Summer Checklist For Your Tri-Cities Home

Posted on July 16, 2026July 16, 2026 by David Cochran

Summer Checklist For Your Tri-Cities Home

For homes in the Tri-Cities area of Tennessee, we see some very hot and stormy summers. We wanted to create a checklist that will help homeowners improve their home comfort, increase energy efficiency, and protect their property. Some of these tasks are simple DIY projects, while a few others may require you to call a professional.

Complete Comfort has been helping homeowners stay cool and comfortable in their homes since 2011, specializing in heating, cooling, and generators. From repairing an air conditioner to installing a brand new heat pump, we have the skills, knowledge, and experience to help homeowners stay comfortable no matter what time of year it is.

If you live in the Tri-Cities area of Tennessee, or Southwest Virginia, Complete Comfort can help you out! Our team is ready to come assess your situation and help you with any repair, service, or upgrade that can make your home the most comfortable space it can be. Give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online. We are happy to help you out!

DIY Summer Tasks For Your Home

First, let’s start out with some ‘Do It Yourself” tasks that you can take care of on your own.

Change Your Air Filter

One of the easiest, but often overlooked tasks is changing your air filter. The air filter in your HVAC system catches airborne particles and irritants such as allergens, bacteria, dust, pet dander, smoke, etc. Over time, the filter will get clogged and prevent airflow if you don’t change it.

We recommend changing your air filter once every 1-3 months, depending on the time of year, and how sensitive the breathing issues are for the occupants of the home. Buy a few filters at a time, and keep them stored away so replacing them is easy. If you aren’t sure how to replace your filter, you can check out this article here, or ask your HVAC technician during a routine maintenance!

Clean Your Gutters

Cleaning out your gutters should be done almost every season. This is going to help protect your property from rain damage. If the gutters are clogged and heavy, they could break, or prevent rainwater from going where it should, away from your home.

Inspect Windows And Doors

We recommend that you check your windows and doors a few times a year. These are areas where air can escape if there are cracks and leaks. You can use weatherstripping, door draft stoppers, or sealant to tighten up these problem areas.

If you notice drafts in your home, it could be the sign of a leak in one of these spaces. Take a look around your home and make sure you aren’t “cooling the whole neighborhood”!

Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm

You should check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors at least twice a year, but we really recommend it once a season. Check the batteries and give them a test!

Clean Ceiling Fans

You should be using your ceiling fans to keep you cool, and take some stress off the AC system. Get a ladder and dust off the fans, and also make sure they are rotating counterclockwise!

Prepare For Summer Storms

Make sure you are ready for summer storms! This means making sure patio furniture is secure, gutters are cleaned, and you have some fresh batteries for your flashlights. You may also want some backup chargers for your phones and other electronics. Keeping a battery powered radio stored is a great way to keep yourself entertained during a storm as well!

We also recommend you install a generator to avoid power outages, but we’ll get into that later.

Tasks To Hire A Professional For

Now that you know a few things you can accomplish on your own, here are some tasks you can hire a professional to take care of:

Schedule AC/Heat Pump Service

The most important thing you can do for your HVAC system is to schedule routine maintenance. You should have your cooling system serviced at least once a year, be it an air conditioner or a heat pump. This is going to come along with a number of benefits:

Improved cooling
Improved energy efficiency
Lower energy bills
Longer system lifespan
Maintains system warranty
Better indoor air quality

If you haven’t had your cooling system serviced at least once this year, do it now! It’s going to help you stay comfortable and save money in the long run! Give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online to schedule an appointment!

Repair Cracks In Your Foundation/Deck

While the weather is nice out, take care of your outdoor space. This means hiring a professional to repair any cracks in your driveway or walkways. If you have a deck, make sure the structure is sound and you don’t need to replace any planks etc.

Consider A Generator For Your Home

If you experience any power outages at your home, a generator would be able to stop that, and provide your home with backup power year round. In the late summer, we see some pretty serious storms in Northeastern Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. These storms can knock power out and cause some real problems in our area.

A whole home generator will be able to provide your home with backup power that kicks on the minute your power goes out. This unit provides you with more than just “keeping the lights on”. When you lose power, you lose:

Wifi
Lights
TV and Internet
Air conditioner/heat pump
Charging abilities
Refrigeration

Don’t go days without power, think about installing a generator to keep your power on, and your home comfortable!

