Heat Pumps in York County, SC

What a heat pump is

A heat pump is an air conditioner that can run in reverse. In summer it moves heat out of the house like any central AC; in winter it pulls heat from the outdoor air into the house. One outdoor unit and one indoor air handler do both jobs, usually with electric backup strips for the coldest nights. Because winters in the Carolina Piedmont are mild and many homes have no gas service, heat pumps are a common choice in York County.

What to know before you buy or repair one

• Two ratings. SEER2 measures cooling efficiency and HSPF2 measures heating efficiency. Ask for both when comparing quotes.
• Backup heat. Electric strips (auxiliary or emergency heat) are expensive to run. If the thermostat shows auxiliary heat often in mild weather, something is wrong.
• Defrost is normal. On cold damp mornings the outdoor unit may steam and the fan may stop for a few minutes. That is a defrost cycle, not a fault.
• Dual fuel. A heat pump paired with a gas furnace lets the furnace take over in the coldest weather. Ask whether it makes sense for your house.
• Refrigerant. New residential heat pumps have used lower-GWP refrigerants since January 1, 2025 (see the cost guide). Existing R-410A systems can still be serviced.

Repair or replace

The same rules as an air conditioner apply: small parts on a younger system are worth repairing; a failed compressor, a leaking coil or repeated refrigerant top-ups on an old system call for a replacement quote. Ask for a load calculation (ACCA Manual J), matched indoor and outdoor units with an AHRI certificate, and a permit where required (York County residential permits). Contractors must be licensed through SC LLR.