Category Archives: Heat Pump Services

Five Signs You Need to Replace Your Heat Pump this Winter

Making sure your home is properly heated this winter is very important to keeping you and your family comfortable and stress-free this holiday season. By simply replacing your older heat pump system, you will inevitably save more money and energy, and have more time to focus on other priorities. Periodical heating system inspections and replacements done by a professional can ensure that you have the most up to date and efficient system possible.

R.A. Dobson is a heating, air conditioning, and plumbing company in Sterling, VA that is dedicated to keeping residents in the Northern Virginia area comfortable in their homes through each season. For over 40 years, our team has provided the latest heating and AC technology to homeowners at a reasonable price. We offer reliable heat pump installation and repairs as well as many other services that will help keep your home running efficiently throughout the colder months. Below we have provided five common signs you need a heat pump replacement.

1. Increased Energy Bills

If you see an increase in your energy bill without making changes to your current appliances, then it may be a good idea to get your heat pump inspected or replaced altogether. When your heating system isn’t working efficiently, then it will have to work harder and will cause your home to use more energy. This can be easily prevented by having a professional heating company inspect it regularly.

2. More Repairs

When you have to continuously call a heating repair company to fix your heat pump only to have it break down again a couple months later, then it might be time for a new system. This constant cycle of inefficiency is common with many different types of home appliances when consistent inspections aren’t implemented. Scheduling heating inspections on a regular basis will keep your system running longer, save you more money, and time in the long run.

3. Inconsistent Heat Pump Settings

Have you ever experienced turning the heat up in your home but it still feels cold? It could be a sign that your heating system isn’t correctly connected or in sync with the functions you set it to. When your heat pump isn’t performing efficiently, it could cause major problems for your family and budget this winter.

4. Constant or Noisy Operation

It is common for a heat pump to make noises as it fluctuates according to the temperature in your home. It is also one of the first signs that reveals major issues with your heating system. If your system is making any noises that are out of the ordinary, than it may be time to call a heating repair company to fix it.

5. Excess Moisture

Small amounts of water or condensation dripping on the outside of your unit is completely normal, but if you notice more moisture forming inside the house, then it could be a sign that something is wrong with your unit. Whether your heat pump is leaking or you’ve noticed higher levels of condensation developing on windows, then calling a professional heating repair specialist is the safest option as the liquids contained within a heat pump can cause health risks if not handled properly.

Choose R.A. Dobson for Your Next Heat Pump Installation in Northern VA!

With the colder temperatures we are experiencing this fall, we can anticipate that this coming winter season may be even colder! Don’t add an old and broken heat pump to your list of worries over the holidays. Let a trusted heat pump repair company in Northern Virginia keep your appliances up to date and strong enough to withstand the weather extremes of the seasons. You can rely on the years of experience R.A. Dobson in Sterling, VA has to take care of all your heat pump repair needs.

If your heat pump is in need of an inspection or replacement installation update, contact us at 703-481-3700 for more information. Don’t wait winter is just around the corner!

Time for a New Heating System? Heat Pumps vs. Furnaces

Should you have a heat pump or furnace installed in your Northern VA home?

You may know that a furnace blows heat throughout your home, but do you know what really happens? Understanding the basics of how your furnace works will help you make an informed decision between whether to invest in a heat pump or furnace installation for your home in Northern Virginia.

 

Difference between a Heat Pump and Furnace

A Furnace is more often chosen where there are natural gas lines. Natural gas is one of the cleanest fossil fuels and is very efficient when it combusts to produce heat for your home.

The furnace turns on when signaled by a low temperature in your home. A valve opens in your furnace that allows natural gas to light burners. Once the air is hot enough, blower fans turn on sending the warm air throughout your air ducts. The gases used in this combustion process are vented to the outdoors.

Unlike a furnace, a heat pump relies on electricity and works in conjunction with your Air Conditioner year-round. A heat pump moves warm air from outside into your home in the winter and transfers heat from your home to the outdoors in the summer. Since it is moving heat around and not creating heat it uses less energy overall. Refrigerant in the compressor helps absorb and release heat as it transfers between the outdoors and your home.

