(757) 356-4117
Book Online
One System for Heating and Cooling — Built for Virginia’s Climate
Heat pumps are the fastest-growing HVAC technology on the Virginia Peninsula, and for good reason. A single heat pump system heats your home in winter and cools it in summer, using significantly less energy than a traditional furnace-and-AC setup.
Virginia’s moderate climate makes heat pumps an especially smart investment here. Our winters are cold enough to need reliable heating, but rarely drop to the extreme temperatures that challenge heat pump performance. That sweet spot means Peninsula homeowners get year-round comfort from one system with lower operating costs.
Whether you’re considering a heat pump for the first time, need a repair on your current system, or want to keep your equipment running at peak efficiency, Worley’s has the training and experience to help. We’ve been installing and servicing heat pumps across the Peninsula since 2016, and we’re seeing more homeowners make the switch every year — especially with federal tax credits making the upfront cost more affordable than ever.
(757) 356-4117Air-Source Heat Pumps (Ducted)
The most common type on the Peninsula. An air-source heat pump works like a central AC in summer and reverses the process to heat your home in winter. It connects to your existing ductwork and replaces both your AC and furnace with a single system.
Best for: Homes with existing ductwork that want to replace an aging furnace/AC combo with one efficient system.
Typical installed cost: $5,000–$9,000
Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pumps
Mini-splits deliver heating and cooling without ductwork. An outdoor unit connects to one or more wall-mounted indoor units, and each zone has its own thermostat for independent temperature control. We’re proud installers of Mitsubishi Electric systems, which are among the most efficient and reliable on the market.
Best for: Homes without ductwork, room additions, garages, sunrooms, or supplementing central systems in rooms that are hard to keep comfortable.
Typical installed cost: $3,500–$6,500 per zone (outdoor unit + one indoor head)
Geothermal Heat Pumps
Heat Pumps Geothermal systems use the stable temperature underground to heat and cool your home. They’re the most efficient option available — using 25–50% less electricity than air-source systems — but require ground loops to be installed on your property.
Best for: Homeowners planning to stay long-term who want the lowest possible operating costs and are willing to invest more upfront. Particularly effective for larger homes.
Typical installed cost: $15,000–$25,000+ (including ground loop installation)
Learn more on our geothermal heat pumps page
The Benefits of Heat Pump Installation
Versatile Heating and Cooling
Using one unit to cool and heat your home requires half the maintenance cost of having two separate systems
High Efficiency
Heat pumps are 30-40% more efficient than traditional cooling systems, making them an excellent way to save on utility bills
Quiet Comfort
There’s nothing quite so peaceful as a quiet house. Occasional noises from your traditional AC system will be a thing of the past when you switch to super-quiet heat pumps!
In Need of Heat Pump Repair & Maintenance?
Our team at Worley’s is trained to repair just about any system in your home. Want to schedule the next regular maintenance visit so you don’t have to worry about a breakdown? Preventative care is essential in extending the life of your systems, and we’re here to help so you can enjoy years of stress-free cooling.
Experiencing a heat pump breakdown and need repairs ASAP? We offer fast service to keep you covered in case of emergencies so you can enjoy peace of mind.
Ductless Mini-splits
Ductless mini splits are heat pumps that offer all the same efficiency, but they don’t hook up to ductwork so you can put them anywhere! Mini splits also allow for extra versatility with their zoning capabilities. Because each unit operates independently, you can make one bedroom cool and another bedroom super chilly to suit everyone’s personal preferences. Maybe you’re happy with your current cooling system but have struggled with a one or two-room hot spot that you can’t seem to cool. Ductless mini splits are an easy solution, and installation takes an average of a mere 1-2 days, making these a quick and easy upgrade any time of year.
Federal Tax Credits Make Heat Pumps More Affordable
The Inflation Reduction Act provides a federal tax credit of up to $2,000 for qualifying heat pump installations. This applies to both air-source and geothermal heat pump systems that meet the efficiency requirements.
Visit our Rebates & Financing page for current offers and financing options.
What qualifies
Air-source heat pumps must meet CEE Tier 1 or higher efficiency standards (generally SEER2 16+ and HSPF2 9+). Geothermal systems qualify for a separate 30% investment tax credit with no cap.
How it works
The credit is applied when you file your federal taxes. It directly reduces the tax you owe — it’s not a deduction, it’s a dollar-for-dollar credit. A $2,000 credit means $2,000 less in taxes.
Additional savings
Virginia utility companies may offer additional rebates for high-efficiency heat pump installations. These change periodically, so we’ll help you identify what’s currently available during your consultation.
Heat Pump Repair Services
Heat pumps work year-round, which means they accumulate more runtime than systems that only heat or only cool. That additional wear makes timely repairs especially important. Common heat pump problems we fix:
Refrigerant leaks
Low refrigerant reduces both heating and cooling capacity. We locate the leak, repair it, and recharge the system to manufacturer specifications.
Defrost cycle malfunctions
During cold weather, frost can build up on the outdoor unit. The defrost cycle should handle this automatically. When it doesn’t, the unit ices over and loses heating capacity.
Reversing valve failure
The reversing valve switches your heat pump between heating and cooling modes. When it sticks or fails, you may get cooling when you want heat (or vice versa).
Compressor issues
The compressor is the most critical (and expensive) component. We diagnose compressor problems accurately so you know whether repair or replacement makes more financial sense.