Landscaping Projects

If you have some landscaping projects you want to accomplish, consider having them done in the summer. Whether you have a green thumb and do it on your own, or hire a professional, now is the time of year to do it!

HVAC Services In The Tri-Cities Area

Complete Comfort is your trusted HVAC contractor in the Tri-Cities area, providing air conditioning, heating, and generator service, installation and maintenance. If you are looking for some help with your home comfort, we can help you out! Give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online!

Heat Pumps VS Traditional Air Conditioners

Posted on June 1, 2026June 26, 2026 by Nate Kiser

Heat Pumps Vs Traditional Air Conditioners

As we approach the summer, it’s the most popular time of year to upgrade your cooling system. In our area of Southwest Virginia, homeowners want to make sure they are cool and comfortable during the summer months, which means installing something efficient and reliable. When it comes to installing a new cooling system, we get this question a lot: What is the difference between an air conditioner and a heat pump?

We have been installing heating and cooling systems since 2011. We are based out of Chilhowie, VA, and have been serving the surrounding towns and cities, from Abingdon and Marion to Bristol, and now we are expanding into Northeastern Tennessee as well. We take pride in recommending the RIGHT HVAC system that is going to fit a home’s needs.

In this article, we are going to go over the difference between traditional air conditioners and heat pumps, giving you some pros and cons of each. If you want to speak to an expert about your home comfort, give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online to schedule a conversation!

What Are The Key Differences Of An Air Conditioner VS A Heat Pump

For someone who doesn’t know much about HVAC equipment, it may be tough to tell the difference between an air conditioner and a heat pump. They look very similar, and both do the job of keeping the space cool and comfortable. The systems both work similarly when it comes to cooling. They extract heat from the air in the house, and push it outside. They also use a refrigerant and a compressor to create cool air and pump it into the home.

Heat Pumps Provide Heating And Cooling

The biggest difference between the two systems is in the winter. For an air conditioning system, there’s nothing it can do to provide heating, and is idle during the winter months. You’ll need a furnace, boiler, or baseboard heating in order to keep the space warm.

For a heat pump, the process is reversed during the winter, and the system is able to provide heating for your home. The heat pump draws heat from the air outside and pumps it into the home, while using the compressor and heat transfer process to create whatever heat is needed. This means you only need one system to keep your space comfortable all year long.

With a heat pump, there is no need to install a separate heating system, which gives homeowners more space, and more convenience. It’s much easier to maintain one system, and it’s also simpler.

Types Of Cooling Systems

There are a few different types of cooling systems:

Traditional AC systems – Cooling only, use ductwork,
Heat Pumps – Cooling and heating, use ductwork
Ductless Mini Splits – Cooling and heating, no ductwork needed

Ductless mini splits are a different kind of heat pump. These work by using a compressor outside that hooks up to different head units or splits independently. Each one of these operates independently, meaning you can have different units set at different temperatures. This allows you to save energy, and provide more customized comfort in different spaces around the home.

These systems don’t need ductwork, and are perfect as a supplement to a current system that may need a little help. They are also great for additions to a home like a garage, sunroom, or an attic. Any space that wasn’t thought of when the original HVAC system was installed. These are also great for older, or historical homes with no room for ductwork.

Pros and Cons Of Heat Pumps VS AC Systems

There aren’t tons of differences between the two systems, and each of them have their own benefits and drawbacks. Here are a couple pros and cons that could help steer you in the right directions when it comes to your home comfort:

Pros Of An Air Conditioner:

Lower initial investment cost compared to a heat pump
Can provide energy efficient cooling
Can treat the whole home

Cons Of An Air Conditioner:

Can only provide cooling
Treats the whole home (even spaces you aren’t using)
Need ductwork

Pros Of A Heat Pump/Ductless Mini Splits:

Can provide both heating and cooling
Energy efficient comfort
Can provide zoned comfort (lower energy bills and better comfort)
Can use ducts or no ducts

Cons Of A Heat Pump/Ductless Mini Splits:

Higher initial cost of installation

What Should You Install In Your Home?

