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>

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TRUSTED BY SALTVILLE, VA HOMEOWNERS

4.4
Average homeowner rating
233
Verified heating oil services reviews

Verified Reviews for Heating Oil Service pros in Saltville, VA

*The Angi rating for Heating Oil Service companies in Saltville, 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 Saltville, 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 October 23, 2025

Reviewed in December 2015
Excellent. All work was done in less than two days. A callback was needed because oil heat didn't always cut in when temperatures got low enough to call for it.Job well done. System is quieter and temperature more stable than with older system. Definite A grade for work. Price was fair but...
WOODWARD ELECTRIC CO
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Reviewed in April 2014
After scheduling an appointment for 8:00 on Friday morning, I requested an oil change, a check on alignment, and a check on my ac/heat fans since they weren't working. I received a call on Friday afternoon that I needed tires, and the less expensive ones wouldn't be in the store until Saturday...
Little Tire Co Inc
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Reviewed in January 2014
I was without heat when the temperature was 7 degrees. I wasted 2 days trying to get ahold of this company.
Xtreme Heating and Air Inc
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Reviewed in November 2013
I was very impressed with Mr. Billington and D&L Mechanical Services. Mr. Billington came out quickly and got right to work. Thank goodness it was only a loose wire and reset button that needed to be fixed, but Mr. Billington checked over the whole furnace and gave me many tips to help with...
D and L Mechanical Services
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Reviewed in November 2013
We have a maintenance contract so our heat/AC gets serviced regularly, they are ALWAYS able to work around our schedules and our systems work great. The one time our heater broke, they were out to fix it fast. They've installed a new AC unit and now we're getting a furnace humidifier. They also...
Robert B. Payne, Inc.
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Reviewed in October 2013
Came out and check eletrical and heat and air conditionaing unit.
Classic Air's One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning
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Reviewed in September 2013
I have taken my Dodge Grand Caravan to them for the oil change on at least 5 occasions. Each time, they are usually fairly fast. However, I do have a few concerns on the service. Each time I have had my oil changed there, I have heard something different. The time before last, the mechanic came...
Buggy Bathe Auto Wash, Lube & Detail Shoppe
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Reviewed in May 2013
The technician arrived promptly and was very thorough in going over the system. He provided information on Evans Heating and Air maintenance plan. I am definitely signing up and continuing service with Evans Heating and Air.
EVAN’S Heating & Air LLC
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Reviewed in April 2013
The guy only wanted to send me a new water heater, and unfortunately he picked the wrong guy to try to sell it to. I happen to know a little about water heaters. I knew what had to be done, at least i thought i knew. I checked with the company, and i downloaded the software, and i fixed it...
ARS / Rescue Rooter Manassas
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Find Heating oil pros in Saltville

Cutting Edge Mechanical Corporation

11921 Freedom Drive Suite 550

No reviews yet

Cutting Edge Mechanical Corporation

11921 Freedom Drive Suite 550

No reviews yet

12 years of experience

Cutting Edge is a reliable, transparent (no hidden fees), and trustworthy full service Residential and Commercial HVAC (Heating & Air Conditioning) Company servicing from Richmond, VA up to Baltimore, MD and everywhere in between.

Aire Serv of Abingdon

560 W Main St

5.00(

)

Aire Serv of Abingdon

560 W Main St

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Heating and Cooling repair, replacement and maintance. Brand - All brands. Maytag, Trane, Carrier & Goodman

Commonwealth Environmental Associates, Inc.

7411 Iron Bridge Rd

5.00(

)

Commonwealth Environmental Associates, Inc.

7411 Iron Bridge Rd

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Since 1992, Commonwealth Environmental Associates, Inc. has offered environmental testing, assessment and consulting services in Virginia and the surrounding southeastern states. These services have been completed for a wide range of retail, development, financial, commercial, legal, industrial, agricultural and residential clients. We are members of BBB and NFIB. Licensed & Insured.

"The test and follow up went very well. The tech explained the results and is forwarding me documentation."

Curtis S on January 2021

"The test and follow up went very well. The tech explained the results and is forwarding me documentation."

Curtis S on January 2021

Heating Oil questions, answered by experts

Yes, including optimizing settings and suggesting upgrades if needed.

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.

A geothermal heat pump system will take about 10 years to pay for itself, and it has a life span of anywhere from about 25 to 50 years. Installing a geothermal heat pump will cost about $14,250 upfront, but it can reduce your energy bills by around 65% when compared to a conventional HVAC system.

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 several common types of HVAC systems that you may have, including split systems, hybrid HVAC, duct-free systems, packaged heating and air, geothermal heating, or even portable units for heating or cooling. If you aren’t sure which type is in your home or are looking to install something different, you should consult an HVAC pro to determine which option is right for your heating and cooling needs.

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