Heat Pump Maintenance

SWVA Mechanical delivers expert heat pump maintenance in Lebanon, VA, to ensure your system’s year-round performance. Our comprehensive tune-ups protect your all-in-one comfort system.

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Professional Heat Pump Maintenance Done Right

Because your heat pump works all year to provide both heating and cooling, annual maintenance is exceptionally important. This essential service keeps your versatile system running at its peak efficiency in every season. A professional tune-up helps prevent unexpected breakdowns on the hottest summer days and the coldest winter nights. Regular maintenance extends the lifespan of your equipment, which accumulates more runtime than separate heating and cooling systems. Our technicians follow a detailed checklist designed specifically for heat pumps. We focus on every component, from the compressor to the backup heat source. Trust our team to keep your system reliable and efficient all year long.

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Honest Reviews From Our Clients

Homeowners across Southwest Virginia trust SWVA Mechanical for HVAC services that are done right the first time. Here’s what real customers have to say about their experience:

Shahram Totonchian
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Shahram Totonchian
May 17, 2025
Douglas Canody
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Douglas Canody
January 25, 2025

We recently had our downstairs residential heat pump fail after 17 years of service. Given the age of the system, and the newer technology available, it made sense to replace both the downstairs and upstairs systems (3- and 2-ton units respectively). I obtained quotes from 4 different installers and ultimately, we selected the Mitsubishi Hyperheat systems as the replacement. Brian at SWVA Mechanical gave us the best price and best answers to our questions and we selected them to do the work. I don't think it could have gone any better. They showed up when they said they would, staged the work so that we could stay warm (installed in December), were respectful of our property and answered all of our questions. All of the SWVA Mechanical workers were friendly, cheerful, and most importantly knowledgeable and competent. Brian encouraged us to consider the Mitsubishi Hyperheat system which would function as a heat pump to below 0 degrees F. Frankly, I had my doubts that a system without auxiliary heat would function properly at such low temperatures without an auxiliary heat source. However, this review is being written 1 week after some of the coldest temperature in years (as low as 6 degrees F and -1-degree wind chill) and I can testify that my house stayed at the temperature set point throughout this very cold period, and in fact my house has been more comfortable than it ever has in similar conditions. I have temperature monitoring data that proves the system worked as Brian said it would. Additionally, the numbers show significant electricity savings compared to the operation of the old system. I will also mention that Brian and his partner Nick, were persistent in being able to get a relatively new steam humidifier installed about 2 years ago to work with the Mitsubishi heat pump and air handler. That required a lot of effort on their part, and a non-standard installation that went beyond the manufacturers’ instructions. I can verify that what they did worked, that it was done properly and is functioning as it should. To reiterate, I would highly recommend SWVA VA Mechanical to anyone in need of their services. They check all the boxes... knowledge, expertise, dependability, reliability, and integrity. Based on our experiences, we intend to use them to service our new system in the future and would not hesitate to work with them again. In my opinion, and based on my past experiences, it would be very hard to do better than SWVA Mechanical in this line of work and expertise.

Jack McArdle
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Jack McArdle
December 5, 2024

I had emergency when the heating system stopped working during the coldest days these past 2 months and Brain came the same day I called SWVM. No other HVAC company in the area would even give me an estimate of when they could come. Brain got the system running just in time for the lows in the teens the next few nights. If you need help this company will do all they can to help you. I would highly reccommend them.

NetworkSandbox
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NetworkSandbox
November 27, 2024

Recently had an installation as well as a preventative maintenance on another unit. I received good communication about scheduling and pricing and they answered any question I had. They showed up on time and performed the work well. After the install, Brian came by to make sure I was happy with the install and that I was fully taken care of. Subsequently for the preventative maintenance that Samuel performed, he thoroughly cleaned and tested the units and communicated to me the way that the unit was originally wired may not be optimal and explained the pros/cons of making a minor adjustment which I had him do. I'm very happy with the service provided and plan to use SWVA Mechanical for any future HVAC needs.

Kristen Jones
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Kristen Jones
September 24, 2024

Called with HVAC issue on Monday had a resolution by Tuesday morning. Owner Nick is amazing. Goes above and beyond for his customers. Technician that came out was 5 star! Polite, conscientious regarding cleanliness, and super helpful. Pricing is extremely reasonable. I will never use another company!

Bill Fletcher
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Bill Fletcher
September 7, 2024

Nick Cross and his team are amazing. Did a great job for us. They are polite, professional and knowledgable. Our challenge is with a house built in 1913 and their work has given us more control over our HVAC system and made our living space more comfortable. Price was very reasonable. Highly recommended.