In our area of the country, we recommend you install a heat pump in your home. Air conditioners are great, and if you recently installed a new furnace, maybe an air conditioner is the better option for cost purposes. In most cases though, heat pumps are the way to go.

In our corner of Virginia and Tennessee, we see hot summers and cold winters. That means needing year round heating and cooling. This is why we normally recommend a heat pump as opposed to other HVAC systems.

If you want to talk to an expert about a heat pump or air conditioning system for your home, give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online!

The Winner Of Our Mitsubishi Ductless Mini Split Giveaway

Posted on May 14, 2026June 26, 2026 by David Cochran

Congratulations To The Winner Of Our Ductless Mini Split Giveaway!

After receiving submissions for the past few months, we have chosen our winner! Congratulations to Bo Teaster of Marion, VA on being selected as our Ductless Mini Split Giveaway Winner! We will be installing a single zone Mitsubishi Ductless Mini Split into his home so his family can enjoy the system all summer, and for years to come.

The family has been dealing with some pretty serious health issues for the last 2 years, and they have never had air conditioning in their home. The process of installing and removing window units is just too much for them, and they were looking for a better solution. They are both retired, and spend most of their time at home. Now, they will be able to feel cool and comfortable with a brand new ductless mini split.

We want to wish the best to Bo and his wife, and along with this mini split, we are sending our thoughts and prayers to the family. We know this unit will be able to make their home a more comfortable, and enjoyable place to live.

Why Choose A Ductless Mini Split To Comfort Your Home?

Ductless mini splits are some of the most popular HVAC systems we install today. Homeowners love the ease of installation, energy savings, and superior comfort they provide.

Energy Efficiency

Ductless mini splits are some of the most energy efficient systems you can use to heat and cool your home. They work independently of each other, allowing you to set them at different temperatures. This helps you save energy, and personalize comfort.

Mini splits work as heat pumps, drawing heat from the air outside and pumping it inside during the winter, and reversing the process during the summer. They also run at different speeds, allowing you to maintain your temperature, and avoid fluctuations. This operation leads to better comfort and lower energy bills.

No Ductwork Needed

One of the greatest advantages that ductless mini splits offer is that they don’t need ductwork to function. Instead, they use a small bit of tubing to deliver cool or warm air, depending on the season. This allows for greater energy efficiency, seeing as there are no leaks like ductwork may have.

The lack of a need for ductwork is perfect for:

Older homes with no room for ductwork
Additions to the home like a sunroom
Garages
Attics
Homes that already have an HVAC system but need a supplement

Without the need to install ductwork, it makes the installation easier, and less invasive for a home.

Provide Both Heating And Cooling

Unlike furnaces or traditional AC systems, ductless mini splits can provide both heating and cooling. This makes them year round HVAC solutions, and eliminates the need for you to install two different types of HVAC systems. They are also perfect for spring and fall when you may need the heat one day, and the AC the next.

This ability to provide year round comfort has made these systems some of the most popular, and effective HVAC systems you can install.

Whisper Quiet

Unlike a window AC unit, ductless mini splits are whisper quiet. These systems operate around 30-40db. For reference, a window unit is around 70 decibels, while a standard central AC system is usually around 50db. This makes ductless mini splits some of the most quiet, usually making as much noise as rustling leaves, at most.

Is A Ductless Mini Split Right For Your Home?

Ductless mini splits are some of our favorite units to install, and with good reason. If you are looking for a little extra comfort in your home, a mini split may be the right choice! Here are some signs that a mini split system is perfect for your home:

You have a room that never stays comfortable
You want to add heating/cooling to an addition (sunroom, garage, shed)
You want to provide supplemental comfort to help your current HVAC system
You want to have zoned comfort around your home
You have an old HVAC system that needs to be replaced
You have a home that isn’t always using every room
Your energy bills are too high and you want an efficient solution

There are a lot of reasons you may want a mini split, and we can help! Give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online. Our experts will be happy to help you design and install the RIGHT system for your home.

Also congrats again to Bo and his family! We are looking forward to making your home a comfortable space to live, all year long!

