Heat Pump Installation

SWVA Mechanical provides expert heat pump installation in Lebanon, VA, and the surrounding areas. We specialize in these highly efficient, all-in-one heating and cooling solutions.

Book Now Call Now
Book nOw (276) 971-9514

Professional Heat Pump Installation Done Right

A modern heat pump is an incredibly efficient system that provides both heating and air conditioning for your home. This all-in-one solution can significantly reduce your year-round energy costs. To achieve these savings and ensure reliable comfort, a professional installation is absolutely essential. Our certified technicians have the expertise to correctly size, install, and configure your new heat pump system. A proper installation maximizes performance, protects the equipment’s warranty, and ensures safe operation. We are committed to providing a superior installation experience from start to finish. Trust our team to equip your home with this amazing technology.

Book nOw (276) 971-9514
Book Now Call Now

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
google
Shahram Totonchian
May 17, 2025
Douglas Canody
google
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
google
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
google
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
google
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
google
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
google
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
google
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
google
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
google
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
google
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
google
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
google
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
google
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
google
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
google
mountainview retirement
August 7, 2023
Kevin McGlothlin
google
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
google
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
google
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
google
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
google
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
google
April Dawson
September 6, 2019
Sami J.
google
Sami J.
June 3, 2018

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

Heat Pump Installation Service

Understanding how a heat pump works reveals why it is such an efficient choice for your home. Unlike a furnace, a heat pump does not create heat by burning fuel. Instead, it works by moving heat from one place to another. In the summer, it functions just like a standard air conditioner, moving heat from inside your house to the outside. In the winter, the process reverses, and it extracts heat from the outside air and moves it into your home. This process of moving heat is far more energy-efficient than generating it. This makes a heat pump an excellent choice for year-round comfort.

Our installation process always begins with a detailed consultation and professional sizing of the equipment. A heat pump must be correctly sized to handle both the cooling load in the summer and the heating load in the winter. We use industry-standard Manual J load calculations to ensure your new system is a perfect fit for your home. We will also discuss the key efficiency ratings with you. SEER measures cooling efficiency, while HSPF measures heating efficiency. Higher ratings for both mean lower electricity bills. We provide the information you need to select the best system for your needs.

A complete heat pump system consists of several key components that must work together seamlessly. The outdoor unit contains the compressor and the reversing valve, which is the part that allows it to switch between heating and cooling. The indoor unit, called an air handler, contains a coil and the main blower fan. The air handler also contains the system’s supplemental electric heat strips for backup heating. These two units are connected by a set of refrigerant lines. Finally, a special heat pump thermostat controls the entire system’s operation, including the backup heat.

The installation of the outdoor heat pump unit and the indoor air handler is a precise process. Our technicians will set the outdoor unit on a solid, level pad, ensuring it has adequate clearance for airflow. We will then install the indoor air handler, connecting it carefully to your home’s ductwork system. The copper refrigerant lines are run between the two units and brazed with secure, leak-proof connections. All of the high and low-voltage electrical wiring is connected according to strict safety codes. We take pride in our neat and meticulous workmanship at every step of the installation.

A critical component of any heat pump system in our climate is the supplemental electric heat. This is a bank of electric resistance heating coils located inside the indoor air handler. Its purpose is to act as a backup to the main heat pump. When the outdoor temperature gets very cold, typically below freezing, a heat pump’s ability to extract heat from the air diminishes. At this point, the supplemental heat, also called auxiliary heat, will automatically turn on to help keep your home warm. It also activates during the heat pump’s defrost cycle. This feature ensures your comfort on even the coldest winter days.

A heat pump requires a specific type of thermostat that can manage its unique functions. A standard thermostat cannot control the reversing valve or the supplemental heat strips. Our technicians will install a new heat pump compatible thermostat and configure it correctly. This includes setting the “lockout temperature,” which tells the thermostat at what outdoor temperature it should rely on the auxiliary heat. Proper configuration of the thermostat is essential to balance comfort and efficiency. It ensures the expensive-to-run auxiliary heat is only used when absolutely necessary.

Before we finish, we conduct a thorough system commissioning to verify a perfect installation. We will test the system in all of its operational modes. This includes cooling mode, heat pump heating mode, and the emergency or auxiliary heat mode. Our technicians will measure the system’s refrigerant charge to ensure it matches the manufacturer’s exact specifications. We also check airflow and measure the temperature difference between the supply and return air. This final quality check guarantees your new heat pump is operating at peak performance and efficiency.

Book nOw (276) 971-9514
Book Now Call Now

Emergency Heat Pump Installation Near You

When your home’s primary heating and cooling system fails, you need a replacement solution fast. This is especially true for an all-in-one system like a heat pump, as a failure means losing both heating and cooling. SWVA Mechanical offers emergency heat pump installation services to address these urgent situations. We understand the need for a rapid response to restore comfort and safety to your home. Our team will work quickly and efficiently to get your new, reliable heat pump system installed. You can count on us for a fast turnaround when you need it most.