Tony
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Tony
July 12, 2024

Samuel came out and did a great job!! He serviced my unit inside and outside. Company was amazing to begin with. Answered and returned my calls every time. They were prompt in letting me know when they would arrive and informed me of all repairs before doing anything. Amazing job!! Highly recommended.

Robert Elswick
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Robert Elswick
June 3, 2024

Highly Recommend! Brian and his team done an outstanding job installing my new Mitsubishi mini splits. I couldn’t have asked for a better HVAC Team than SWVA Mechanicals!

Brian Hale
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Brian Hale
April 13, 2024

I recently had a heat pump replaced by SWVA and they did an excellent job. As we were weighing the options of repairing my old system and the cost and benefit of the new system they were very helpful. I never felt they were trying to up-sale me. I especially appreciate the fast service both on the repairs I needed on my old system and with this new install. I was in a bind because it was winter but they had me up and running with a new system fast. I would highly recommend them again!

Scott Beverly
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Scott Beverly
April 8, 2024

I can't say enough good about the folks at SWVA mechanical. They came to my house and quoted the Mitsubishi unit to me and I had it installed within a few weeks. Every tech was very professional and respectful while in our home and did an outstanding job. I had one company give me a quote for the same system and it was over $4000.00 more than what Brian at SW VA Mechanical quoted, plus the other company didn't want to even talk about the Mitsubishi units that have the best reputation in the business. These more efficient units will save us money on our electric bill and they are so quiet you can't even hear them run. If you need a HVAC system or just need your old system repaired, give Brian at SW VA Mechanical at call and you will not be disappointed. They are more than fair on their prices and will treat you with respect and not try to burn you up on the charges. They are my new HVAC company. Scott Beverly

Jackie Rife
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Jackie Rife
January 19, 2024

Our furnace went out during frigid weather. Called Brian and he came immediately. He is very knowledgeable and professional. I highly recommend this company!

bill vaden
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bill vaden
December 25, 2023

Brian and Samuel real good people sincerely want to help when you’re in trouble just installed a new heat pump force excellent job

Tully Wright
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Tully Wright
November 13, 2023

Excellent service. Friendly, good communication, punctual, quality work. I was very pleased and highly recommend this company for any of your heating and cooling needs

Joe Johnson
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Joe Johnson
October 26, 2023

I had these guys install a new American Standard 3 ton heat pump this week. I got quotes from different companies and after a great deal of research chose SWVA Mechanical. Nick and Brian explained everything in detail and Jesse and Sam did our install. We are very happy with the entire process. Nick asked me a number of times during and after the install if we were happy and everything was to our expectations. They really care about customer satisfaction and it shows. Great product and install! I would highly recommend this company to anyone on the market for a new system. Great price and great product!

Joel Clark
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Joel Clark
August 27, 2023

SWVA Mechanical took care of us quickly and efficiently! Very knowledgeable in all the services they have provided to us. Highly recommend!

mountainview retirement
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mountainview retirement
August 7, 2023
Kevin McGlothlin
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Kevin McGlothlin
July 21, 2023

Brian and his employees were wonderful to deal with. They installed a Mitsubishi Mini Split system for our office and needless to say was the best investment both for quality and cost. We truly appreciate SWVA Mechanical's willingness to go the extra mile for us.

Amy Barrett
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Amy Barrett
July 4, 2023

Excellent quick service from Brian and all of his crew! Called on Sunday and had a new heat pump on Monday they went above and beyond to get my family’s air going again. The best guys around for all your hvac needs!!

Rhonda Hale
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Rhonda Hale
June 17, 2023

Highly recommend. They did an excellent installation on our new 4 ton heat pump and electrical work. 10 year warranty on the heat pump and 1 year on all the labor. These guys are the best around!

Anthony Mullins
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Anthony Mullins
June 3, 2023

Called Brian on a Friday night after 8pm and told him my situation!! He was here in less than 5 minutes and took care of me!! He don’t have to answer his phone on a Friday night!! Very professional, knowledgeable, and courteous!! Will use this company from now on!!