The Pros And Cons Of Different Air Conditioning Systems

Posted on April 13, 2026June 26, 2026 by David Cochran

The Pros And Cons Of Different Air Conditioning Systems

Choosing the right air conditioning system for your home is a big decision. It’s a costly investment that impacts your comfort for the next decade or more. In our area of Southwest Virginia and Northeastern Tennessee, we see some hot summers. Your cooling system plays a major role in your comfort, energy bills, and even indoor air quality.

At Complete Comfort, we specialize in helping homeowners choose the best system for their needs. Whether you’re upgrading an old unit or installing AC for the first time, understanding the pros and cons of each option can help you make the right choice. We’ve been helping homeowners and business owners in the area since 2011, making sure they are comfortable all year round.

If you need help selecting or installing a new cooling system, give us a call at (276) 690-9222 or contact us online to schedule an estimate. Our experts will assess your space, and give you some options that will keep the space cool all summer long.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are one of the most popular and efficient HVAC systems available today. They work by transferring heat rather than generating it, allowing them to cool your home in the summer and heat it in the winter. They are the most common system that we install, and for good reason.

Pros:

Energy Efficiency: Heat pumps are extremely efficient, especially compared to traditional systems. This can lead to lower monthly energy bills.
Heating & Cooling In One System: You get year-round comfort without needing a separate furnace.
Environmentally Friendly: Because they use less energy, heat pumps reduce your carbon footprint.

Cons:

More Expensive To Install: The upfront cost can be higher than traditional AC systems, though rebates and tax credits can help offset the cost.

Central AC Systems

Central air conditioning systems are a traditional and reliable way to cool your entire home using ductwork. They used to be the standard before heat pump technology became more popular, but we still see some homes with them around our area.

Pros:

Whole Home Comfort: Central AC systems distribute cool air evenly throughout your home.
Environmentally Friendly: Modern systems are much more efficient than older models and use improved refrigerants.

Cons:

Cannot Provide Heating: You’ll need a separate heating system, like a furnace or heat pump.
Not As Efficient As Heat Pumps Or Mini Splits: While efficient, they typically don’t match the performance of newer technologies.

Ductless Mini Splits

Ductless mini splits are becoming increasingly popular for their flexibility and efficiency. We see these more and more in homes and businesses, and are perfect HVAC solutions for a few different reasons. These systems consist of an outdoor unit connected to one or more indoor air handlers. Their ease of installation and lack of a need for ductwork has made them one of our favorite systems to install.

Pros:

Energy Efficiency: Ductless systems are highly efficient and avoid energy loss through ductwork.
Heating & Cooling: Like heat pumps, they provide both heating and cooling, giving you year-round comfort.
Environmentally Friendly: Lower energy use means less environmental impact.
Zoned HVAC: Each unit operates independently, allowing you to control temperatures room-by-room.
No Ductwork Required: Perfect for older homes, additions, garages, or bonus rooms. Ductless mini splits are a great supplemental option for homes with perfectly working cooling systems, but need to provide some comfort for that addition!

Cons:

Expensive To Install: Initial costs can be higher, but rebates and incentives are often available to reduce the investment.

Window Air Conditioning Systems

Window AC units are a simple and affordable option for cooling individual rooms. Almost everyone has seen one or used one at some point, and you probably already know some of the pros and cons. They are simple, cheap, and easy, but there is usually a reason for that.

Pros:

Immediate Cooling: Quick and easy way to cool a space.
Cheap To Install: Lower upfront cost compared to whole-home systems.
No Ductwork Needed: Ideal for small spaces or temporary solutions.

Cons:

Very Noisy: Can be disruptive, especially in bedrooms or living areas.
Energy Wasters: Often lead to higher energy bills due to lower efficiency.
Take Up A Window: Blocks natural light and outdoor views.
Uneven Cooling: Typically only cools one area and struggles to distribute air evenly.

Choosing The Right AC System For Your Home

Each type of air conditioning system has its place, and the best option depends on your home, budget, and comfort goals. In most cases, we like to suggest the heat pump or ductless mini split system. These are going to provide year round comfort, and operate the most efficiently, leading to lower energy bills.