Book nOw (276) 971-9514
Book Now Call Now
Services Offered
Client Satisfaction
Units Installed
Service Calls Completed

Most Common Heat Pump Installation Questions

A heat pump is a highly efficient, all-in-one comfort technology. As it provides both heating and cooling, homeowners often have specific questions about how it works. We have answered some of the most common heat pump installation questions below.

The easiest way to think about a heat pump is as an air conditioner that can also run in reverse. An air conditioner has one job: to cool your home by absorbing heat from your indoor air and moving it outside. A heat pump does this exact same job in the summer. The difference is that a heat pump contains a special component called a reversing valve. This valve allows the system to reverse the flow of refrigerant in the winter. This lets the unit absorb heat from the outdoor air and move it inside to heat your home.

So, while an air conditioner only provides cooling, a heat pump provides both cooling and heating. This makes it an incredibly versatile and efficient all-in-one solution for your home’s year-round comfort. The outdoor unit may look nearly identical to a standard air conditioner, but its ability to provide heat is what sets it apart. This two-way operation is what makes it such a popular choice for climates like ours in Virginia. It is two systems combined into one piece of equipment.

The technology behind this process is quite remarkable. Even when it feels cold outside, there is still a significant amount of thermal energy present in the air. A heat pump is designed to capture this ambient heat and concentrate it to warm your home. It only begins to struggle when the outdoor temperature drops to very low levels, near or below freezing. At that point, it relies on a backup heat source to maintain your home’s temperature.

SEER and HSPF are the two most important efficiency ratings for a heat pump system. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This rating measures the cooling efficiency of the heat pump when it is operating like an air conditioner in the summer. The higher the SEER number, the more energy-efficient the unit is at cooling your home. A higher SEER rating means the unit uses less electricity to produce the same amount of cooling, which translates to lower summer utility bills. All new heat pumps must meet a minimum SEER rating.

HSPF stands for Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. This rating measures the heating efficiency of the heat pump during the winter heating season. Similar to SEER, a higher HSPF number indicates a more efficient heating performance. A heat pump with a high HSPF rating will use less electricity to extract heat from the outside air and move it into your home. This results in lower heating bills throughout the fall and winter months. Choosing a unit with a high HSPF is very important in our climate.

When you are selecting a new heat pump, you should look for high numbers for both SEER and HSPF. These two ratings together give you a complete picture of the unit’s year-round energy efficiency. While high-efficiency models may have a greater upfront cost, the long-term savings on your electricity bills can be substantial. Our experts at SWVA Mechanical can help you understand these ratings and choose a unit that offers the best value for your home.

Yes, modern heat pumps are very effective and an excellent choice for Virginia winters. Heat pump technology has advanced significantly in recent years. New models, especially those with variable-speed compressors, are able to extract heat from the air even when the outdoor temperature is quite low. For the majority of a typical winter in Lebanon, a high-efficiency heat pump can handle your home’s entire heating load on its own. It is a very efficient primary heat source for our climate, saving you money compared to other heating methods.

It is true that as the outdoor temperature drops, especially below freezing, a heat pump’s ability to extract heat from the air decreases. At a certain point, it becomes less efficient and may struggle to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. This is why all heat pump systems installed in our region include a built-in backup heating source. This backup source is typically a bank of electric resistance heat strips located in the indoor air handler. This auxiliary heat works with the heat pump to ensure your home stays warm on even the coldest days.

This combination provides reliable comfort throughout the entire winter. The highly efficient heat pump does the vast majority of the work. The powerful auxiliary heat is there to automatically provide a boost only when it is needed. This two-stage approach ensures you benefit from the heat pump’s efficiency for most of the season. You also have the peace of mind of having a robust backup system for the coldest nights. It is a system perfectly suited to our climate.

Auxiliary heat is the secondary, or backup, heating source that is built into a heat pump system. In most standard heat pump installations, this takes the form of electric resistance heat strips. These are powerful heating elements, similar to the coils in an electric oven or toaster, that are located inside the indoor air handler. The sole purpose of this auxiliary heat, often abbreviated as “AUX heat,” is to supplement the heat pump when it cannot keep up on its own. It provides an extra boost of heat to keep your home comfortable.

Your heat pump’s smart thermostat will automatically decide when to turn on the auxiliary heat. This typically happens in two situations. The first and most common situation is when the outdoor temperature drops below a pre-set point, often between 25 and 35 degrees Fahrenheit. At these low temperatures, the thermostat knows the heat pump will struggle, so it engages the auxiliary heat to help it. The second situation is when the heat pump goes into its “defrost mode” on a cold, damp day, which it must do periodically to melt ice off the outdoor coils.

The thermostat may also turn on the auxiliary heat if you manually raise the temperature setting by more than a couple of degrees at once. The system interprets this as a demand for a rapid increase in heat and will use the auxiliary strips to achieve it faster. It is important to know that this auxiliary heat is much less efficient than the heat pump itself. The goal is to have a properly sized and installed system that relies on the auxiliary heat as little as possible.

