Air Done Right provides heat pump repair, installation, replacement, and maintenance for homes and small businesses throughout Philadelphia and Montgomery County, PA, offering trusted heat pump repair Philadelphia homeowners can rely on for a system that both heats and cools by transferring heat rather than generating it. Our EPA 608 certified HVAC technicians diagnose air-source and ductless mini-split heat pumps before recommending repair, replacement, or a new installation, and we service residential and light-commercial properties across the city with same-day and weekend availability and no after-hours surcharge.
Pick your service, choose a time, and confirm — takes about a minute.
Air Done Right, LLC is a licensed and insured HVAC contractor providing heat pump repair, installation, replacement, and maintenance for homeowners and small businesses throughout Philadelphia and Montgomery County, PA, under PA HIC License #PA093007. As a veteran-owned and women-owned, husband-and-wife-led company operating since 2013, we bring local accountability and hands-on ownership to every heat pump service call, with a strong service focus on Northwest Philadelphia (Mt. Airy, Chestnut Hill, Germantown), eastern and central Montgomery County, and the Ardmore–Lower Merion Main Line area.
Being licensed and insured means Air Done Right carries the credentials, permitting knowledge, and liability coverage required to perform heat pump repair and installation safely and in compliance with local code. Our EPA 608-certified technicians are trained to handle the refrigerant circuits that let a heat pump move heat into or out of a home, following manufacturer-specified procedures for diagnosis, installation, and startup so equipment performs as designed and warranty coverage remains intact.
Call Air Done Right at 267-297-6791 to schedule heat pump repair, installation, or maintenance with a Philadelphia HVAC team that diagnoses the system first, explains what it finds in plain terms, and recommends the option that actually fits your equipment and property, whether that means a straightforward repair or a full system replacement.
Save your time and look elsewhere for reliable hvac services. I drove an hour each way to meet a representative of this company to get a quote for Air Conditioning installation. Their service person did not show up to the appointment despite having made and confirmed the appointment more than a week in advance. The company operators were not able to contact the rep, and no one ever called me back to explain the no-show or apologize, or attempt to make it right. Really disappointing customer service.
Made necessary minor repair to outdoor a/c unit during diagnostic appointment without additional cost. Professional and knowledgeable.
Great Experience with excellent technicians Jason and his assistant who explained everything and how to keep up with filter replacements every 2-3 months myself. They did annual care and made sure that it was efficient and each vent was correctly positioned and opened. Went above and beyond and did annual cleaning so that’s off my list! Will be recommending him and this women/veteran owned business to anyone who need help with their HVAC system.
Air Done Right installed my new HVAC system eight years ago & I used then this week for a minor repair. They responded to my call (during a heatwave!) and someone came out only two days later. Definitely happy and thank you for the great techs & customer service. Michelle H (East Mount Airy)
Great service. The technician was very knowledgeable. He explained what was happening at each step, and also gave me strategies for future care. I would definitely recommend!!
Everyone was extremely nice and professional. New system working great 👍
We love Air Done Right. They have helped with both our heating and a/c systems. They are communicative, knowledgable, honest, and responsive. We're so glad to have found them!
Mr Jason Young and his partner was on time curious and explained in detail what he was doing concerning the maintenance of our central air conditioning system
Jermaine and his crew provided professional service and clear communication throughout the installation of our HVAC system. We interviewed five service providers for this job, and I’m glad we selected Air Done Right.
The Air Done Right company has prompt, professional & reasonable service for your HVAC needs. They are my Go to for repairs!
Air Done Right provides heat pump repair, installation, replacement, maintenance, and diagnostics for homeowners and small businesses throughout Philadelphia and Montgomery County. Our technicians service air-source and ductless mini-split heat pumps and their major components based on the reported problem, system type, and property configuration.
