outdoor heat pump unit
August 18, 2023

Finding a cost-effective and efficient way to keep your home cool throughout the summer is crucial down here in the Hampton Roads area. When it comes to both comfort and performance, heat pumps are one of the best options available today—and they can even replace your furnace in the winter, too! 

At Russell’s, we understand that investing in a new HVAC system is an important decision that requires weighing all of the options available, and we believe heat pumps can bring several benefits to Virginia Beach and Greenville, NC homeowners. 

Keep reading to learn about the different types of heat pumps, their benefits, and how the team at Russell’s can help you with professional installation. 

Heat Pumps vs. Air Conditioners

Both heat pumps and air conditioners run on electricity and use a line of refrigerant to keep your home cool in the warmer months. The main difference between them is that heat pumps also provide efficient heat in the winter utilizing the same technology. 

When compared to a high-efficiency air conditioner, there will be minimal difference in your summer energy consumption with a heat pump. However, since heat pumps transfer heat instead of creating it through combustion, they are drastically more efficient than other types of heating systems and have the ability to cut your heating cost by up to 50%.

Benefits of Heat Pumps

In addition to the significant energy savings that heat pumps can provide, they come with several other benefits, including:

  • More home safety - Since heat pumps don’t run on fossil fuels, your home will be safe from the dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and other pollutants that combustion appliances put out. 

  • Year-round comfort - Heat pumps work to efficiently heat and cool your home, meaning they can be installed as a full replacement for both your air conditioner and furnace.

  • Versatility of use - There are a wide variety of heat pumps available and they can be easily installed in homes with or without central ductwork. 

  • Heat pumps qualify for incentives - Since heat pumps are unmatched in their efficiency, they qualify for several rebates and tax credits, helping you maximize your savings.

Types of Heat Pumps

Heat pumps come in many shapes and sizes, making them a great option for any Hampton Roads home. 

Ducted Heat Pumps

Ducted heat pump systems are a great option if your home is already equipped with a duct system that’s in good condition—meaning well-insulated and free of leaks. Air source heat pumps are the most common type of ducted heat pump, where the system transfers heat either into or out of your home through the air, depending on the season. 

Ductless Mini Split Heat Pumps

Mini split heat pumps work in the same way as other heat pumps but without the need to connect to a central duct system. This feature gives ductless heat pumps superior versatility over their ducted counterparts that also allows you to create “zones” throughout your home with individual, remote-controlled temperature settings.

Geothermal Heat Pumps

Geothermal heat pump systems are less common than other types of heat pumps, yet they excel in efficiency. Also referred to as ground-source heat pumps, geothermal systems utilize the consistent underground temperature—which is about 50 degrees year round—to transfer heat in or out of your home. These heat pump systems are generally more expensive to install—yet according to the EPA, they can cut energy consumption and emissions by 72% compared to traditional air conditioners.

Find the Right Heat Pump For Your Home With Russell’s

Not only does our team go through extensive in-house training, we also hold several building science qualifications that allow us to find long-lasting and effective home health and comfort solutions. From understanding your energy needs to properly sizing a new heat pump for your home, the Russell’s team can help find the right cooling system for you. 

With our comprehensive heating and cooling, plumbing, electrical services, and home efficiency services, we’re your one-stop shop for your next home improvement project. Ready to get started with a high-efficiency heat pump in your home? 

Schedule your free estimate today. Call 757-819-4770 or contact us online.

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What Our Customers Are Saying

  • I can't complement your team enough on the wonderful job done with regard to the installation of the new system in our home. More specifically, we want to recognize the outstanding efforts of: Roberto-- the initial visit and diagnosis of the problem.

    Dan & Connie, Virginia Beach

  • I recently had your team install a new gas package unit including all new duct work at my house in Chesapeake. I had a split system that had undersized ducting which was removed by your installers.

    Mike & Sandi, Chesapeake, VA

  • We purchased a one time service for $79. They came out on time, checked out the geothermal system...they were very professional and kind.

