990s. Below the changeover point a dual-fuel setup hands over to a gas furnace, which is often the ideal arrangement here.
Prefer to call?
(423) 357-1922- Office hours
- Monday to Friday, 8–5
- Outside those hours
- Emergency service is available — call the same number.
- Where we go
- Church Hill, Kingsport, Mount Carmel, Surgoinsville, Rogersville, Johnson City, Bristol, Greeneville, Morristown and across into Southwest Virginia. Full service area.
- Where we are
- 119 E Main St, Church Hill, TN 37642
Heat pump service near you
Prefer to speak with someone?
Monday to Friday 8–5, with emergency service available outside those hours.
(423) 357-1922