By Service
Heat pump repair is the process of diagnosing and correcting faults that prevent a heat pump from heating, cooling, defrosting, or operating correctly. Air Done Right provides heat pump repair in Philadelphia for systems with no heat, no cooling, weak airflow, unusual noise, icing that will not clear, thermostat faults, and refrigerant-related conditions. Our technicians test the outdoor unit, indoor air handler, reversing valve, electrical system, and controls to identify the source of the problem before recommending a fix, rather than assuming the cause from symptoms alone.
Our heat pump repair services in Philadelphia, PA include:
Because a heat pump is the only piece of equipment handling both heating and cooling for the property, an unresolved fault can affect year-round comfort rather than a single season. Schedule heat pump repair with Air Done Right so a technician can diagnose the fault, explain the findings, and recommend the repair your system actually needs.
New heat pump installation differs from replacement of an existing system: installation puts a heat pump into a property for the first time, while replacement swaps out aging or repeatedly failing equipment. Air Done Right assesses system sizing, cooling and heating capacity, efficiency, property layout, and existing ductwork or line-set condition before recommending an air-source or ductless heat pump system, then removes old equipment, installs the new system, and completes startup testing.
Our heat pump installation and replacement services in Philadelphia, PA include:
Improper sizing or installation can cause uneven temperatures, short cycling, higher utility bills, and repeat service calls. Talk with Air Done Right about heat pump installation or replacement so our technicians can assess your Philadelphia or Montgomery County property and recommend equipment sized to match your home's actual heating and cooling load.
Heat pump maintenance and tune-up service is a scheduled inspection, cleaning, and adjustment intended to keep a heat pump operating correctly across both the heating and cooling seasons. Because a heat pump runs nearly year-round in Philadelphia's climate, our technicians inspect the outdoor coil, indoor air handler, refrigerant-related conditions, electrical connections, defrost operation, and thermostat performance to catch developing issues before they affect comfort.
Our heat pump maintenance and tune-up services in Philadelphia, PA include:
Skipped maintenance can let coil buildup, refrigerant issues, and worn electrical components go unnoticed until they affect heating or cooling performance and can contribute to higher utility bills. Book a heat pump tune-up with Air Done Right to help your system run as intended through Philadelphia's full range of seasonal demand.
An urgent heat pump situation leaves a property without heating or cooling, presents an electrical or safety concern, or threatens water damage, and it calls for prompt professional diagnosis rather than a scheduled maintenance visit. Air Done Right provides emergency heat pump repair in Philadelphia for complete loss of heat during cold weather, complete loss of cooling during summer heat, burning odors, repeated breaker trips, refrigerant-related concerns, and water leakage around indoor equipment, with same-day and weekend availability and no after-hours surcharge.
Our emergency heat pump repair services in Philadelphia, PA include:
A heat pump that stops working during a cold snap or a heat wave leaves a property without its only heating and cooling source. Contact Air Done Right for emergency heat pump repair so we can diagnose the failure, explain the cause, and restore heating or cooling as quickly as possible.
By Component
The outdoor unit is where a heat pump releases or draws in heat, depending on whether the system is in cooling or heating mode, and Air Done Right provides outdoor unit repair in Philadelphia for problems affecting the coil, fan, motor, electrical connections, and compressor. Our EPA 608-certified technicians inspect the outdoor coil, fan motor, capacitor, contactor, and heat pump compressor repair points to determine what is interfering with the unit's ability to move heat before recommending a fix.
Our heat pump outdoor unit services in Philadelphia, PA include:
Outdoor debris, coil buildup, and worn electrical components can all reduce an outdoor unit's ability to transfer heat effectively in either mode. Schedule outdoor unit service with Air Done Right so a technician can identify the affected component and recommend the repair your heat pump needs.
The indoor air handler moves conditioned air through the property and works with the outdoor unit to deliver heating or cooling, and Air Done Right provides indoor air handler repair in Philadelphia for weak airflow, no airflow, unusual blower noise, or drainage problems around the indoor equipment. Our technicians inspect the blower motor, indoor coil, condensate drainage, and electrical controls to determine why conditioned air isn't reaching the property as it should.
