Atlantic Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Inc. Blog: Archive for the ‘Heat Pumps’ Category

Is Your Heat Pump Ready for Summer? Common Repair Issues Delaware Homeowners Face in June

Monday, June 23rd, 2025

Summer in Delaware brings more than just sunshine and longer days. Iit also means increased humidity and a heavy workload for your heat pump. While heat pumps are designed to provide year-round comfort, they can face serious strain during the hot, muggy days of June and July. Without proper care and timely attention, small problems can escalate into costly breakdowns at the worst possible time.

If your heat pump hasn’t had a recent inspection, now is the perfect time to get ahead of potential issues. Here are some of the most common problems we see in Delaware homes every June, and why you should act before they lead to bigger trouble and major heat pump repair in Sussex County, DE.

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A Ductless Heat Pump Can Help with Supplemental Heat, Too!

Monday, January 27th, 2025
person-adjusting-heat-pump-thermostat-with-a-remote

People often think of a heat pump as a newfangled replacement or upgrade for an air conditioner. And indeed, they are excellent at cooling your home all summer long. But that’s not all they can do! Heat pumps can carry heat in either direction — out of your home or into it. 

While a heat pump will work just fine with a central, ducted system, they’re also often used with ductless systems, which are sometimes called mini splits. Again, these are commonly associated with cooling. But they can do more than that. A ductless heat pump can provide much of the heat you need at an extraordinarily high level of efficiency, cutting your bills and keeping you cozy. Here’s how.

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4 Signs That Your Heat Pump Needs Repair

Monday, June 17th, 2024
Smiling family sitting on front porch steps of their home, ideal for heat pump repair service context.

There are four common signs that can point to problems happening inside of your heat pump. Although the signs are a great way to identify that something is wrong inside of your unit, the signs may not pinpoint the exact issue. Instead of trying to come up with a DIY solution or figure out the problem yourself, we encourage you to give our team a call and schedule an appointment for heat pump repair in Sussex County, DE.

You can keep reading to learn more about the four common signs that can indicate trouble inside of your heat pump. Noticing any of these signs means that you need to schedule service sooner rather than later so you can address issues before they cause your heat pump to break down completely.

What are the signs that your heat pump needs repair?

Common signs your heat pump needs repair include weak airflow or no cool air, unusual odors coming from the unit, visible water or refrigerant leaks, and a sudden increase in energy bills. These symptoms often signal underlying issues that require professional service.

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This Problem Could Mean You Need to Replace Your Heat Pump

Monday, August 28th, 2023

Heat pumps offer great longevity, energy efficiency, and even save you money on a day-to-day basis whether you’re heating your home or cooling it. They’re powerful machines, but much like air conditioners, there’s a part of them that’s been outmoded to the point that you might have to replace yours.

We’ve handled a lot of heat pump replacement in Sussex County, DE already, and we’ve seen this problem pop up time and time again. Let’s talk about the one repair that your heat pump may not be able to come back from.

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Telltale Signs Your Heat Pump Needs to Be Replaced ASAP

Monday, January 16th, 2023
Heat-pumps

Heat pumps are just like any other piece of HVAC equipment: they’re only as good as their condition. While they often pose benefits over traditional HVAC systems, they’re not without faults. Your heat pump can give off five major telltale sings that it has one foot in the grave.

You may need heat pump replacement in Sussex County, DE, but before you jump to conclusions, let’s see if your heat pump encounters the problems we’ve listed below.

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Is a Heat Pump a Good Choice for My Home?

Monday, September 12th, 2022
Heat pump repair icon showing half sun and half snowflake in a circular design.

If you’re asking this question, it’s probably because you’re looking at upgrading either your air conditioning system at the end of the summer or your heating system before the winter cold arrives. (As we’ll soon explain, we hope it’s both.) Although heat pumps aren’t new technology, they’ve only started to recently rise in popularity for homes, and we think this is a great trend. There are plenty of advantages to using heat pumps in Sussex County, DE. Atlantic Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Inc. has extensive experience serving both residential homes and commercial businesses, making us a trusted choice for a wide range of customers who need service immediately.

Atlantic Refrigeration maintains high customer satisfaction with a 4.8-star rating across nearly 800 Google reviews and has received multiple 5-star reviews from satisfied customers.

But you want to know if a heat pump is specifically right for your house. The best way to answer that is to work with our HVAC specialists, like our favorite technician Tim, who is known for his trustworthiness, friendliness, and expertise. Many customers request Tim for his reliable and knowledgeable service. Our staff are knowledgeable service techs who are super nice, professional, polite, and have the training needed to ensure your satisfaction. Each service person is committed to providing professional, friendly, and personalized care to every customer.

