Heat Pumps

Birmingham Heat Pump Services

If you’re looking for a new heating and cooling solution for your home, you’re not limited to central air conditioning systems anymore. Ductless air conditioning is also a popular choice to avoid the hassle of ducts. However, the underrated heat pump may be the perfect solution for your heating & cooling needs.

Skelton’s Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is your premier heat pump installation and repair company. If you’re looking for reliable heating that is as adaptable and flexible as your home, our team can help you. Contact us today to get more information on heat pumps and your Birmingham heat pump services!

How Does A Heat Pump Work?

A traditional electric or gas furnace generates heat and distributes it throughout the space in your house. A heat pump, however, moves heat from one place to another, much like a refrigerator. During the winter, it draws heat from the air outside and transfers it to the inside of your home. Unlike traditional furnaces, heat pumps can be reversed during warmer months to remove heat from your house and essentially dump it outside.

There are three types of heat pumps: air-to-air, geothermal and water source. These draw heat from the air, the ground and water, respectively. The most popular of the three is air-to-air.

Benefits of a Heat Pump

Heat pumps are perfect for areas with moderate heating and cooling needs and come with many benefits. Likely the most important of these is efficiency. Heat pumps can provide equivalent cooling and heating at as little as one-quarter of the cost of a central HVAC system. This is because they move heat rather than generate it. Compared to other heating methods, heat pumps can reduce your electricity use for heating by approximately 50%.

In addition to being incredibly cost-effective, heat pumps are also better than central air conditioners at dehumidifying during warmer months. In Birmingham, humidity is the primary source of discomfort during the summer. Extra dehumidifying power not only makes your home feel more comfortable but also reduces cooling costs.

Heat Pump Installation in Birmingham, AL

Depending on the type of heat pump you choose, its size, and its SEER rating, installation costs can vary. However, your new system will start paying for itself immediately with low operating prices. Whether you’re installing a new heat pump or replacing your old one, the team of expert technicians at Skelton’s has you covered.

Our service technicians are trained to work on all HVAC equipment, including heat pumps, and have years of experience installing them. We will help you find the perfect heat pump for your needs and make the process as stress-free as possible, from beginning to end. Contact Skelton’s to start the installation process today.

Heat Pump Repair Services

Just like other heating and cooling systems, heat pumps need maintenance for repairs and breakdowns. Luckily, you’ll only be paying to service one system rather than separate heating and cooling systems. When your heat pump needs repairs, call on Skelton’s. Our fast, reliable team will come to your home as soon as possible to pinpoint the problem and offer the best solution. Don’t let heat pump issues keep you down — contact Skelton’s for quick, expert heating repair instead.

A Team You Can Count On

When it comes to heat pump installation and repair, you can count on Skelton’s Heating, Cooling & Plumbing team to provide the best technical and customer service possible. From your first call to the time we leave your home, we promise professional, high-quality service from courteous, knowledgeable technicians.

Heat Pump Maintenance in Birmingham

Because heat pumps provide both heating and cooling, they run more months of the year than single-mode systems. That’s why we recommend two professional tune-ups annually—once in spring before cooling season and once in fall before heating season—plus filter changes every 1–3 months depending on usage and indoor air quality.

What’s Included In a Professional Heat Pump Tune-Up

• Electrical safety checks, wire tightening, and amp-draw measurements
• Thermostat calibration and control verification
• Indoor/outdoor coil inspection and cleaning as needed
• Refrigerant performance check and defrost-cycle verification
• Airflow testing, filter replacement/cleaning, and condensate drain inspection

Routine maintenance lowers utility bills, reduces surprise breakdowns, and helps maintain manufacturer warranty coverage.

Heat Pump Replacement & Right-Sizing

If your system is 12–15 years old, needs frequent repairs, or can’t keep up with Birmingham’s hot, humid summers, replacement may be the most cost-effective path. Our team performs a proper load calculation, evaluates ductwork, and recommends right-sized, high-efficiency options—traditional or ductless—to improve comfort in every room.

Repair vs. Replace: The $5,000 Rule

Multiply the estimated repair cost by the system’s age in years. If the result exceeds 5,000, replacement is usually the smarter long-term decision. Example: a $650 repair on a 9-year-old system equals 5,850—time to compare replacement options.

Common Heat Pump Problems We Fix

• No heat or no cool; system runs but doesn’t reach temperature
• Short cycling caused by airflow restrictions or control faults
• Outdoor unit icing up that won’t clear during defrost
• Unusual noises from fan motors, bearings, or compressor
• Thermostat communication or sensor errors
• Tripped breakers or intermittent power to indoor/outdoor units

DIY Checks Before You Call

Try these quick, safe steps first—if you’re not comfortable, stop and contact our team:

• Confirm thermostat mode (Heat/Cool), temperature setting, and fresh batteries if used
• Verify breakers and the indoor/outdoor disconnects are on
• Replace a dirty filter and ensure supply/return vents are open
• Clear leaves/debris around the outdoor unit (don’t chip away heavy ice)

Installation Tips For Best Results

• Request a load calculation (Manual J) and duct evaluation—don’t rely on “same size as before”
• Consider variable-speed and high-SEER/SEER2 models for humidity control and lower bills
• Ask about zoning or ductless mini-splits for sunrooms, additions, and bonus rooms
• Discuss thermostat upgrades for smarter scheduling and energy savings

How Much Do Heat Pump Services Cost?

Every home is unique, but these ranges help with planning:

• Typical repairs (capacitors, relays, sensors, defrost boards): $150–$600
• Motors, control boards, and related components: $400–$900+
• Compressor or refrigerant circuit work: $1,100–$2,500+ depending on model/warranty
• New heat pump installation (equipment + install): $6,000–$12,000+ based on size/efficiency/ductwork

We provide clear, written options and pricing before work begins so you can choose confidently.

Why Birmingham Homeowners Choose Skelton’s

• Local experts for heat pump repair, installation, and maintenance
• Accurate diagnostics and code-compliant repairs
• Right-sized designs and meticulous installs for comfort and efficiency
• Friendly, on-time service backed by a satisfaction-first approach

Heat Pump FAQs

How often should a heat pump be serviced?

Twice per year—spring and fall—plus filter changes every 1–3 months. Dual-season operation means more run time, so routine care matters.

Is it cheaper to repair or replace my heat pump?

Use the $5,000 rule as a guide and also consider age, efficiency, repair frequency, and comfort. We’ll price both options so you can compare total cost of ownership.

What are signs I need heat pump repair?

No heat/cool, short cycling, icing that won’t clear, tripping breakers, hot/cold spots, or new noises/odors are all reasons to schedule service.

Do heat pumps work well in Birmingham?

Yes—our climate is ideal for heat pumps. High-efficiency and variable-speed models improve humidity control and comfort while lowering utility bills.

What’s included in a professional maintenance visit?

Electrical safety checks, coil inspection/cleaning, thermostat calibration, airflow and drain checks, refrigerant performance checks, and filter service.

How long do heat pumps last?

About 12–15 years on average; excellent maintenance and proper sizing/airflow can extend lifespan.

What can I check before calling?

Thermostat settings and batteries, breakers/disconnects, filter cleanliness, and clear airflow around vents and the outdoor unit.

Schedule Your Heat Pump Service

Whether you need fast heat pump repair, a high-efficiency installation, or a smart replacement plan, Skelton’s Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is ready to help. Request your appointment online or give us a call—our friendly team will get you comfortable again, fast.