Our heat pump indoor air handler services in Philadelphia, PA include:
A struggling air handler can leave rooms unevenly heated or cooled even when the outdoor unit is operating correctly. Book air handler service with Air Done Right to have a technician assess indoor airflow and recommend the appropriate repair.
The reversing valve is what allows a heat pump to switch between heating and cooling by changing the direction of refrigerant flow, and Air Done Right provides reversing valve diagnosis and repair in Philadelphia when a system gets stuck in one mode, blows the wrong-temperature air, or fails to switch when the thermostat calls for a different mode. Our technicians test valve operation, electrical signals, and refrigerant conditions to confirm whether the valve itself, its controls, or another component is causing the fault.
Our heat pump reversing valve services in Philadelphia, PA include:
A faulty reversing valve can leave a heat pump only heating or only cooling, effectively turning a year-round system into a single-season one. Contact Air Done Right for reversing valve service so a technician can confirm the cause and restore normal heating and cooling operation.
Refrigerant service should identify and repair the source of a leak, not simply add refrigerant to a low system, and Air Done Right provides refrigerant circuit and leak repair in Philadelphia for heat pumps showing reduced heating or cooling capacity, icing, or other refrigerant-related symptoms. Our EPA 608-certified technicians inspect coils, line sets, and connections to locate leaks, then verify system pressure and charge before recommending repair.
Our heat pump refrigerant services in Philadelphia, PA include:
Recharging a heat pump without repairing an active leak does not resolve the underlying refrigerant leaks and allows the problem to return. Contact Air Done Right for refrigerant circuit service so we can locate the fault and recommend the correct repair for your system.
A heat pump's defrost system clears ice that can build up on the outdoor coil during cold-weather heating operation, and Air Done Right provides defrost system repair in Philadelphia when a unit stays iced over, cycles into defrost too often, or fails to return to normal heating afterward. Our technicians check the defrost control board, sensors, reversing valve interaction, and outdoor coil to determine why the defrost cycle isn't working as intended.
Our heat pump defrost system services in Philadelphia, PA include:
A defrost system that isn't working correctly can leave the outdoor coil coated in ice, reducing the unit's ability to draw in heat during cold weather. Schedule defrost system service with Air Done Right so a technician can diagnose the fault and restore normal cold-weather heating operation.
Thermostat and controls service covers diagnosing faulty controls and installing compatible replacement or upgraded thermostats for a heat pump system. Air Done Right provides thermostat and controls service in Philadelphia for heat pumps with inaccurate temperature readings, mode-switching problems, or thermostats that don't communicate correctly with the equipment. Our technicians check sensor accuracy, wiring, calibration, and compatibility with your specific heat pump before recommending repair or replacement.
Our heat pump thermostat and controls services in Philadelphia, PA include:
A thermostat that isn't properly matched to a heat pump's heating and cooling modes can cause inconsistent temperatures or a system that doesn't respond correctly to demand. Schedule thermostat service with Air Done Right so a technician can determine whether repair, calibration, or replacement is the right fix.
By Type of Heat Pump
An air-source heat pump is a whole-property system that transfers heat between the indoor air handler and an outdoor unit to provide both heating and cooling, and Air Done Right provides air-source heat pump repair, replacement, and installation throughout Philadelphia and Montgomery County. Because the same outdoor unit, coil, refrigerant circuit, and electrical components must perform through both hot summers and cold winters, our technicians assess indoor and outdoor equipment, controls, airflow, and refrigerant conditions before recommending repair or a new system.
Our air-source heat pump services in Philadelphia, PA include:
An air-source heat pump fault can affect heating in winter and cooling in summer since it's the same equipment serving both seasons. Contact Air Done Right for air-source heat pump service so we can determine whether repair or a new installation fits your property.