We can provide you with some important general information about heat pumps below to help guide you—but eventually you’ll want to talk to professionals.

Why is heat pump repair important for long-term performance?

Regular heat pump repair is essential to maintain energy efficiency, prevent unexpected breakdowns, and extend the lifespan of your system. Timely repairs ensure your heat pump continues to deliver reliable heating and cooling year-round, making it a smart long-term choice for home comfort.

Introduction to Heat Pumps and Air Conditioning

At Atlantic Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Inc., we know that comfort, efficiency, and reliability are essential for every home and business. Serving Delaware, Maryland, and the greater Philadelphia area, our company has built a reputation for delivering top-notch air conditioning, heating, and plumbing services with a focus on quality and customer satisfaction. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your cooling system, improve your indoor air quality, or need prompt service for a repair, our knowledgeable and detail-minded team is here to help.

Atlantic Refrigeration was founded in 1984 by Dave Jones and has been serving Delaware and Maryland for over 30 years, as well as the Dover area for over 40 years, primarily from its office headquarters in Lewes, Delaware. In February 2022, ownership transitioned to long-time employees Jamie Nickerson and Connor Jones, continuing the company’s legacy of trusted service.

Our experienced technicians are trained to handle everything from air conditioning installations and heat pump repairs to comprehensive HVAC cleaning and maintenance. We take pride in offering first-class service at reasonable prices, and our customers appreciate the ability to request their favorite technician—like Tim or members of the Dylan Spot team—for every visit. With Atlantic Refrigeration Air Conditioning, you can expect responsible, responsive service and honest, trustworthy advice on every job. The company expanded from 30 employees in 2013 to over 60 by 2023.

In addition to our expertise in air conditioning and heat pumps, we provide a full range of plumbing services, including installations, repairs, and replacements. Our team is equipped to handle everything from fixing leaks to winterizing outdoor shoots, ensuring your plumbing system is ready for any season. We also offer advanced indoor air quality solutions, such as air purification and ventilation systems, to help you breathe easier at home or in your business. Our HVAC product offerings include geothermal heating and air conditioning systems, ductless heating and cooling units, indoor air quality systems like air filters, air purifiers, and humidifiers, as well as energy and heat recovery ventilators. We also provide commercial refrigeration services, including ice machines and server room cooling. Water heater services are available for tank, tankless, and heat pump water heater installation and service.

As a leading provider in the industry, Atlantic Refrigeration Air Conditioning Inc. guarantees the finest service for both residential and commercial customers. We are a Trane Comfort Specialist Dealer, a Mitsubishi Diamond Dealer, and a NATE participating contractor, with certifications from major brands like Trane and Mitsubishi, and NATE-certified technicians. We also provide 24/7 emergency service availability. We stand behind our work with a satisfaction guarantee, and our commitment to professionalism and education means you’ll always receive the highest level of expertise. Whether you need a new Mitsubishi split unit installed, routine maintenance for your car garage, or emergency repairs for your ice machines, our team is ready to deliver outstanding results.

We highly recommend HVAC cleaning as part of your regular maintenance routine to ensure optimal system performance and indoor air quality. We encourage you to sign up for a maintenance plan, which helps your HVAC systems last longer and run at their highest energy efficiency. Maintenance plans often include membership perks such as priority scheduling and discounts on parts and labor. Regular maintenance is one of the best steps to ensure HVAC equipment continues to work effectively year after year.

Experience the Atlantic difference—contact us today to schedule your appointment and discover why so many customers highly recommend our HVAC cleaning, air conditioning Atlantic Refrigeration, and plumbing services. We take pride in your comfort and are dedicated to providing the best in class service for every system, every time. Atlantic Refrigeration offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

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There’s Smoke Coming From My Heat Pump! What’s Wrong?

Monday, February 1st, 2021
steam-rising-from-ground

Yes, this sounds alarming. You don’t want to see smoke coming off of any mechanical appliance for your home (well, except for a barbecue). It usually indicates a fire has started in the machine, and that’s a serious emergency.

So if you looked out the window on a cold day while your heat pump was running and saw big clouds of smoke billowing off it, we wouldn’t blame you for getting panicked and wondering who you need to call to get something done about it. You may be even thinking about calling the fire department.

Well, we’re glad we caught you in time. Although we can’t 100% guarantee that your heat pump hasn’t caught fire and is belching out smoke, we think we can say with about 99% certainty that what’s happening is normal and not harmful.

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Should You Replace an Old AC With a Heat Pump?

Monday, September 28th, 2020
Outdoor heat pump unit next to house with garden, ideal for heat pump repair service.

You’ve come to the end of regular air conditioning maintenance and AC repair in Delaware for your home comfort system. The air conditioner is at the close of its service life and it’s time to schedule a replacement. All ACs eventually get there—the important part is deciding what to replace yours with.

