Heat Pump Repair & Service for the Gulf Coast.

Heat Pump Repair & Service Questions

• Why are heat pumps the most common HVAC system in Baldwin County?

  Baldwin County's mild winter climate (Climate Zone 2A) is ideal for heat pump operation. Heat pumps deliver 2-3 units of heat for every unit of electricity consumed in our typical winter conditions, while also providing all the summer cooling. One outdoor unit, both seasons, lower utility bills than separate AC + gas furnace setups in our climate. Utility rebates depend on your electric provider — Baldwin EMC, for example, runs a heat pump rebate for members.
• How long do heat pumps last on the Gulf Coast?

  Inland Baldwin County heat pumps (Daphne, Fairhope, Spanish Fort, Bay Minette) typically last 12-15 years with bi-annual maintenance. Coastal heat pumps (Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Fort Morgan) typically last 8-12 years due to salt-air corrosion. Coastal-grade outdoor units with corrosion-resistant coatings extend coastal lifespan to 12-16 years. Cool Club bi-annual maintenance documented for warranty purposes maximizes equipment life.
• Is the federal 25C tax credit still available for heat pump installations?

  No — the federal 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit expired December 31, 2025. Heat pump systems placed in service in 2026 or later are not eligible. If your system was installed on or before December 31, 2025, the credit may be available on your 2025 federal return — verify with a CPA. For new 2026 installs, check the utility rebates offered by the electric provider on your bill and any manufacturer promotion on your equipment.
• What heat pump brands do you install in Baldwin County?

  Air Solutions installs all major heat pump brands — Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Rheem, Goodman, American Standard, Bryant, Daikin, and Mitsubishi (for ductless heat pump systems). We help you select equipment based on home size, ductwork compatibility, efficiency goals, and budget. AHRI-matched indoor + outdoor components for full warranty validity.
• Should I replace my AC + gas furnace with a heat pump?

  For most Baldwin County homes — yes, especially if your AC is approaching end of life. Lower utility costs in our climate and single-system simplicity favor heat pumps. The exceptions: homes with newer gas furnaces (under 12 years), homes with very heavy heating loads (rare in Baldwin County), or homes with already-paid-for gas service that would be wasted by going all-electric. We run the actual comparison numbers during the in-home consultation.
• Why does my thermostat say Aux Heat?

  Auxiliary heat means the electric heat strips in your air handler are helping the heat pump. That's normal on cold mornings: a heat pump pulls heat out of the outdoor air, so its heating capacity drops as the temperature drops, and below the home's balance point — often somewhere around freezing, depending on the house and the equipment — the strips come on to make up the difference. Aux also runs briefly during a defrost cycle and when you raise the thermostat several degrees at once. If Aux runs constantly on a mild day, the heat pump itself may not be heating and should be checked.
• Should I switch my thermostat to Emergency Heat?

  Only if the outdoor unit has stopped working — it's damaged, iced over and not clearing, or tripping its breaker — and you need heat until it's repaired. Emergency heat shuts the heat pump off and runs the electric heat strips alone, which keeps the house warm but costs noticeably more to run. Ordinary cold weather doesn't call for it; the system brings the strips on automatically when it needs them. If you've had to switch to emergency heat, call (251) 300-9817 so we can fix the heat pump itself.
• Is it normal for my heat pump to steam and stop its fan in winter?

  Yes — that's the defrost cycle. In cool, damp weather frost builds on the outdoor coil, so the heat pump periodically reverses for a few minutes to melt it. During defrost the outdoor fan stops, you may hear a whoosh as the reversing valve shifts, and steam often rises off the unit. A thin layer of frost that clears on its own is normal. A unit that stays encased in ice, or never seems to finish defrosting, points to a defrost control, sensor, airflow, or refrigerant problem — switch to emergency heat and call us. Don't chip ice off the coil; it damages the fins.
• Why does my heat pump run nonstop when it's cold outside?

  Long run times are how a heat pump is designed to work in cold weather. It delivers a steady stream of moderately warm air rather than short blasts of very hot air the way a gas furnace does, so air from the vents can feel lukewarm to your hand even when everything is working. It's a problem when the house can't hold the setpoint on a mild day, the air coming out is actually cool, or the indoor fan runs while the outdoor unit sits still — those point to a reversing valve, refrigerant, or outdoor-unit fault we can diagnose.