Year-Round Comfort With One System

Arctic HVAC & Mechanical, LLC installs and services heat pump systems for homes and light commercial properties in Richmond, Virginia.

Heat pumps move thermal energy instead of generating it, which makes them more efficient than traditional furnaces and air conditioners in climates like Richmond. You use the same outdoor unit to cool your home in July and warm it in January, and the system switches between heating and cooling modes with a reversing valve. Arctic HVAC & Mechanical, LLC works with homeowners and small business owners in Richmond who want lower utility bills and consistent indoor comfort without separate heating and cooling systems.

Heat pump installation starts with calculating the heating and cooling load for your building, then selecting a unit sized correctly for your square footage, insulation, and ductwork. Undersized units run constantly and never quite reach the thermostat setting, while oversized units cycle too frequently and fail to control humidity. Proper sizing means the system runs efficiently and maintains the temperature you set without short cycling.

If you are replacing an old furnace and air conditioner or adding climate control to a new space in Richmond, contact Arctic HVAC & Mechanical, LLC to discuss heat pump options.

How Installation and Repair Work in Practice

A technician visits your property in Richmond to measure rooms, inspect existing ductwork, and review your current heating and cooling setup. They calculate heat loss and gain to determine the correct system capacity, then install the outdoor condenser, indoor air handler, refrigerant lines, thermostat, and condensate drain.

After installation, you notice that one system handles both heating and cooling, the indoor temperature stays consistent without large swings, and your energy bills drop compared to running separate heating and cooling equipment. You also hear less noise from the outdoor unit compared to older air conditioner models.

Heat pump repairs focus on reversing valves, refrigerant charge, defrost controls, and compressor function. Arctic HVAC & Mechanical, LLC services residential and light commercial heat pumps, including emergency repairs when the system stops heating during cold weather or fails to cool during summer. Heat pumps lose efficiency when outdoor temperatures drop below freezing for extended periods, which is why backup heat sources are sometimes recommended for properties with high heating demands.

Clearing up what homeowners wonder about heat pumps

People considering heat pumps usually ask about performance in cold weather, installation time, and whether their existing ductwork will work with a new system.

How does a heat pump work in winter?
A heat pump extracts heat from outdoor air even when temperatures are cold, then moves that heat indoors using a refrigerant cycle and a reversing valve. The system works efficiently down to around 25 degrees, and many models include auxiliary heat for colder days.
What happens if my heat pump stops heating during winter?
You lose indoor heat, and the thermostat may trigger backup electric resistance heat if installed. Common causes include a failed reversing valve, low refrigerant, or frozen outdoor coils that need defrost cycle repair.
How long does heat pump installation take?
Most residential installations in Richmond take one to two days, depending on whether ductwork modifications are needed and whether electrical service upgrades are required. The technician removes the old equipment, installs the new heat pump, connects refrigerant lines, and tests system operation before finishing.
Why is my heat pump running but not reaching the set temperature?
This usually means the unit is undersized for the space, refrigerant charge is low, or airflow is restricted by dirty filters or blocked vents. A technician checks system capacity, measures refrigerant pressures, and inspects ductwork to find the cause.
When should I replace my heat pump instead of repairing it?
Replacement makes sense when the compressor fails on a unit older than 12 years, refrigerant leaks are extensive, or repair costs exceed half the price of a new system. New models also offer better efficiency ratings that lower monthly operating costs.

Arctic HVAC & Mechanical, LLC installs and services heat pump systems for residential and light commercial properties in Richmond, where the climate suits heat pump performance year-round. Reach out to schedule a consultation or request service for an existing system.