“Well, that’s easy,” you say. “Another central air conditioner!”

Of course, that is one option, and it may be the best option. But it isn’t the only one. You might want to consider a heat pump.  For homeowners exploring their options, this breakdown of whether ductless AC is worth it can also be helpful, especially if you’re seeking flexible and efficient alternatives.

When should you repair or replace your heat pump?

You should consider heat pump repair if the system is under 10 years old, has minor issues, or the repair cost is low. However, if your heat pump is over 10–15 years old, frequently breaks down, or has rising energy bills, replacement may be the more cost-effective choice.

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The Benefits of a Heat Pump

Sunday, August 14th, 2016

Late summer is usually the time when older air conditioners start to buckle under the strain of months of daily use. It’s also the time when homeowners here in Seaford, DE look ahead to the winter and determine if they need to improve their heating system. If you’re in either of these camps, we’d suggest taking a good look at a heat pump system for your home. It’s a unique way to provide excellent heating and cooling in one unit, and depending upon the nature of your home may be just what you’re looking for.

When considering a heat pump, it’s important to note the number of advantages and options available, making heat pumps a versatile and beneficial choice for many homeowners. Here’s how they work.

What are the benefits of getting your heat pump repaired?

Repairing your heat pump restores efficient heating and cooling, prevents costly breakdowns, and helps extend the life of your system. Timely repairs can lower energy bills, improve indoor comfort, and ensure your heat pump performs reliably through every season.

Introduction to Energy-Efficient Heating

As the winter season approaches in Dover, DE, keeping your home warm and comfortable while managing energy costs is a top priority for many homeowners. Investing in energy-efficient heating solutions is one of the best ways to ensure your house stays cozy without breaking the bank. At Atlantic Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Inc. our team of licensed technicians is dedicated to providing a full range of HVAC services, from air conditioning repair and maintenance to expert installation of heating systems and cooling solutions.

Heat pumps are an increasingly popular choice for homeowners in Dover, DE, thanks to their ability to efficiently transfer heat from the outside air into your home. This technology not only keeps your living space warm during the winter but also serves as an effective cooling system in the summer, making it a versatile and cost-effective option. Our experienced team at Atlantic Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Inc. specializes in the installation, repair, and maintenance of heat pumps, as well as other HVAC systems like gas furnaces and air conditioners, ensuring you have access to the most efficient solutions available. Seasonal maintenance, diagnostics, and repair services for gas furnaces are essential for reliable performance, and we offer emergency support for homeowners in Dover, DE to address urgent gas furnace issues quickly.

Maintaining your HVAC system is essential for maximizing energy efficiency and preventing common issues such as refrigerant leaks, strange noises, or unexpected breakdowns. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help reduce your energy bills, extend the lifespan of your equipment, and keep your home comfortable year-round. Choosing a company that offers annual maintenance plans helps prevent future breakdowns and ensures warranty validity. Our technicians offer a comprehensive range of services, including system tune-ups, replacement services, and plumbing support, all designed to keep your heating and cooling systems running smoothly.

We are proud to serve the Dover, DE area, providing reliable and efficient HVAC services to homeowners who want to improve comfort and reduce costs. Whether you need a new air conditioner, a replacement furnace, or expert advice on the best energy-efficient solutions for your home, our team is here to help. Our technicians should ideally be certified by recognized programs such as NATE or Energy Skilled for heat pump repairs. It is also important to verify that the company is licensed and carries liability insurance. We work with all major brands and are committed to delivering fast, dependable service that you can trust.

If you’re ready to improve the energy efficiency of your heating system or need help with your air conditioning, don’t hesitate to contact Atlantic Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Inc.. Our knowledgeable team is standing by to provide the solutions you need to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Schedule your appointment today and discover how we can help you enjoy greater comfort and savings all year long.

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3 Common Problems with Heat Pumps

Monday, December 14th, 2015

Heat pumps – which use the principles of air conditioning to both cool your home in the summer and keep it warm in the winter – are rapidly becoming a popular alternative to more traditional forms of heating and air conditioning. Our cold Dover, DE winters used to be prohibitive towards heat pumps, since older models couldn’t handle our cold fronts, but recent advances have made them reliable no matter what the temperature. Like any system, though, they still suffer breakdowns from time to time, and when they do, you need a qualified service to fix them. Here are 3 common problems with heat pumps that you should watch out for.

What are the most common heat pump problems that need repair?

The most common heat pump issues needing repair include low refrigerant levels, reduced airflow due to fan or blockage problems, and a malfunctioning reversing valve that prevents switching between heating and cooling. Addressing these problems early can restore comfort and prevent system failure.

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