Looking for maximum efficiency and year-round comfort? A heat pump or ductless system may be your best bet.
Have existing ductwork and want a straightforward solution? Central AC or a heat pump could be a great fit.
Need a quick, low-cost fix? A window unit can help in the short term. We don’t recommend this as a long term solution.
Need HVAC for an addition, garage, or sunroom? We recommend a ductless mini split. No ductwork is needed and they can provide year round heating and cooling.

At Complete Comfort, we take the time to evaluate your home and recommend the best solution for your needs, not just the most expensive one.

Get Expert Help From Complete Comfort

If you’re considering upgrading your air conditioning system in Southwest Virginia, like the Abingdon or Merion area, or Northeastern Tennessee, our team is here to help!

We’ll walk you through your options, explain available rebates, and install a system designed for comfort, efficiency, and long-term savings.

Call Complete Comfort at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online to schedule your estimate today

Let’s make sure your home stays cool and comfortable all summer long.

Upgrade Your Cooling Using Ductless Mini Splits

Posted on March 19, 2026June 26, 2026 by David Cochran

Upgrade Your Cooling Using Ductless Mini Splits

Summers in Southwest Virginia come along with some serious heat, and keeping your home cool and comfortable becomes a top priority. If your current air conditioning system struggles to keep up, or if you have rooms that never seem to cool down, it may be time to consider an upgrade.

One of the most efficient ways to improve your home comfort is with a ductless mini split system. At Complete Comfort, we’ve been helping homeowners in Chilhowie, Abingdon, Marion, and surrounding areas upgrade their cooling systems since 2011.One of our favorite, and the most effective upgrades we provide is a ductless mini split.

In this article, we’re going to go over some of the benefits of ductless mini splits, and some of the reasons you may want to install one in your home. If you’re interested in upgrading your cooling system, give us a call at (276) 690-9222 or contact us online to get started!

What Is A Ductless Mini Split?

A ductless mini split is a heating and cooling system that functions as a heat pump, but does not use traditional ductwork to deliver air. Instead, it consists of:

An outdoor condenser unit
One or more indoor air handlers
A small conduit connecting the system (A small bit of tubing and lineset)

These systems use a heat transfer process, and are able to provide energy efficient heating and cooling. The flexibility of not needing ductwork, and essentially being able to place these anywhere you want throughout the house, has made them a very popular HVAC option for many homeowners and businesses alike.

Why Upgrade To A Ductless Mini Split?

There are several reasons why homeowners in Southwest Virginia are choosing ductless systems over traditional central air. In some cases you may want a completely new HVAC system. In others, you may want a supplement to a current system. Maybe you just want to improve your energy efficiency and lower energy bills. Whatever the case may be, we can help you out with your ductless upgrade.

Here are some of the benefits to installing a ductless mini split system.

Improved Energy Efficiency

Ductless mini splits are known for their high efficiency. Traditional ducted systems can lose energy through leaks and poor insulation in ductwork. With a ductless system, that energy loss is eliminated.

As I’ve said already, ductless mini splits work as heat pumps, and use an energy transfer process. They pull warm air out of the air outside and pump it in during the winter, then in the summer warm air from the inside is pumped outside, and the cool air is dispersed throughout the home. This process is much more efficient and environmentally friendly than traditional heating and cooling systems.

Many ductless systems also use inverter technology, which allows them to adjust output based on demand instead of constantly turning on and off. A traditional HVAC system would turn off and on, with no “low and slow” settings that would allow the system to maintain the temperature without any big fluctuations. This lower setting leads to lower energy consumption, and lower utility bills!

Perfect For Hard-To-Cool Areas

Mini splits have been used to fix problem rooms that are hard to cool. There are particular rooms like sunrooms and additions, or bedrooms that always seem to stay too warm. Instead of using a window AC unit that takes up space, is VERY noisy, and sucks up energy, a mini split is perfect.

Ductless mini splits are ideal for:

Bedrooms
Bonus rooms
Finished basements
Garages
Additions

If you have an air conditioner that is working just fine around most of the house, but can’t seem to get every space comfortable, a mini split may be exactly what you need to fix the situation.

No Ductwork Needed

One of the main reasons that it’s so easy to add a ductless mini split to any space is because they don’t need any ductwork to deliver air throughout the house. When you need to install ductwork, it becomes messy and invasive, often requiring you to get into the walls. Instead these systems can be added with a little bit of tubing, and they are set to work.