Benjamin Price
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Benjamin Price
April 18, 2023

Excellent service and quality installation job for my business on a total install of 12 mini split units. The units have a 10 year warranty and with the savings in my power bill, the units will pay for themselves in 5 years. Highly recommend this small business for anything related to HVAC

April Dawson
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April Dawson
September 6, 2019
Sami J.
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Sami J.
June 3, 2018

Excellent service , on time, freindly, very knowledgeable, reasonable prices, definitely will use again if needed, thank you

Heat Pump Maintenance Service

A comprehensive annual tune-up is the key to getting the most out of your heat pump. This single preventative service prepares your all-in-one system for both the upcoming heating and cooling seasons. Our technicians perform a complete inspection that goes far beyond a simple filter change. We meticulously clean, test, and calibrate your system’s components to ensure they are ready for the demands of year-round operation. A heat pump works harder than separate AC and furnace units, making this annual service even more critical for its health. This tune-up is the best way to ensure reliable, efficient comfort in every season.

Cleaning the system’s coils is one of the most important steps for maintaining year-round efficiency. Your heat pump has an indoor coil and an outdoor coil, and both must be clean to transfer heat effectively. In the summer, a dirty outdoor coil struggles to release heat, reducing cooling efficiency. In the winter, that same dirty coil will struggle to absorb heat from the outside air, reducing heating efficiency. Our technicians will thoroughly clean both coils as needed. This single step can dramatically improve performance and lower your electricity bills in both summer and winter.

Our maintenance service includes testing the components that are unique to a heat pump. The most important of these is the reversing valve, which allows the system to switch between heating and cooling modes. We test its operation to ensure it is not sticking or failing. We also perform a detailed check of the defrost control system. This includes testing the defrost board and the temperature sensors. A functional defrost system is crucial to prevent the outdoor unit from becoming a block of ice during winter operation. These checks are essential for reliable heating performance.

Like any cooling system, we perform a detailed check of the electrical components and refrigerant charge. We will test the system’s capacitors and contactors to ensure they are strong and reliable. All electrical connections are inspected and tightened for safety. An accurate refrigerant charge is especially critical for a heat pump. An incorrect charge will severely impact its performance in both heating and cooling modes. Our technicians will check the refrigerant level to ensure it matches the manufacturer’s exact specifications for optimal, year-round efficiency.

Our inspection continues at the indoor air handler. We will clean the blower wheel and motor compartment to ensure strong, consistent airflow. The system’s condensate drain line is checked and flushed to prevent water backups during the humid summer months. We also perform a vital check on the supplemental heat strips inside the air handler. These strips are your backup heat source, and it is crucial to know they are working correctly before winter arrives. We ensure these components are clean, wired correctly, and ready to provide heat if needed.

A key part of our service is to test the auxiliary heat system. The supplemental electric heat strips are your safety net for the coldest days of winter. During our maintenance visit, our technicians will manually engage the auxiliary heat. We verify that the heat strips energize correctly and produce the expected amount of heat. We also check their amperage draw to ensure they are operating safely. This test confirms that your backup heating source is fully functional and ready to support the heat pump when outdoor temperatures plummet. This provides true peace of mind for winter.

The easiest way to care for your hard-working heat pump is with an annual maintenance agreement from SWVA Mechanical. Since your system runs throughout the year, our maintenance plan is an incredible value. It ensures this essential service is never forgotten and allows you to budget for it predictably. As a plan member, you will also receive priority scheduling for any repair needs. This is a huge benefit, as a heat pump failure can leave you without any heating or cooling. Our plans are designed to provide convenience, savings, and year-round peace of mind.

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Emergency Heat Pump Maintenance Near You

A heat pump failure is a serious issue because it affects both your heating and your air conditioning. Our maintenance plan members receive top priority when they call with a problem. Whether your heat pump breaks down in August or February, your service request will be moved to the front of the line. We understand the urgency of restoring your home’s only source of heating and cooling. This priority status is one of the most valuable benefits of our maintenance agreement. We are committed to providing the fastest possible response to our loyal customers.

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Most Common Heat Pump Maintenance Questions

Your heat pump is a sophisticated, all-in-one system that works hard all year. Understanding how to properly maintain it is key to its performance and longevity. We have answered the most common questions our Lebanon customers ask about this vital service.

A heat pump should be professionally serviced once every year. Because a heat pump provides both heating and cooling, it runs for more hours throughout the year than a separate furnace and air conditioner. This increased runtime means that components experience more wear and tear. An annual tune-up is essential to address this wear, keep the system clean, and ensure it remains reliable for every season. Skipping a year of maintenance on a heat pump is equivalent to skipping two years of service on a traditional system. It is a critical part of responsible ownership.