For Philadelphia homes and spaces without practical access to conventional ductwork, Air Done Right provides ductless mini-split heat pump repair, installation, and replacement for individual rooms and multiple heating and cooling zones. Ductless heat pumps can fit rowhomes, additions, and converted spaces where extending existing ducts isn't practical. Our technicians assess heating and cooling load, indoor-unit placement, outdoor equipment, line set, condensate drainage, and controls before recommending repair or installation.
Our ductless mini-split heat pump services in Philadelphia, PA include:
A ductless heat pump problem can leave the specific room or zone it serves without adequate heating or cooling. Discuss your ductless heat pump needs with Air Done Right so our technicians can recommend the repair, replacement, or installation that best fits your space.
By Space
Air Done Right provides whole-home heat pump service in Philadelphia for connected systems that need repair, maintenance, replacement, or installation across the entire property. We assess system capacity, ductwork distribution, airflow balance, thermostat controls, and indoor and outdoor equipment to determine whether a heating or cooling problem originates from the equipment, the controls, or the air-distribution system.
Our whole-home heat pump services in Philadelphia, PA include:
Whole-home heat pump problems can produce uneven temperatures, weak airflow to specific rooms, or a system that runs constantly without reaching the thermostat setting. Have Air Done Right assess your whole-home heat pump so we can recommend the appropriate repair, maintenance, replacement, or installation.
For an individual room, addition, or zone that needs heating and cooling independent of the rest of the property, Air Done Right provides single-zone and ductless heat pump service in Philadelphia for repair, replacement, maintenance, and installation. Our technicians assess the room's heating and cooling load, indoor-unit placement, line set, and condensate management before recommending a ductless solution.
Our single-zone and ductless heat pump services in Philadelphia, PA include:
A poorly performing single-zone heat pump can leave one room uncomfortable even when the rest of the property is heating or cooling normally. Book single-zone or ductless heat pump service with Air Done Right to address the specific needs of that space.
By Property
Air Done Right provides residential heat pump service in Philadelphia and Montgomery County for homeowners who need repair, preventive maintenance, replacement, or installation. Properties range from older rowhomes with existing ductwork constraints to detached Main Line homes, and our residential technicians assess the reported problem along with the home's system type, airflow, controls, and property-specific heating and cooling needs before recommending service.
Our residential heat pump services in Philadelphia, PA include:
Unresolved residential heat pump problems can lead to weak airflow, uneven temperatures, or loss of heating or cooling as seasonal demand shifts. Choose Air Done Right for residential heat pump service to have a technician diagnose your system, explain your options, and recommend the repair, maintenance, or installation it needs.
For small businesses and light-commercial properties in Philadelphia and Montgomery County, Air Done Right provides commercial heat pump repair, maintenance, replacement, and installation based on the building's heating and cooling requirements and existing equipment. Business occupancy, operating hours, and sustained use can place different demands on commercial systems than residential applications, and our technicians work to address problems with minimal disruption to normal operations.
Our light-commercial heat pump services in Philadelphia, PA include:
Heat pump problems in a Philadelphia business can affect employees, customers, and normal operations when the system can't meet demand. Arrange commercial heat pump service with Air Done Right to have a technician assess the equipment and recommend the appropriate scope of work.
Financing may be available for qualified heat pump projects. Contact Air Done Right to review current financing and rebate options before approving equipment or installation work.
Technician Arrival & On-Site Assessment
An Air Done Right technician arrives at your Philadelphia or Montgomery County property, confirms the reported heating or cooling issue, and reviews access to the indoor and outdoor equipment before beginning the full assessment.
Full Diagnostic of Heating & Cooling System & Components
Our technician tests the heat pump rather than assuming the cause of the problem from symptoms alone, checking the thermostat, electrical operation, airflow, indoor and outdoor components, refrigerant-related conditions, and defrost operation as applicable.