This makes them a great solution for:

Older homes without ducts
Home additions
Renovation projects

Because there’s no ductwork required, the installation process is usually pretty straightforward, and doesn’t take as long as a traditional system to install.

Quiet Operation

One of the complaints we hear the most about window AC units is that they are noisy. That has traditionally been the solution for supplemental cooling, using a window AC unit to keep a space cool.

A ductless mini split is whisper quiet, often making sounds no greater than the equivalent of leaves rustling. This is why they have become so popular in offices, bedrooms, restaurants and more. If you are looking for a cooling and heating solution that doesn’t make a bunch on noise when it’s running, mini split are the answer!

Zoned Comfort Control

One of the biggest advantages of ductless systems is zoning. Zoning is when you split your home into separate zones of heating and cooling, allowing them to operate independently. This means you can:

Set different temperatures in different rooms
Avoid cooling unused spaces
Customize comfort for each member of your household

This will help you save energy, customize comfort, and keep everyone in the home happy! It’s also going to help extend the life of your units, as they won’t be used unnecessarily.

Can Ductless Mini Splits Provide Heating Too?

Yes! One of the biggest advantages of ductless systems is that they provide both heating and cooling. Instead of finding two different solutions for summer and winter, these systems can do it all. This is another reason why we recommend these over space heaters or window AC units.

This is also perfect for shoulder seasons like fall and spring when you have certain days that could use a little heating, and others that could use a small bit of AC. Most people avoid turning on their main AC or heating system until they need it for good, which is why these mini splits can be used during the “off seasons” to keep you comfortable, even if you only need a slight bit of heating/cooling!

Is A Ductless Mini Split Right For Your Home?

It’s rare that we see a space now where ductless isn’t a good fit. But, there are reasons that may better warrant a ductless mini split being added:

You have hot or cold spots in your home
You’re installing an addition to your home
Your current system is aging or inefficient
You want better control over your comfort
You’re looking to reduce your energy bills

At Complete Comfort, we can evaluate your home and help you determine if a ductless system is the right solution for your needs. We can also help you design the right ductless system for your space!

Upgrade Your Cooling With Complete Comfort

If you’re ready to improve your comfort and energy efficiency, a ductless mini split system could be the perfect upgrade.

At Complete Comfort, we specialize in installing high-quality ductless systems for homeowners in Chilhowie and throughout Southwest Virginia. Our team will guide you through the entire process, from system selection to expert installation.

Give us a call today at (276) 690-9222 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. Let’s upgrade your cooling and make your home more comfortable than ever!

Heat Pump VS A Furnace For Heating Your Home

Posted on February 9, 2026June 26, 2026 by David Cochran

Heat Pump VS A Furnace For Heating Your Home

In our area of Southwest Virginia, heating systems are an integral part of the home. They keep your home warm and comfortable, and also have a direct impact on your energy bills for half of the year. Deciding what kind of HVAC system you are going to choose to heat your home is important. In our area, heat pumps and furnaces are two of the most popular heating systems for home and businesses.

We’ve been working in the area for 15+ years, installing furnaces and heat pumps alike. We know not every home is the same, and each one has its own unique needs. In this article, we’re going to talk about the difference between using a furnace to heat your home and a heat pump.

If you think your home is due for a comfort upgrade, be it heating or cooling, give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online. Our experts would be happy to help you out with your home comfort needs!

How A Heat Pump Works VS How A Furnace Works

As we said, in our area of Virginia, both heat pumps and furnaces are both very popular. They are both reliable systems that can keep a home comfortable in our climate. It gets cold here, but it’s not the arctic, and both systems are suited to handle the cold we experience.

Here is how each system works:

How A Furnace Works

A furnace generates heat by burning fuel (most commonly natural gas or propane) or by using electricity. More commonly, we see fuel burning furnaces. Once heat is created, a blower fan pushes that warm air through your ductwork and into each room of your home. We have a lot of gas and oil burning furnaces in our area of Virginia and Tennessee.