    Nicholas H., Chesapeake, VA

  • We would like to thank your company for an excellent job. We are very pleased with the new (Mitsubishi ductless mini split) system that was installed last week. It works wonderfully at heating our home.

    Danny and Teresa S., Chesapeake, VA

  • Not one single idea for improvement. Keep doing what you do. OUTSTANDING!

    Charles J., Norfolk, VA

  • Great job!...World class employees!

    Colleen & Jim C., Suffolk, VA

  • Everything went great! This is the second big project we've had done through Russell's and we couldn't be more happy! We had the most dedicated, polite, and respectful crew! The team consisted of Elliot, Chase and Sean. Sean was here for the removal process on day one, and did awesome!

    J. Luhan, VA Beach

  • Hi Nate, please pass along our appreciation for you, Elliot and Steve. We are very happy with you being able to arrange our ( Lennox ) replacement system so quickly!

    T. Johnson, VA Beach

  • Thank you for running a top notch company and sending over to us two excellent folks Terry and Shawn. They did an awesome job putting in our new furnace system. Also thank you for Donald and Nate who did a superb job as well. Please reward these guys with some sort of commendations or rewards....

  • ...folks need to know how wonderful working with Russell's Heating & Air Conditioning is. They were very professional all the way thru the process of getting our unit installed down to the payment plan. I have been telling our neighbors and my co-workers about the experience.

    Pamela F., Chesapeake, VA

  • Every moment from the time an appointment was set up until the day the work was completed was a pleasure. Every employee was a delight to work with. The proof that the product was great came when the electric bills started coming in the airconditioning season.

    Douglas P., VA Beach

  • I am extremely satisfied with both the Lennox unit I purchased and the employees of Russell's. Even with poor window and door quality in this overly tired house, I am actually cooled off sufficiently enough to call it chilly.

    Robin W., Chesapeake, VA

  • Over the years I have gained the utmost trust in my service technician Corey Lesko's knowledge and work ethic while servicing my system.

  • I am writing this letter to commend your company on a great job! We were very pleased with how the company performed in every area...the installers did an impeccable job. They were very knowledgeable, efficient, and hard workers—staying focused to the task in the extreme heat.

    Pastor Larry E. O'Brien, Churchland Assembly of God

  • A year ago, I contracted with Russell's to tune up and clean the heating and cooling system. How impressively your specialist cleaned my system...he also found a defective automatic (programmable) thermostat. Quite quickly, he replaced my automatic thermostat. The results?

    R. Snider, Norfolk, VA

  • You recently installed a new Trane unit for us. We want you to know we are completely satisfied. The outside unit is now a hum versus the roar of the old one...we also want to recognize the installer...we cannot overstate what we think of his workmanship.

    K. Hawkins, Portsmouth, VA

  • Great and prompt service – as usual. Everything from ordering the a/c unit to installation went smoothly. Thanks for everything.

    B. Fenstermaker, VA Beach

  • Everyone was very nice. I felt well informed about my purchase. Your staff is great! I don't usually return opinion forms, but you need to know you have a staff you can be proud of!

    V. Horn, Chesapeake, VA

  • You have a new customer for life and I will definitely tell all my friends about your prompt, courteous service, your knowledgeable technicians, and your very reasonable prices. Thank you very much Russell's. You warmed much more than just my heart!

    G. Knoop, Chesapeake, VA

  • Your company was very responsive to my needs. The quality of your work was extremely high.

    Ms. Bright, Chesapeake, VA

  • Your workers actually made this total replacement project an enjoyable learning experience...they were always willing to stop and answer any questions. Their pleasant and cooperative attitudes cannot be praised enough!

    J. Wellons, Portsmouth, VA

  • Very pleased with both the price and service. The installation went off without a hitch and everything exceeded our expectations. When finished, the work areas, including the attic, were so clean you couldn't tell anything had been done.

    T. Marsh, VA Beach

  • Great expertise and timely service.

    H. Turbeville, Chesapeake, VA