This yearly service is recommended by all equipment manufacturers and industry experts. Regular, professional maintenance is the single most effective way to extend the lifespan of your heat pump. A well-maintained unit will last longer, perform better, and be more energy-efficient. Furthermore, most manufacturers require proof of annual maintenance to keep the system’s warranty valid. Failing to perform this service could jeopardize your warranty coverage for expensive parts like the compressor. An annual tune-up is a wise and necessary investment.

The annual schedule allows a technician to catch small problems before they become major failures. A loose electrical wire, a weakening capacitor, or a slightly low refrigerant charge can all be corrected during a maintenance visit. If left unaddressed, these minor issues can cascade into a complete system breakdown. This can leave you without heating or cooling when you need it most. The preventative nature of an annual tune-up is what makes it so valuable.

The best time to schedule your annual heat pump maintenance is during the milder “shoulder” seasons of spring or fall. These periods are ideal because the weather is typically not extreme, so you are not relying heavily on your system for either heating or cooling. This gives you plenty of flexibility to schedule an appointment that is convenient for you. It also allows our technicians to perform the tune-up without the pressure of an emergency heat wave or cold snap. It is a low-stress time to get this important service done.

Scheduling your tune-up in the spring is a great way to prepare your system for the upcoming summer cooling season. The technician can focus on cleaning the coils and checking the refrigerant charge to ensure peak air conditioning performance. Alternatively, scheduling the service in the fall is an excellent way to prepare for the winter heating season. This allows the technician to pay special attention to the heating cycle, the defrost controls, and the backup heat strips. Either season is a great choice for the appointment.

The most important thing is not the specific month, but that the service is performed consistently once every year. A heat pump works hard year-round, and the comprehensive tune-up prepares it for all conditions. Whether you prefer to schedule in April or October, an annual professional visit is key. Our maintenance agreements make this easy by reminding you each year when it is time to schedule your service, ensuring you never forget this critical task.

A professional heat pump tune-up is a comprehensive service that covers all aspects of your system’s operation. The service begins with extensive cleaning. We will thoroughly clean the outdoor and indoor coils to ensure efficient heat transfer. We will clean the blower wheel and compartment for proper airflow and flush the condensate drain to prevent clogs. We will also replace your standard air filter. This cleaning process is vital for the efficiency of the unit in both heating and cooling modes. It is the foundation of the service.

Next, we perform a detailed inspection and testing of the electrical and refrigerant systems. All electrical connections are tightened, and we test the operational voltages and amperages. We test the capacitors and contactors to ensure they are strong and not at risk of failure. The refrigerant charge is measured to confirm it meets the manufacturer’s exact specifications. An incorrect charge can drastically reduce efficiency and damage the compressor. This part of the service is crucial for the health of the system’s core components.

Finally, we test the functions that are unique to a heat pump. We will test the reversing valve to ensure it can switch smoothly between heating and cooling. The defrost control system is tested to make sure the unit will not freeze up in winter. We also test the supplemental electric heat strips to confirm your backup heat source is working. This comprehensive checklist ensures every part of your all-in-one system is ready for the year ahead.

While a heat pump and an air conditioner operate very similarly in the summer, their maintenance needs are quite different. A standard AC maintenance visit is focused entirely on the cooling cycle. The technician cleans the components and checks the system’s performance for summer operation only. A heat pump maintenance visit is much more comprehensive because the system has a second major function: heating. Therefore, the tune-up must address the components related to both heating and cooling. It is a more involved and detailed service.

The key difference is the inspection and testing of the heating-specific components. A heat pump technician must test the reversing valve, which an air conditioner does not have. We must also test the entire defrost system, including the control board and sensors, which is another system unique to heat pumps. The most important difference is that we test the supplemental or auxiliary heat strips. We verify that your backup heat source is operational, which is a critical safety and comfort check that is not part of an AC tune-up.

Because a heat pump runs year-round, it accumulates more wear and tear than a standalone air conditioner. This means the inspection of common components like the compressor and fan motor is even more critical. Essentially, a heat pump tune-up includes all the steps of an AC tune-up, plus an additional set of checks and tests for all the heating components. This ensures the system is truly ready for reliable, year-round operation.

Yes, annual maintenance will absolutely make your heat pump work better and more efficiently in the winter. The heating performance of a heat pump is highly dependent on a few key factors that are addressed during a tune-up. First, a clean outdoor coil is essential for absorbing as much heat as possible from the cold winter air. A dirty, matted coil acts as an insulator and severely cripples the unit’s ability to produce heat. Our thorough coil cleaning service directly improves the unit’s heating capacity.