Key points about furnaces:

Produce heat directly
Typically run on natural gas, propane, oil, or electricity
Can deliver very hot air quickly

Furnaces are especially effective during very cold weather because their heat output does not depend on outdoor temperatures, like a heat pump does. These systems generate their own heat, which can be a benefit, and also a drawback in some cases. More on that later. Still, this ability to generate heat independently makes for quick, dependable heating.

How A Heat Pump Works

A heat pump works differently than a furnace. Instead of creating heat, a heat pump moves heat. Even when it’s cold outside, there is still heat energy in the air. A heat pump pulls that heat from outside and transfers it indoors. In the summer, the process reverses, allowing the system to cool your home.

Key points about heat pumps:

Transfer heat instead of generating it
Run primarily on electricity
Provide both heating and cooling
Extremely energy efficient in mild to moderate climates

Modern cold-climate heat pumps are well-suited for Southwest Virginia and can operate efficiently even when outdoor temperatures drop into the teens. In the past, heat pumps had a hard time handling frigid temperatures, and wouldn’t be able to produce enough heat to keep certain climates comfortable. Today, the advanced heat pump technology accommodates weather like the kind we see here in Virginia and Tennessee.

The Benefits Of A Furnace

Furnaces have been a trusted heating solution for decades, and for good reason. The fact that these systems don’t depend on sourcing heat from the cold outside gives them a quicker ability to heat, and when the temps really drop, this dependable heating may be a comfort compared to heat pumps.

Benefits include:

Strong, consistent heat during cold snaps
Long lifespan with proper maintenance
Ideal for homes with natural gas access
Familiar technology many homeowners are comfortable with

If you want powerful heat that feels warm right away—especially during the coldest winter nights—a furnace can be a great choice.

Drawbacks Of A Furnace

A furnace is dependable, but not always perfect. Here are some of the cons to using a furnace:

Produces dangerous harmful gases
Can only heat, not cool
Depend on gas/oil prices for your heating bills
Less environmentally friendly
Not normally as energy efficient as a heat pump

Benefits Of A Heat Pump

Heat pumps have become increasingly popular as technology has improved and energy costs have changed. In fact, many energy providers, heat pump manufacturers, and even government programs will provide financial incentives when you install a heat pump for your home.

Benefits include:

Lower monthly energy costs for many homes
One system for heating and cooling
High efficiency and lower environmental impact
Eligible for utility rebates and federal tax credits
Great option for homes without gas service
Ductless heat pumps great for homes with no ductwork

For homeowners looking to reduce energy usage and future-proof their home, heat pumps are often an excellent investment. These systems are environmentally friendly, and energy efficient. They’ve become the preferred choice to install for our team here at Complete Comfort in the past 5 years.

Which System Is Best For Your Home?

Every home is unique, and not every system may be perfect for every home. The best heating system depends on several factors:

Your home’s size and insulation
Whether natural gas is available
Your comfort preferences
Energy costs in your area
Budget and long-term goals

In many cases, we recommend a heat pump. The energy savings and flexibility to provide both heating and cooling are huge benefits that most of our customers prefer. We also install dual-fuel systems, which pair a heat pump with a furnace—giving you efficiency during mild weather and powerful heat when temperatures drop.

We’ve been serving Southwest Virginia for over 15 years, and we are starting to work in Northeastern Tennessee as well. We know that no two homes are the same, and make sure that our customers are taken care of individually. If you’re considering upgrading your heating system or replacing an older unit, we’d be happy to help you explore your options.

Call us at (276) 690-9222 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. Our comfort experts will help you choose the system that’s right for your home!

3 Ways To Upgrade Your Home This Fall

Posted on September 8, 2025June 26, 2026 by David Cochran

3 Ways To Upgrade Your Home This Fall

As the seasons change here in Southwest Virginia, fall is the perfect time to assess and improve your home comfort. With the summer in the rear-view mirror, we wanted to bring you a few ideas for products that could improve your home. These improvements are aimed at saving energy, making your space more comfortable, and making sure your home is safe.

At Complete Comfort, we’ve been helping families in Chilhowie, Marion, Abingdon, and the surrounding areas for years with heating, cooling, and generator solutions that make a real difference. Whether you’re looking to save money on energy bills, improve your home comfort, or gain peace of mind during storms and power outages, we have the technicians and solutions that can help you out.