 

New Furnace Installation vs. Heat Pump Installation Northern VA

If a heat pump sounds like a lucrative option, consider whether you want to use alternative method of heating when temperatures fall below freezing. The heat pump is not as energy-efficient during the coldest days of Northern Virginia winters. While your gas bill may seem high in the winter, electricity can be more expensive than natural gas. Newer furnaces are more efficient than old ones. Unlike a heat pump, it is only used in the winter, so will likely not need to perform maintenance as often.

If you do not already have gas lines leading to your home, installing a heat pump may make more sense. Northern Virginia is generally a mild climate, so a heat pump installation will help reduce costs for the majority of the year. There are supplemental heating sources available for those few times the temperature falls below freezing.

If you are replacing your AC as well, it’s a great time to see what alternatives and complimentary heat pumps are available. A heat pump installation generally costs less than a whole furnace installation, but again, it varies depending on the specs and your current home set-up. Also, once your heat pump is installed, it is a lot less noisy than a roaring furnace.

 

Heat Pump & Furnace Installation in Northern VA

R.A. Dobson has been proudly serving Northern Virginia with Furnace and Heat pump repairs and installations since 1975. As a family run company, we believe in the offering quality products at affordable prices. We not only honor all manufacturer warranties but add-on our own 1-year service warranty.

Contact us online or call us at (703) 982 -0111 today for a Free Quote!

Sterling Virginia Heath Pump Installation

Signs Your Heat Pump Needs Replacement

Winter is on its way, and many Northern Virginia homeowners will be turning on the heat in their homes. A heating system relies on proper maintenance, repair, and replacement (when necessary) for the whole system to run efficiently, save you money, and keep you warm.

A heat pump is a vital part of your HVAC system, and moves hot air into your home during the winter and removes unwanted hot air in the summer. Here are some common signs that it’s time for a new heat pump installation or heat pump repair:

 

1. Increase in Energy Expenses

Nobody likes a price spike. One of the tell-tale signs your heat pump is getting old or losing its efficiency is shown in your monthly energy bill. If your usage has not changed that much, yet the amount you are paying has increased, it may be time to consider heat pump repair service in Northern VA. Since usage may vary month to month, compare your bill this winter season to last year’s winter months.

 

2. Repetitive Repairs

Heat pumps generally need maintenance or fixing every few years, but if you find you’re calling for heat pump repair more than once a year, it’s a sign that the parts are wearing out. Planning your heat pump replacement now before you’re left without heat in the middle of a winter storm will ensure you and your family stay warm and comfortable.

 

3. Strange Sounds

Unusual noises are powerful indicators of things going wrong. Just like in a car, hearing a screeching, whining, or clanking noise while your unit is running is a big red flag, and you should get your system checked right away. Putting it off is not only noisy, but can lead to further damage and increase your total energy bill. Replacing your old noisy unit with a new model is the best way to ensure your unit’s functionality and energy efficiency.

 

4. New Technology

When was your heat pump installed? If you cannot remember, or if your heat pump is several years old, it may be time for an upgrade. HVAC technology and equipment has improved greatly improved over the years . A new heat pump can increase efficiency and provide long term energy savings. R.A. Dobson’s Infinity and Performance ™ heat pump installations are designed to help regulate household temperature in both the summer and winter. Many of these updated systems are designed to be reliable and affordable.

Call R.A. Dobson for Heat Pump Installation, Repair, and Replacement!

Serving Northern VA for over 40 years, we offer a 1-year warranty and top of the line energy efficient heating and air conditioning technology. Our selection of High SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rated heat pumps are quiet and will optimize your current HVAC system and provide long-term savings.

Keep your peace of mind as winter rolls through Northern VA with a working heat pump. If you’re in need of a reliable, experienced, family-run business for your heat pump repair or installation in Northern VA, call R.A. Dobson today at (703) 982-0111.