A correct refrigerant charge is also critical for winter performance. If the refrigerant level is even slightly low, the heat pump will struggle to generate adequate heat. This will force it to run longer and will cause the expensive auxiliary heat strips to turn on more often. Our technicians will ensure the refrigerant charge is at the precise level needed for optimal heat output. We also test the defrost controls. A malfunctioning defrost system will allow ice to build up on the outdoor unit, which can completely stop it from heating.

By ensuring all these components are clean and functioning correctly, we maximize your heat pump’s ability to heat your home efficiently. A well-maintained heat pump will provide more consistent heat and will rely less on its inefficient backup system. This not only keeps you more comfortable but also saves you a significant amount of money on your winter electricity bills. Annual maintenance is the key to unlocking your heat pump’s full heating potential.

If you notice that the “AUX” or “emergency heat” indicator on your thermostat is on frequently, it is a sign of a problem. The expensive-to-run auxiliary heat should only engage on the very coldest days or for brief periods. If it is running often in milder weather, it typically means the main heat pump is not doing its job correctly. The most common cause for this is a problem that would be caught during a routine maintenance visit. For example, a low refrigerant charge or dirty coils will prevent the heat pump from producing enough heat.

A problem with the outdoor unit’s fan motor or the compressor can also reduce heating output. This will force the thermostat to call on the auxiliary heat to make up the difference. In some cases, the issue could be with the defrost controls. If the heat pump is constantly going into a long defrost cycle, the auxiliary heat will be engaged during that time. An issue with the thermostat itself or a faulty outdoor temperature sensor could also be tricking the system into using the backup heat unnecessarily.

A professional maintenance visit is the best way to diagnose the reason for excessive auxiliary heat usage. Our technicians can test the heat pump’s performance and inspect all the related components. By identifying and fixing the underlying issue, we can restore your heat pump’s performance. This will ensure that the inefficient auxiliary heat is only used when it is absolutely necessary. This can save you a tremendous amount of money on your winter utility

A maintenance plan for a heat pump is one of the best investments a homeowner can make. Because your heat pump is your sole source for both heating and cooling, its year-round reliability is paramount. A maintenance plan ensures your hard-working system gets the annual tune-up it needs to stay reliable in every season. The cost of the plan is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes from knowing you are protected from both summer and winter breakdowns. It is an investment in uninterrupted comfort.

The financial benefits of a maintenance plan are also significant. The plan itself often costs less than a one-time service call. The tune-up keeps your system running at peak efficiency, which lowers your electricity bills every month of the year. Our plan members also receive priority service for any repair calls. If your system does fail, you become our top priority. You will also typically receive discounts on any necessary repairs, saving you even more money. The plan easily pays for itself through savings and benefits.

A heat pump accumulates double the runtime of separate heating and cooling systems. This makes preventative maintenance even more critical for its longevity. A maintenance agreement is the most convenient and affordable way to provide this essential care. We handle the scheduling reminders, and you get the best price and priority service. For a system that you rely on every single day of the year, a maintenance plan is an obvious and intelligent choice.

Skipping annual maintenance on your heat pump is particularly risky because the unit operates year-round. The biggest risk is an increased likelihood of a complete system breakdown. This means you could be left with no air conditioning during a summer heatwave or no heat during a winter cold snap. A neglected system with worn parts and dirty coils is under constant strain, making a failure much more probable. The preventative checks performed during a tune-up are designed to stop this from happening.

Another major risk is significantly higher energy bills. A heat pump that is not maintained will lose its efficiency in both cooling and heating modes. This means you will be paying more for electricity every single month of the year. A dirty system can consume 15 to 25 percent more energy to produce the same amount of comfort. Over time, this wasted money can add up to far more than the cost of the annual maintenance service. You are essentially paying for a tune-up in higher bills but not receiving any of the benefits.

Finally, skipping maintenance will shorten the lifespan of your equipment. A heat pump works twice as hard as a standard air conditioner. The increased runtime puts more wear on the compressor, fan motors, and electrical components. The cleaning, lubrication, and calibration performed during a tune-up help to mitigate this wear and tear. A well-maintained heat pump will last for many more years than one that is neglected. Protecting the lifespan of your expensive equipment is one of the most important reasons to invest in annual service.

Schedule Your Heat Pump Maintenance

Contact SWVA Mechanical today to schedule your essential heat pump maintenance service. Protect your year-round comfort with our comprehensive, professional tune-up.

Book nOw (276) 971-9514
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