Heating FAQs

Have questions about your heating system? You’re in the right place. The team at Best Virginia Heating & Cooling has answered just about every heating question a homeowner can throw at us, and we’ve put the most common ones right here so you can get the information you need fast. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, give us a call, and we’ll be happy to help.

Does Best Virginia Specialize in Heat Pump Services?

Yes. Heat pumps are one of our areas of focus, and for good reason. They’re one of the most efficient heating and cooling options available, and they’ve become increasingly popular in the Hurricane, WV area, where winters are cold but not always extreme enough to rule them out as a primary heating source. Our technicians are trained and experienced in heat pump installation, maintenance, and repair, so whether you already have one or are thinking about making the switch, we’re a good team to have in your corner.

How Long Does a Furnace Typically Last?

Most furnaces are built to last between 15 and 20 years when they’re properly maintained. That said, how long your specific furnace lasts depends on factors like the brand, how hard it’s had to work over the years, and whether it’s received regular tune-ups. Furnaces that have been neglected or that have been running in a home with poor air filtration tend to wear out faster. If your furnace is getting close to that 15-year mark and you’re starting to see more frequent repair needs, it’s worth having a technician take a look and give you an honest assessment of where things stand.

Does Best Virginia Offer a Furnace Maintenance Program?

Yes. Best Virginia offers Family Plan Memberships that include regular maintenance for your heating system. Routine maintenance is one of the best things you can do to extend the life of your furnace, keep your energy bills in check, and catch small problems before they turn into expensive repairs. Members also receive added perks like priority scheduling and other benefits designed to make home comfort a little easier to manage throughout the year.

Is a Heat Pump Effective in Cold Weather?

Yes, modern heat pumps handle cold weather much better than older models did. Today’s heat pumps are designed to work efficiently even when temperatures drop well below freezing. That said, in areas like Hurricane, WV, where temperatures can dip into the teens during January and February, many homeowners choose a dual-fuel system that pairs a heat pump with a gas furnace. This setup lets the heat pump handle most of the work during milder temperatures and switches to the furnace when it gets really cold, giving you the best of both systems.

Why Is My Heat Pump Running Constantly?

A heat pump that runs all the time isn’t always a sign that something is wrong. Unlike furnaces that cycle on and off quickly, heat pumps are designed to run in longer, steadier cycles to maintain your set temperature. During very cold weather, it’s normal for a heat pump to run almost continuously. However, if your heat pump is running nonstop without actually keeping your home warm, that’s worth looking into. Possible causes include a refrigerant issue, a dirty air filter, problems with the reversing valve, or a system that’s undersized for your home. A technician can quickly narrow down the cause and get things back on track.

What Heating System Brands Does Best Virginia Work With?

We work with Rheem, Lennox, Carrier, and all standard heating brands. No matter what make or model is currently installed in your home, our technicians can service, repair, and maintain it. If you’re in the market for a new system, we can walk you through the options and help you find something that fits your home, your budget, and the specific demands of heating a home in the Hurricane, WV area.

Is Best Virginia NATE Certified for Heating Services?

Yes. Our technicians hold NATE certification, which stands for North American Technician Excellence. It’s the industry’s most respected third-party certification and requires passing rigorous exams that test real technical knowledge. When a Best Virginia technician is working on your heating system, you can trust that they have the training and expertise to do the job right.

Why Is My Heating Bill So High This Winter?

A spike in your heating bill usually points to one of a few things. Some of the most common causes include:

A dirty or clogged air filter forcing your system to work harder than it should
An aging system that’s losing efficiency over time
Air leaks around windows, doors, or ductwork letting heat escape
A thermostat that isn’t calibrated correctly or is set higher than you realize
A system that hasn’t been maintained recently and isn’t running at peak performance

West Virginia winters can be unpredictable, and a stretch of particularly cold weather will naturally push your bill higher. But if the increase seems out of proportion to the temperatures outside, it’s a good idea to have your system checked. A tune-up can often make a noticeable difference in how efficiently your equipment runs.

What Does It Mean if My Heat Pump Is in Defrost Mode?

Defrost mode is completely normal and nothing to worry about on its own. When outdoor temperatures drop and moisture in the air freezes on the outdoor coil, your heat pump needs to briefly reverse its cycle to melt that frost and keep running efficiently. During defrost mode, you may notice steam rising from the outdoor unit, the system temporarily blowing cooler air, or the outdoor fan stopping for a short period. This usually lasts just a few minutes. If your heat pump seems to be stuck in defrost mode for extended periods or is icing over completely and not clearing, that’s a sign something may be off, and a technician should take a look.

Should I Cover My Outdoor Heat Pump in Winter?

No. You should not cover your outdoor heat pump unit during winter. Unlike a central air conditioner that sits dormant all season, a heat pump runs year-round and needs airflow to operate. Covering it can block airflow, trap moisture, and actually cause more damage than it prevents. Heat pumps are designed to handle rain, snow, and cold temperatures on their own. If you’re concerned about ice buildup, that’s what defrost mode is for. If ice is building up in a way that doesn’t clear on its own, that’s a service issue rather than a weatherproofing issue.

Why Choose Best Virginia for All Your Heating Needs Near Hurricane, WV

When it comes to heating your home in Hurricane, WV, you want a team that knows the local climate and understands what your system has to go through each winter. At Best Virginia Heating & Cooling, we’re a family-run company that’s been serving this community with one goal in mind: only the best for your family.

Here’s what sets us apart:

We provide emergency heating services so you’re never left out in the cold when your system goes down at the worst possible time.
We offer family-friendly service backed by a genuine commitment to the people and communities we work in every day.
We deliver heating installations that are custom-fitted to your home’s size, layout, and comfort needs.
We provide financing options and Family Plan Memberships, so staying warm doesn’t have to strain your budget.
We back our work with a 10-Year Warranty because we stand behind what we install and how we install it.
We bring NATE-certified expertise and hands-on knowledge of the heating challenges specific to the Hurricane, WV area.

If your heating system needs attention or you’re ready to explore your options for a new one, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to Best Virginia Heating & Cooling, and let’s talk about keeping your home warm this winter and every winter after that.