Do you need backup heat with geothermal?

• <div><p>If a geothermal heat pump is installed correctly, then you shouldn’t have to worry about having a backup heat source such as a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/furnace-and-heating-basics.htm">furnace</a> or oil boiler. However, there are geothermal systems installed that include a backup in case the heat pump fails due to extreme cold. This is simply a backup heat pump you’ll likely never need and not an alternative heat source.</p></div>

How often do I need to service my HVAC system?

• <div><p>You need to service an HVAC system about twice per year, with a service including an inspection and basic maintenance. It’s best to schedule maintenance in the spring (after the furnace has been running and before the AC kicks on) and in the fall (after the AC worked hard all summer and before winter’s first chill arrives). </p><p>Regular HVAC services will keep the system working as efficiently as possible, saving you money on utilities and larger repairs. <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/ac-service-cost.htm">HVAC maintenance costs</a> around $250 per visit, while bigger repairs from forgotten upkeep could cost thousands.</p></div>

How much should an HVAC service call be?

• <div><p>Most HVAC companies charge a flat service call fee of between <b>$75 and $150</b>, which includes traveling to your home and inspecting your system to find the underlying problem. Keep in mind that these prices only include diagnostics and the actual repairs will usually be billed separately. If you’re calling for routine service, the service call will be included in your inspection and tune-up, with the total sitting around <b>$150</b>. Your prices could be a little higher if you have a very large home with multiple condensers and air handlers, as inspections and servicing take longer.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Heating Oil Service pros in Fairfield, VA

*The Angi rating for Heating Oil Service companies in Fairfield, VA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Heating Oil Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Heating Oil Service companies in Fairfield, VA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Heating Oil Service needs.

Last update on November 26, 2025

Reviewed in January 2019
BACKRIVER COOLING AND HEATING SAVED ME $4,400! During the recent cold snap, my house would not heat above 62 degrees and the furnace ran constantly. I have a dual fuel heat pump system with AC and gas heat back-up. When the temperature drops below a set point, my auxiliary gas heat turns on. My...
Backriver Cooling and Heating LLC
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Reviewed in January 2017
Bart identified the problem, and replaced the part right away. He also provided some education about our heating system. We plan to call Bart at Ampersand for any future needs we have.
Ampersand Heating & Cooling
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Reviewed in March 2016
We had a 2 stage, varible speed high efficancy gas furnace, with a 2 stage 18 seer heat pump installed.intallation went extremely well, kept the work area clean and neat. took a couple extra days due to weather, but not a big deal. overall very happy with the way the heating system worked. also...
AUGUSTA MECHANICAL HEATING
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Reviewed in June 2015
Made appointment by phone, Took car in and they got to it immediately and got to it, they also put in synthetic oil. We were very happy with the oil change and they even washed the car. We were very happy to have them do the oil change. We will be back.
Steven Toyota Scion
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Reviewed in June 2013
We solicited and received bids from a number of local HVAC companies to replace a 60-year old oil furnace and 40-year old air conditioner with a new natural gas furnace and high efficiency heat pump in Roanoke. We also had the ductwork cleaned at the same time, a service Davis also provides. ...
Davis Heating & Air Conditioning
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Reviewed in November 2012
Mr. Williams came out on Sunday evening, inspected my heat pump and told me he would be back the next morning with the part needed at 10am. He did! He fixed my heat pump and checked the system. I was impressed by his promptness, and professionalism and he charged a reasonable price. I will never...
Williams Comfort Control
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Reviewed in June 2012
I highly recommend Hartman Plumbing & Heating. He does a good job and he's a no money down contractor. He installed the system, gave us the bill, he was prompt and efficient. He installed a good quality equipment, the whole 9 yards.
Hartman Plumbing Heating & Cooling
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Halls special projects

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Your local go to guy. We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won’t leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Check out all the services we offer below and call -or- click to schedule an estimate today!

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"Very good and on time."

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BIRD'S HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING INC.

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BIRD'S HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING INC.

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NATE & Manufacture certified employees. We offer service contracts, flat rate service billing, 24-7 emergency service, short & long term financing available, And Geothermal Design, Service & Sales

Heating Oil questions, answered by experts

The most obvious downside is the high upfront cost of buying and installing one of these systems. Additionally, sometimes the system can take a longer time to heat than alternatives like a boiler. Also, if something goes wrong with the geothermal pump, repairs are often significantly more expensive than repairing traditional, above-ground heat pumps.

If a geothermal heat pump is installed correctly, then you shouldn’t have to worry about having a backup heat source such as a furnace or oil boiler. However, there are geothermal systems installed that include a backup in case the heat pump fails due to extreme cold. This is simply a backup heat pump you’ll likely never need and not an alternative heat source.

There are three main types of heat pumps. An air-source heat pump system is the most common and has two parts—an indoor air handler unit and an outdoor heat pump unit. A ductless heat pump system functions similarly to an air-source heat pump system but doesn’t need ductwork to distribute the air. A geothermal heat pump system pulls heat from the ground to help heat your home.

You need to service an HVAC system about twice per year, with a service including an inspection and basic maintenance. It’s best to schedule maintenance in the spring (after the furnace has been running and before the AC kicks on) and in the fall (after the AC worked hard all summer and before winter’s first chill arrives).

Regular HVAC services will keep the system working as efficiently as possible, saving you money on utilities and larger repairs. HVAC maintenance costs around $250 per visit, while bigger repairs from forgotten upkeep could cost thousands.

Most HVAC companies charge a flat service call fee of between $75 and $150, which includes traveling to your home and inspecting your system to find the underlying problem. Keep in mind that these prices only include diagnostics and the actual repairs will usually be billed separately. If you’re calling for routine service, the service call will be included in your inspection and tune-up, with the total sitting around $150. Your prices could be a little higher if you have a very large home with multiple condensers and air handlers, as inspections and servicing take longer.

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