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Heat Pump and HVAC Questions

These are the questions North Myrtle Beach, Little River and Brunswick County homeowners ask our technicians most, answered the same way we'd answer them standing in your kitchen. If yours isn't here, call or send a request and we'll answer it.

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The Basics

What's the difference between a heat pump and an air conditioner?

In summer, nothing you'd notice. Both cool your home the same way, by pulling heat out of the house and releasing it outside. The difference is a part called the reversing valve. It lets a heat pump run the whole process backward in winter, pulling heat out of the outdoor air and bringing it inside. An air conditioner can only cool, so a home with an AC needs a separate heat source like electric strips or a gas furnace. That's why heat pumps are the most common system on this coast: one unit handles the whole year. Learn more on our heat pump repair page.

How long does a heat pump last on the coast?

There's no single number, because it depends on three things: how hard the system works, how close it sits to salt water, and how well it's been maintained. A heat pump here runs far more hours a year than one up north, since it's cooling for most of the year and heating the rest. Oceanfront and island units also deal with salt that inland units don't. The good news is that regular maintenance, clean coils and a correctly sized system all stretch a system's life. When we inspect yours, we'll tell you honestly how much life we think it has left.

Why are new systems using different refrigerants?

Federal rules are phasing down the older refrigerants that have a high climate impact. New heat pumps and air conditioners now use alternatives such as R-454B or R-32. These newer refrigerants work the same basic way and are designed for the new equipment.

Does this mean my current system has to be replaced?

No. Existing systems can keep running and can still be repaired. The change applies to new equipment. Over time, refrigerant for older systems may become more expensive, which is one more factor to weigh if you're facing a major repair.

Do I need new ductwork when I replace my system?

Not always. Ducts in good condition and the right size can usually be reused. But ducts in a hot attic or crawlspace often leak, sag or come apart at the joints over the years, and a new system can't perform if half its air is going into the attic. We inspect the ductwork before every replacement and tell you whether it needs sealing, repair or replacing. See heat pump replacement.

What's the difference between a repair visit and a tune-up?

A repair visit happens because something is wrong: no cooling, no heat, a leak or a noise. The goal is to find the cause and fix it. A tune-up is preventive. The system is working, and we clean, test and inspect it so it keeps working. Tune-ups are where we catch the weak parts that would otherwise turn into the next repair call. Our Comfort Memberships include two tune-ups a year.

Is it normal for my heat pump to run longer in winter than my old furnace did?

Yes. A heat pump delivers a steady stream of warm air rather than short blasts of very hot air, so it runs longer, quieter cycles. The air from the vents may feel a little less hot to your hand than a gas furnace, but the house stays at an even temperature, and that steady running is part of what makes a heat pump efficient. What isn't normal is the backup heat running constantly; that's worth a call.

Living With a Heat Pump on the Coast

What thermostat setting works best with a heat pump?

Pick a comfortable temperature and leave it mostly steady. Heat pumps work best holding a temperature, not recovering from big swings. If you drop the heat way down at night and crank it back up in the morning, the heat pump can't catch up fast enough, so the more expensive backup strips kick in to help. A small adjustment is fine; big swings usually cost more than they save.

Does a smart thermostat work with a heat pump?

Yes, as long as it's made for heat pumps and wired correctly. A heat pump thermostat has to control the reversing valve and the backup heat as separate stages. A thermostat that isn't set up properly can run the backup strips far more than needed, which shows up on your power bill. Our technicians can check that yours is set up right.

Why does my outdoor unit steam and make a whooshing sound in winter?

That's the defrost cycle. On cold, damp days, frost builds up on the outdoor coil, so every so often the heat pump briefly switches into cooling mode to warm the coil and melt it off. You'll hear a whoosh as the reversing valve shifts and see a cloud of steam rising from the unit for a few minutes. That's normal. A unit that stays covered in thick ice is not; see heat pump repair.

Should I cover my outdoor unit in winter or before a storm?

Generally, no. Heat pumps run all winter, so a cover blocks the airflow they need. Even on an air conditioner, a full cover can trap moisture and invite rust and critters. Before a hurricane or tropical storm, secure loose items in the yard that could hit the unit. Afterward, if the unit sat in floodwater or took a hard hit from debris, have it checked before you turn it back on.

How does salt air affect my HVAC system?

Salt carried on the ocean breeze settles on the outdoor coil's thin aluminum fins and on the electrical connections. Combined with moisture, it slowly corrodes both. Corroded fins can't release heat well, and corroded connections fail. Regular coil cleaning helps, and protective corrosion coating is an option on new or newer outdoor units.

Oceanfront and Island Homes

These see the most exposure. Twice-a-year service is a good rhythm.

Inland Neighborhoods

Less salt, but pollen, grass clippings and humidity still load up coils over time.

Can I plant shrubs or build a fence around my outdoor unit?

Yes, as long as you leave room. The unit needs to pull in air from all sides and push it out the top, so leave a couple of feet of clear space around it and nothing overhanging the top, and follow the manufacturer's guidance for your model. Shrubs planted tight against the coil choke the airflow and make the system work harder.

Why is one room always hotter or colder than the rest of the house?

Usually it's airflow, not the equipment. The room may sit at the end of the longest duct run, have a crushed or disconnected duct in the attic, get hammered by afternoon sun, or have a closed or blocked supply vent. Bonus rooms over garages are the classic example. We check the ductwork and airflow first. Sometimes balancing the system fixes it; sometimes a ductless mini-split is the cleanest answer.

Service and Maintenance

What does the 21-point inspection cover?

It covers the outdoor unit, the indoor unit and the thermostat: the coils, fan and blower, electrical parts, drain line and safety switch, heating components, refrigerant levels and thermostat operation. You get a written checklist and recommendations after each visit. The full details are on our maintenance plans page.

What should I check before I call for service?

A few quick checks can save you a service call. Make sure the thermostat is set to the right mode and has working batteries. Look at the air filter; a badly clogged one can shut a system down. Check the breakers for both the indoor and outdoor units, and the outdoor disconnect switch near the unit. If a breaker trips again right after you reset it, leave it off and call us, because that points to an electrical problem that needs a technician.

Do you work on systems you didn't install?

Yes. We repair and maintain all the major brands of heat pumps, air conditioners, furnaces and mini-splits, no matter who put them in.

What hours do you take service calls?

We schedule service during our regular business hours. When you call or send a request, we'll get back to you to set up a time. Comfort Members get priority scheduling, which moves them to the front of the line when they need a repair.

Still Have Questions?

Call us or send a request, and a Coastline technician will give you a straight answer. Or head back to heat pump repair in North Myrtle Beach for everything we do.

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