When Your Heat Pump Turns Into an Ice Block: Why Freezing Happens During Damp, Cold Spells
The Surprising Reason Your Heat Pump Turns into a Frosted Cube Cold, damp spells in late fall and winter can create the perfect conditions for heat pump problems—specifically, your outdoor unit freezing over. While a light layer of frost is normal, a heat pump encased in thick ice is not. This issue can lead to […]
Why Is My HVAC System So Loud? Understanding Noisy Heating Systems After Long Runtime Periods
When temperatures drop, and your HVAC system runs for longer stretches than usual, you may start to notice noises that weren’t there before. A hum turns into a rattle, a soft whoosh becomes a vibration, or a quiet click morphs into a persistent buzz. While homeowners often chalk these sounds up to “normal winter behavior,” […]
When Your Boiler Can’t Keep Up: How Aging Systems Fail Northern VA Homes in the Fall
When the Chill Returns, Old Boilers Show Their Age When November settles into Northern Virginia, the air grows crisp and homeowners turn up their thermostats for the first time in months. But for many, that comforting warmth takes longer to arrive—or never feels quite right. If your boiler seems to be struggling to keep up […]
Avoid Holiday Heating Disasters: Why Unexpected System Breakdowns Spike Before Winter in Northern VA
When Holiday Warmth Turns Cold: Why Heating Systems Fail at the Worst Time Few things can derail the comfort of a cozy November evening faster than your heating system suddenly giving up—right before family gatherings or holiday dinners. In Northern Virginia, homeowners often face this problem just as temperatures drop and heating systems start working […]
Why Your Heat Pump Struggles in Cool, Damp Fall Weather (And How to Fix It!)
When Fall Weather Turns on Your Heat Pump Fall in Northern VA can be tricky for homeowners with heat pumps. Cool mornings, damp evenings, and fluctuating temperatures make this season feel unpredictable. You might notice your heat pump taking longer to warm your home, running more often, or going into “defrost mode” more frequently than […]
Quick Fix Guide: Emergency Heating Repair
When the chill sets in and your heating system decides to take an unexpected hiatus, it’s time to arm yourself with a Quick Fix Guide: Emergency Heating Repair. This essential guide is designed to be your go-to resource when the thermostat refuses to cooperate, offering quick and practical solutions to revive your heating system. From […]
Gas Furnace vs. Heat Pump: Which Is Right for Your Home?
Gas Furnace vs. Heat Pump: Which Is Right for Your Home? In the ever-evolving world of home heating solutions, the choice between a heat pump and a furnace is a pivotal decision for homeowners. At Leonard Splaine, we understand that making an informed choice is crucial to ensure your home stays comfortable and energy-efficient throughout […]
Don’t Freeze Up! Your HVAC Fall Maintenance Checklist
Don’t Freeze Up! Your HVAC Fall Maintenance Checklist At Leonard Splaine, we understand the importance of maintaining your HVAC system to ensure optimal comfort and energy efficiency during the fall season. As experts in the field, we have prepared a comprehensive fall HVAC maintenance checklist to help you keep your system running smoothly. By following […]
Air Conditioning vs. Heating Repairs: Prioritizing Comfort Year-Round
Why does heat pumps Aux Heat keep coming on
Have you ever seen the words “aux heat” on your digital thermostat and wondered what exactly it means? If you’ve been running your heat pump in heat mode you may have noticed that your thermostat is reading “AUX heat. The AUX heat setting on an HVAC unit usually turns on when you need heat fast. […]