Thermostat and control board problems
Modern heat pumps rely on electronic controls to manage staging, defrost cycles, and auxiliary heat. When these fail, the system may run inefficiently or not at all.
Outdoor unit corrosion
Peninsula homes near the coast deal with salt air exposure that corrodes outdoor coils and electrical connections faster than inland homes. Regular maintenance and timely repairs extend your system’s life significantly.
Heat Pump vs. Traditional AC + Furnace
This is the question we hear most from Peninsula homeowners. Here’s the straightforward comparison:
Energy efficiency
Heat pumps win. Because they transfer heat rather than generate it, they use 2–3 times less energy than a gas furnace for heating. In cooling mode, modern heat pumps perform comparably to central AC units.
Operating cost
Heat pumps are typically cheaper to operate year-round on the Peninsula. The savings are especially significant if you’re replacing an older, low-efficiency furnace. However, if you have access to very cheap natural gas, the gap narrows.
Upfront cost
A heat pump system costs roughly the same or slightly more than a comparable AC + furnace combo. However, federal tax credits (up to $2,000 for qualifying systems) can make heat pumps cheaper after incentives.
Performance in cold weather
Modern heat pumps work effectively down to about 25–30°F, and cold-climate models can function well below that. Virginia Peninsula winters rarely challenge these thresholds. For the handful of extremely cold nights, many systems include a backup electric resistance heater that kicks in automatically.
Lifespan
Both options last roughly 15–20 years with proper maintenance. Heat pumps work year-round (heating and cooling), which means more total runtime, but modern compressors are built to handle it.
The bottom line for Virginia Peninsula homeowners
If you’re replacing both your AC and furnace, a heat pump is almost always the smarter choice for our climate. If you’re only replacing your AC and your furnace is relatively new, sticking with the traditional setup may make more sense financially.
We’ll evaluate your specific situation and give you an honest recommendation — we don’t push heat pumps when they don’t make sense for your home.
Heat Pump Maintenance
Because heat pumps run in both heating and cooling seasons, they benefit from twice-yearly maintenance — once in spring and once in fall. Our maintenance visits include:
- Cleaning indoor and outdoor coils
- Checking and adjusting refrigerant charge
- Inspecting and tightening electrical connections
- Testing defrost cycle operation
- Lubricating moving parts
- Checking thermostat calibration
- Inspecting ductwork for leaks (ducted systems)
- Cleaning or replacing filters
- Checking condensate drainage
Proper maintenance keeps your heat pump running at peak efficiency and can extend its lifespan by several years. It also keeps your manufacturer warranty valid — most warranties require proof of annual maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Heat Pumps
Are heat pumps worth it in Virginia?
Yes — Virginia is one of the best climates for heat pumps in the country. Our winters are mild enough that heat pumps operate at high efficiency, and our long, humid summers mean you get maximum cooling value from the same system. Combined with federal tax credits of up to $2,000, heat pumps are a strong financial choice for most Peninsula homeowners.
Do heat pumps work in cold weather?
Modern air-source heat pumps work effectively down to about 25–30°F, and cold-climate models can operate efficiently at even lower temperatures. Virginia Peninsula winters rarely drop below these thresholds for extended periods. For the coldest nights, most systems include backup electric resistance heating that kicks in automatically.
How long do heat pumps last?
With proper maintenance, 15–20 years is typical. Coastal Peninsula homes may see slightly shorter lifespans due to salt air exposure on the outdoor unit. Twice-yearly maintenance is the best way to maximize your system’s life.
What HSPF rating should I look for?
HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) measures heating efficiency. For the Virginia Peninsula climate, we recommend HSPF2 of 9 or higher, which also qualifies for the federal tax credit. Higher HSPF means lower heating costs, but the price premium on the highest-rated units takes longer to recoup in our moderate climate.
Can a heat pump replace my furnace and AC?
Yes — that’s exactly what a heat pump does. It replaces both systems with one unit that heats in winter and cools in summer. You’ll eliminate your furnace entirely (along with its maintenance costs and any gas line expenses).
How much does a heat pump cost to install?
Ducted air-source heat pumps typically run $5,000–$9,000 installed. Ductless mini-splits are $3,500–$6,500 per zone. Geothermal systems start around $15,000. Federal tax credits of up to $2,000 can significantly reduce the net cost. We provide free, detailed estimates.
Will a heat pump lower my energy bills?
In most cases, yes. Heat pumps use 2–3 times less energy for heating than electric resistance heating and are significantly cheaper to operate than oil heat. Compared to natural gas furnaces, the savings depend on local gas and electricity rates, but most Peninsula homeowners see a net reduction in annual heating and cooling costs after switching.
Reviews
I called and was able to get a same day appt. Hunter had a great personality and diagnosed the problem very quickly. Part was ordered, delivered, and unit was back up in less than 2 hours.
Paola Kohrt
From dispatch to the appointment, the experience was smooth and efficient. Noah was on time, professional, knowledgeable and efficient. I would recommend this company to anyone getting work done.
Danielle Price
The team was professional and respectful of the rest of the house. They finished the job on time and kept us in the loop as they progressed through the 3 day job. Great people to work with!
Jim Dress
Appointments
Explore heat pumps for your home’s cooling needs.
Once you call (757) 356-4117 or reach out to us online, you won’t want to call anyone else.