Yes, running the auxiliary electric heat in a heat pump system can be very expensive. Electric resistance heating is one of the least efficient ways to heat a home. It works by converting electricity directly into heat, which consumes a large amount of power. In fact, running the auxiliary heat strips can use three to four times more electricity than running the heat pump’s compressor. For this reason, you want to minimize its use as much as possible to keep your winter electricity bills low. A heat pump’s efficiency advantage is lost whenever the auxiliary heat is running.

The goal of a professional heat pump installation is to size and configure the system so that the primary heat pump can handle the heating load for most of the winter. The auxiliary heat should only need to engage on the very coldest days of the year or for short periods during defrost cycles. If you find that your auxiliary heat is running frequently even on milder days, it could be a sign of a problem. This could indicate that the heat pump is improperly sized, low on refrigerant, or that the thermostat is not configured correctly.

While it is expensive to run, having auxiliary heat is a necessary feature for a heat pump in our climate. It provides a crucial safety net to ensure your home always stays warm, even if the outdoor temperature plummets to single digits. It is the component that makes a heat pump a reliable year-round solution for Virginia. The key is to view it as an emergency or supplemental source, not a primary one. Proper system design is essential to control its use.

Under no circumstances should you ever attempt to install a heat pump yourself. This is a highly complex job that requires specialized tools, certifications, and a deep understanding of both high-voltage electricity and high-pressure refrigeration systems. The risks of a DIY installation are immense and can lead to serious injury, major property damage, or a poorly performing system. A licensed professional has the training to handle these dangerous components safely and correctly. Your safety and the safety of your home are the most important reasons to hire a professional.

One of the greatest dangers is working with the system’s electrical components. A heat pump requires a dedicated high-voltage circuit. An incorrect electrical connection can result in electrocution or create a serious fire hazard. The other major hazard is handling refrigerant. Refrigerant is under high pressure and can cause severe frostbite if it comes into contact with skin. It is also illegal for uncertified individuals to handle or release refrigerant into the atmosphere. Our technicians are EPA certified to handle these substances safely and responsibly.

Beyond the safety risks, a DIY installation will void your new equipment’s warranty. Manufacturers require proof of installation by a licensed contractor. You also lack the expensive, specialized tools needed to properly braze the refrigerant lines, pull a vacuum on the system, and charge it with the precise amount of refrigerant. An incorrect refrigerant charge is the number one cause of inefficiency and premature failure in new systems. Please leave this complex job to the trained experts at SWVA Mechanical.

A standard heat pump installation, which includes replacing both the outdoor unit and the indoor air handler, is typically a full-day job. Most straightforward replacement projects take our skilled technicians between six and ten hours to complete. We will usually arrive in the morning and aim to have your new system fully operational by the end of the day. Our team works efficiently and coordinates their tasks to ensure a smooth and timely process. We understand that being without heating or cooling is an inconvenience and we work hard to minimize that time.

The project timeline can be longer if the installation is more complex. For example, if significant modifications to your home’s existing ductwork are required, this will add time to the job. The same is true if the electrical service to the unit needs to be upgraded. The location and accessibility of the indoor and outdoor units can also play a role. An air handler located in a tight attic or crawlspace will naturally take more time to install than one in an open basement. Our lead technician will provide you with a clear timeline after assessing your specific situation.

Our primary focus is always on the quality and precision of the installation, not just the speed. We take the necessary time to ensure every connection is perfect, the system is charged correctly, and all safety checks are performed. Rushing through a heat pump installation can lead to refrigerant leaks, electrical problems, and poor performance down the road. You can be confident that our team will dedicate the proper amount of time to ensure your new system is installed flawlessly for years of reliable comfort.

It is always highly recommended that you replace the entire heat pump system, both the indoor air handler and the outdoor unit, at the same time. These two components are designed by the manufacturer to work together as a “matched system.” The efficiency ratings advertised for the equipment, such as the SEER and HSPF ratings, are based on the performance of that specific matched pair. If you install a new, high-efficiency outdoor unit but connect it to an old, inefficient indoor air handler, you will not achieve the rated efficiency.

A mismatched system will be less efficient and will cost you more to operate in both the summer and winter. The older indoor unit may not have a blower motor that can provide the correct airflow for the new outdoor unit. This can put a strain on the entire system and lead to premature component failure. Furthermore, the indoor coil and the outdoor coil must be compatible to work with modern refrigerants. By replacing only half the system, you are creating an unbalanced and inefficient setup that compromises the performance of your new equipment.

When you invest in a new, complete matched system, you are getting a system that is guaranteed to perform at its best. Both the indoor and outdoor units will be new and starting their service life at the same time. The entire system will also be covered by a new manufacturer’s warranty. While it may seem tempting to save money by only replacing the outdoor unit, it is a poor long-term decision. It will cost you more in energy bills and will likely lead to reliability issues.

Free Estimate for Heat Pump Installation

Contact SWVA Mechanical today for a free, no-obligation estimate on a new heat pump installation. Experience highly efficient heating and cooling in one system for your Lebanon home.

Book nOw (276) 971-9514
Book Now Call Now