Written Quote for Heat Pump Repair or Installation (Labor + Materials)
Findings lead to a written scope and price showing the proposed work, labor, and materials or equipment, using transparent pricing rather than a lowest-price sales pitch.
Customer Approval & Scheduling of Work
Work proceeds only after you review and approve the proposed scope and price, including any equipment selection, parts availability, and appointment scheduling.
Heat Pump Repair, Installation, or Replacement Work
Our technician performs the approved work according to the written scope, following applicable manufacturer instructions, code requirements, and equipment compatibility standards.
Parts & Refrigerant Handling (as needed)
Required parts and refrigerant-related work depend on the diagnosis and system type, and our EPA 608-certified technicians handle recovery, charging, and documentation according to current regulatory requirements.
Heat Pump Performance Testing & Airflow Check
Completed work is followed by operational testing to confirm the system starts, heats and cools correctly, responds to the thermostat, and delivers proper airflow.
Work Site Cleanup & Final Walkthrough
Our technician removes service debris and packaging, leaves the work area orderly, and reviews the completed work with you, identifying replaced or installed components and covering basic operation and maintenance information.
Invoice & Payment for Heat Pump Service
You receive an invoice reflecting the approved scope, completed work, and payment terms, with financing available where applicable and no new fees beyond what was disclosed in the written quote.
5-Year Labor Warranty Registration
Eligible Air Done Right heat pump installations include a 5-year labor warranty and a first annual maintenance visit.
Because a heat pump provides both heating and cooling, a developing problem can affect year-round comfort rather than a single season, and Philadelphia's cold winters and hot, humid summers can make an existing fault more noticeable as the system works harder. Contact Air Done Right promptly if you notice these common signs of heat pump issues:
No heat during cold weather or no cooling during hot weather
Warm air blows from vents in cooling mode, or cool air blows in heating mode
Ice builds up on the outdoor unit and does not clear during a normal defrost cycle
System short cycles or fails to complete a normal heating or cooling cycle
Burning odors or repeated electrical symptoms during operation
Grinding, buzzing, or rattling sounds during startup or operation
Water pools or leaks around the indoor air handler
Rising utility bills without a clear change in usage
Air Done Right diagnoses and repairs heat pump problems affecting heating and cooling performance, airflow, electrical operation, controls, defrost cycling, and refrigerant circulation throughout Philadelphia and Montgomery County.
Philadelphia's climate runs a heat pump through both extremes: hot, humid summers that demand steady cooling and moisture removal, and cold winters that require the same outdoor unit to draw in heat and manage frequent defrost cycles. Unlike an air conditioner that only operates part of the year, a heat pump typically runs across nearly every season, which means components like the outdoor coil, refrigerant circuit, and defrost system see more cumulative runtime and can show wear sooner if maintenance is skipped.
Philadelphia conditions that can affect heat pump operation include:
Air Done Right provides heat pump repair, installation, and maintenance throughout Philadelphia, with a strong service focus on Northwest Philadelphia, including Mt. Airy, Chestnut Hill, and Germantown. Our technicians also serve homes and small businesses across Northeast, North, and West Philadelphia, matching service to each property's system type, layout, and heating and cooling needs.
Heat pump installation starts at $8,000 and up. System capacity, efficiency, equipment selection, existing ductwork, electrical requirements, permits, and installation complexity can change the final project price.
Air Done Right provides a free, no-obligation estimate for heat pump installation and replacement. The estimate accounts for the property and system requirements so you can review the proposed equipment and total project cost before scheduling the installation.
Factors influencing heat pump costs in Philadelphia and Montgomery County include the service type, system type and capacity, equipment condition, and specific component involved. Property-specific requirements, such as ductwork, electrical work, system accessibility, refrigerant work, and permits, can also affect the final cost.
Philadelphia and Montgomery County homeowners choose Air Done Right for heat pump repair and installation to get accurate diagnostics, honest recommendations, and quality workmanship without being pushed toward equipment or service they don't need.
