“Heat pumps don’t work when it gets cold.” We hear that one at kitchen tables all over Randallstown, and ten or fifteen years ago there was some truth to it. Today it’s mostly out of date. Modern cold-climate heat pumps keep heating well below freezing, and a properly designed system handles a Baltimore County January just fine. If you’re weighing Randallstown heat pump installation & repair, this page separates what’s real from what’s left over from older equipment.
A heat pump is an electric system that heats your home in winter by moving heat from the outdoor air inside, then reverses in summer to work as an air conditioner. Heat pump installs, repairs and upkeep in Randallstown, MD, including LG and Mitsubishi systems, are everyday work for Bruce Solomon Plumbing, Heating & Air, which has served Baltimore County since 1984.
Myth: “It Can’t Pull Heat Out of Freezing Air”
There’s still heat energy in 20-degree air. A heat pump uses refrigerant and a compressor to capture it and concentrate it indoors. Older single-speed units did lose a lot of capacity as temperatures dropped, which is where the reputation came from.
Newer variable-speed, cold-climate models ramp their compressors up and down instead of running flat out or not at all. Mitsubishi’s cold-climate line and LG’s premium inverter systems are built for exactly this, holding strong heating output deep into the cold. For a typical Randallstown winter, with regular freezes and a handful of hard cold snaps, a well-sized cold-climate heat pump carries most or all of the load.
Myth: “The Air Always Feels Lukewarm”
Older heat pumps delivered air around the mid-90s in degrees, which feels cool on your hand compared with a gas furnace. Variable-speed equipment runs longer at a steady pace, so the house stays even instead of swinging between warm and chilly. Most people stop noticing the air temperature once the rooms themselves are comfortable. Good ductwork matters here too. If supply air is leaking into the attic or basement ceiling before it reaches you, sealing your Randallstown ducts makes a real difference.
Myth: “You Have to Give Up Your Gas Furnace”
You don’t. A dual-fuel system pairs a heat pump with a gas furnace. The heat pump handles most of the heating season and all of the cooling. When it gets very cold, the system switches over to gas automatically.
Dual fuel is a strong fit for homes that already have a working gas line and a furnace in decent shape, or for homeowners planning a furnace replacement in Randallstown and wanting both options under one thermostat.
Who Benefits Most From a Heat Pump in 21133
All-electric townhomes
Plenty of Randallstown townhomes were built all-electric, often with an older heat pump or electric furnace. A modern heat pump is usually the most natural upgrade, and it replaces your central air at the same time.
Homes without natural gas service
Not every street has gas. If you’re heating with electric resistance, oil or propane, a heat pump can change how your house heats without bringing in a new fuel line.
Finished basements, additions and bonus rooms
This is where ductless mini splits shine. A wall- or ceiling-mounted indoor unit connects to a compact outdoor unit through a small line set, with no ductwork needed. They’re great for a finished basement that’s always damp and chilly, a sunroom, a garage conversion or an addition the main system was never sized to reach.
Choosing a System: Your Main Options
- Central ducted heat pump. Takes over heating and cooling in one system, using your existing ducts.
- Dual-fuel system. Heat pump plus gas furnace backup, switching automatically in deep cold.
- Ductless mini split, single zone. One indoor head for one room or area.
- Multi-zone ductless. One outdoor unit serving several indoor heads, each with its own control.
- Ducted mini split. A compact concealed unit feeding a few short duct runs, often used for an upper floor or addition.
We carry LG and Mitsubishi equipment. LG’s premium inverter systems and Mitsubishi’s ductless and cold-climate lines both give you quiet, efficient operation. Because a heat pump also cools, the design overlaps with air conditioning installation in Randallstown, and we size for both seasons at once. If you’re planning a larger project, you can spread it out through flexible financing for qualified buyers.
Heat Pump Repair in Randallstown, MD
Heat pumps have a few failure points that furnaces don’t. These are the ones we see most.
Defrost problems
In winter, frost builds on the outdoor coil. The system briefly reverses to melt it, and you’ll see steam and hear a whoosh. That’s normal. A unit that turns into a block of ice, or never seems to defrost, usually has a failed defrost board, sensor or low refrigerant.
Reversing valve trouble
The reversing valve switches the system between heating and cooling. If your heat pump blows cool air in winter or warm air in summer, the valve or its solenoid may be stuck.
Auxiliary heat running constantly
Most heat pumps have backup electric strips labeled “Aux” or “Emergency Heat” on the thermostat. Occasional aux heat in a cold snap is expected. If it’s on all the time, something is keeping the heat pump from doing its job: low refrigerant, a failing compressor, a thermostat setting, or an outdoor unit buried in leaves or snow.
Other common fixes
Capacitors, contactors, fan motors and refrigerant leaks all show up on heat pumps just as they do on air conditioners. Our trucks carry most of these parts, so repairs usually finish in one visit. For the rest of what we do on the heating side, see our Randallstown heating repair page, and for summer cooling needs, our central air services.
Heat Pump Service in 21133 From People Who Have Done This a Long Time
The Solomons have run this shop since 1984, and the people installing your heat pump have each logged well over a decade of HVAC work. Expect punctual arrival, covered shoes, protected floors and a tidy space when we pack up. Your install gets our full attention from start to finish. Read about Bruce Solomon and our family’s roots in the trade.
What Randallstown Homeowners Ask About Heat Pumps
Do heat pumps really work in Maryland winters?
Yes, modern cold-climate heat pumps keep heating effectively well below freezing. For the coldest stretches, a dual-fuel setup with a gas furnace or built-in backup heat covers the gap.
Is a ductless mini split a good idea for a finished basement?
It’s often one of the best solutions for a finished basement. A mini split heats and cools the space on its own schedule and helps with dampness in summer without depending on the main system.
Why is my heat pump running on emergency heat?
Frequent emergency or auxiliary heat usually means the heat pump itself isn’t keeping up, often because of low refrigerant, a defrost problem or a failing part. Occasional use during a hard cold snap is normal, but constant use is a reason to call for service.
Should I replace my furnace with a heat pump or get both?
It depends on your fuel, your house and your furnace’s condition. Homes with gas often do well with dual fuel, while all-electric homes usually go straight to a cold-climate heat pump.
Talk Through Your Heat Pump Options With Us
A heat pump that needs fixing and a heat pump you’re still dreaming about both start the same way: a conversation. Tell us about your house, your current system and what bugs you about it. We’ll help you sort out what makes sense. The number is (410) 833-2188, or you can send our office a message.
Caring Technicians
Our technicians know how to treat your home with respect. We come prepared with booties and drop cloths to protect your home.
Always On Time
Your time is very important to us. We strive to show up at your home when we say we will fully equipped for the job.
We Focus On You
You're our first priority! We will not leave you to service a new or bigger job. We focus on outstanding customer service!
Locally Owned
We don't just work here, we live here, too! We know all of the homes in the areas we serve and are familiar with your home's model.