Veteran-Owned & Woman-Owned Certified Business
Licensed & Insured (#PA093007), EPA 608-Certified Technicians
Backed by a 5-Year Labor Warranty
Same-Day & Weekend Availability
Upfront, Transparent Pricing with Free Estimates
Honest Diagnosis Before Any Recommendation
Whether to repair or replace a heat pump depends on system age, failure severity, repair frequency, repair cost relative to replacement, and how well the equipment still meets the property's heating and cooling needs. Air Done Right follows a repair-first approach when practical, diagnosing the system before recommending replacement and explaining both paths so you can make an informed decision.
Repair is usually the right call when the fault is isolated to a specific, correctable component and the system is otherwise still performing as it should.
Problem involves a repairable, isolated component
System generally heats and cools the property adequately
Repairs have not become frequent or recurring
Parts remain available for the equipment
Repair cost is reasonable relative to the equipment's remaining service life
No pattern of repeated major failures
Replacement tends to make more sense once age, repair frequency, or a major component failure start working against the system rather than for it.
Advanced equipment age combined with declining performance
Repeated or frequent major repairs
Major component failure, such as compressor or reversing valve
Parts are no longer available or the refrigerant type is obsolete
High cumulative repair spending relative to replacement cost
System no longer matches the property's heating and cooling needs
Professional heat pump service helps Philadelphia and Montgomery County property owners accurately identify problems, complete repairs safely, and avoid replacing equipment when a practical repair can correct the fault. Because a heat pump handles refrigerant, electrical components, and both heating and cooling operation, qualified diagnosis matters more than it does for single-purpose equipment.
Air Done Right combines licensed HVAC service, EPA 608-certified technical capability, and a repair-first approach to heat pump work across Philadelphia and Montgomery County, explaining findings before recommending repair or replacement so you can decide with confidence.
Air Done Right provides heat pump repair, installation, replacement, and maintenance across Philadelphia and Montgomery County, with a strong service focus on Northwest Philadelphia, eastern and central Montgomery County, and the Ardmore–Lower Merion Main Line area. Our technicians serve a range of housing types, from Philadelphia rowhomes to detached Montgomery County homes, and recommend equipment based on property condition, ductwork, and heating and cooling needs.
Air Done Right offers online booking and phone scheduling for heat pump service across Philadelphia and Montgomery County.
Pick your service, choose a time, and confirm — takes about a minute.
Is your heat pump struggling to keep up, blowing the wrong-temperature air, or stuck in one mode? Air Done Right provides heat pump repair, installation, replacement, and maintenance for homeowners and small businesses throughout Philadelphia and Montgomery County, with a strong service focus on Northwest Philadelphia, eastern and central Montgomery County, and the Ardmore–Lower Merion Main Line area.
Call Air Done Right at 267-297-6791 to schedule heat pump service with a licensed, insured, veteran-owned and women-owned HVAC contractor that diagnoses the system first and recommends what your property actually needs.
Air Done Right, LLC is a licensed and insured, veteran-owned and women-owned HVAC contractor serving homeowners and small businesses throughout Philadelphia and Montgomery County under PA HIC License #PA093007. Husband-and-wife-led by Jermaine and Racqueal Howard, the company has served the area since 2013, with a strong service focus on Northwest Philadelphia, eastern and central Montgomery County, and the Ardmore–Lower Merion Main Line area. Our EPA 608-certified technicians diagnose heating and cooling systems accurately before recommending a fix, matching equipment to each property's actual size and requirements rather than defaulting to the most expensive option on the truck.
Every job is backed by clear, upfront pricing, a five-year labor warranty on qualifying installations, and a first annual maintenance visit included with new equipment, with no separate surcharge for after-hours, weekend, or holiday calls. As a locally owned company, we work directly with customers to build long-term relationships built on honest recommendations, dependable workmanship, and respect for every home and property we service.
Heat pump service is professional work performed to inspect, diagnose, repair, maintain, install, or replace heat pump equipment, depending on the need. Service is a general term, while maintenance refers to scheduled preventive inspection and repair refers to correcting a specific fault.
The 3-minute rule is an informal term for the built-in short-cycle delay that prevents a heat pump's compressor from restarting immediately after it shuts off, protecting it from damage. Many compressor-driven systems use this delay so refrigerant pressure can equalize before the next cycle begins, but actual delay times vary by manufacturer and control board, so equipment-specific documentation should always take precedence over a general rule of thumb.
A well-maintained heat pump can generally provide many years of service, though actual lifespan depends on usage patterns, maintenance history, installation quality, equipment type, and how much heating and cooling demand the system sees each year. Because a heat pump typically runs more months out of the year than an air-conditioner-only system, consistent maintenance plays a meaningful role in reaching its full expected service life.
Air Done Right’s EPA 608-certified technicians install and service heat pump systems in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
Because a heat pump handles both heating and cooling for the property, manufacturers commonly recommend service twice a year, once before the cooling season and once before the heating season, so the system is checked at the start of both periods of heavy use.
In most cases, yes. Heat pump installation and replacement in Philadelphia generally requires a Mechanical Permit through the city's Department of Licenses and Inspections, like other HVAC equipment installations. If the project involves new electrical circuits or wiring for the heat pump's controls or backup heat strip, an Electrical Permit may also apply. Ordinary repairs and maintenance to an existing system generally don't require a separate permit. Air Done Right handles applicable permitting for installation and replacement projects.
It depends on the property. Some Philadelphia rowhomes can accommodate new or extended ductwork for an air-source heat pump, while others are better suited to a ductless mini-split heat pump that doesn't require conventional ducts. Our technicians assess available space, routing, and property layout before recommending an approach, since not every rowhome can accept the same solution without an on-site evaluation.
Repair time varies by diagnostic complexity, the failed component, part availability, and equipment accessibility. Many repairs are completed in a single visit, while repairs requiring an ordered part can take longer.
Installation time depends on whether the project is a straightforward replacement or a new installation, and on ductwork changes, electrical work, system type, and site complexity. Air Done Right outlines expected timing as part of the written quote before work begins.
The right heat pump size comes from the property's actual heating and cooling load, not square footage alone. Our technicians consider floor area, insulation, windows, orientation, occupancy, air leakage, ductwork, and ceiling height using load-calculation methods rather than a simple size-per-square-foot rule.
It depends on the system's refrigerant type and condition. Refrigerants are not interchangeable across equipment generations — a system designed for R-410A cannot simply be recharged with a newer refrigerant like R-454B or R-32, since these use different pressures and are not compatible with R-410A components. Under current EPA regulations, R-410A is no longer used in new equipment, but it remains fully legal to service and recharge in existing systems for as long as supply is available. Recharging a unit with an active, undiagnosed leak also does not address the underlying problem. Our technicians diagnose the leak first and confirm refrigerant compatibility before recommending recharge, retrofit, or replacement.
Air Done Right evaluates older and discontinued heat pump models on a case-by-case basis, since feasibility depends on equipment condition, part availability, refrigerant type, and overall economic repairability. Diagnosing an older system does not always mean replacement parts are available.
Check that the outdoor unit has clearance from debris, snow, or vegetation, and confirm the thermostat is set correctly, but avoid chipping away ice or accessing refrigerant or electrical components yourself. If icing recurs or the unit won't complete a defrost cycle, the cause could involve airflow restriction, a refrigerant condition, or a defrost-system fault that needs professional diagnosis.
Longer run times can be normal during very cold weather when heating demand is high, since a heat pump works harder to draw in heat as outdoor temperatures drop. However, a system that runs constantly without reaching the thermostat setting, or that seems to be losing ground on cold days, may indicate a sizing, airflow, refrigerant, or component issue that should be diagnosed rather than treated as ordinary winter behavior.