In this article, I’m going to tell you more about 3 ways to upgrade your home, from heating and cooling to backup power. Now, there are plenty of things you can do to improve your home and increase comfort and efficiency. Some of them are DIY tasks, and others you have to hire a professional for. In this article, we’ll go over 3 things that are a little more involved and require hiring a professional like the team here at Complete Comfort.

If you want to speak to someone now about your heating, indoor air quality, or electrical work, give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online. We’ll be happy to help you out, and answer any questions you may have!

Zone Your Heating And Cooling

One newer and more unique ways of improving your home comfort and saving energy is by zoning your heating and cooling. Most homes have a single thermostat that controls the entire house. Traditionally, that has worked, but it’s not always efficient or possible. Because of the way the temperature is measured, it may leave some rooms feeling too hot or too cold.

With zoning, your home is divided into separate areas or “zones”, each with its own thermostat and independent control. This allows you to personalize your comfort, and also save energy in the process, depending on how each room around the home is used. For example, you may have a guest room that’s never used, and doesn’t need the same comfort as the rest of the home. With a traditional system, this room is treated the same as the rest of the house, and you inevitably waste energy.

Benefits of Zoning

Personalized Comfort: Everyone in the family can have the temperature set to their liking in the areas they use most. No more fights over the thermostat!
Energy Savings: No need to heat or cool unused rooms. This reduces energy waste and lowers monthly utility bills.
Better System Performance: These different zones allow you to measure each space separately, treat each space independently, which makes for more precise comfort and better performance.

Ductless MiniSplit Zoning Options

In many homes, a ductless mini split system is the perfect way to add zoning capabilities to your comfort. Mini splits are energy-efficient systems that allow you to control the temperature in individual rooms or zones. These systems require no ductwork, and can be spread throughout the home to create zones with ease.

If you live in a home that still needs a window AC unit, or a space heater to compensate for your HVAC system, you may want to consider a ductless mini split. These systems are whisper-quiet, energy-efficient, and offer both heating and cooling. This is another reason these units have become more popular in offices, restaurants, and all sorts of businesses in the area.

At Complete Comfort, we install and service both traditional HVAC systems, zoned HVAC systems, and ductless mini splits. Give us a call at (276) 690-9222, and we’ll be happy to give you a free estimate for a ductless mini split system. We can also talk you through zoning options other than ductless as well!

Install A Whole Home Generator

If you’ve lived in Southwest Virginia for any amount of time, you know how unpredictable the weather can be. From summer thunderstorms to winter snowstorms, power outages are something that have impacted almost all of us. This is one of the reasons that whole-home generators have grown in popularity in our area. Instead of worrying about losing power for days at a time, homeowners want the peace of mind knowing that they are protected from power outages with a whole-home generator.

Why a Standby Generator?

Unlike portable generators, a standby generator is permanently installed outside your home, similar to a central AC unit. It connects directly to your electrical panel and runs on natural gas or propane. As soon as your power goes out, the generator kicks on and restores power to your home within seconds!

Benefits of a Whole Home Generator

Peace of Mind: No more worrying about food spoiling, losing AC in the summer, heat in the winter, or being left with no lights or TV.
Safety for Your Family: If you have medical equipment in your home, this is crucial. It’s also beneficial for seeing easily, and avoiding falling, bumping into things, or making a mistake that could get you injured. It’s also much safer than using candles to keep the space illuminated!
Convenience: No searching through cabinets for candles and flashlights. No worrying about extension cords or having to run outside and turn the system on. This system turns on by itself and keeps the space powered.
Increased Home Value: Adding an appliance like this is an investment in your home, and one that will increase its value. Even though it costs you money to install, it can end up helping with resale value, and save you from buying additional batteries, flashlights, or losing out on expiring food.

At Complete Comfort, we’ve installed hundreds of Generac generators since 2011. We know how reassuring it can be, and have heard from customers for years about how happy they were with their decision to install a generator. Instead of losing power during every storm, they got to enjoy the rain without it being a source of anxiety.

Install A Smart Thermostat

Another simple improvement that can make a big difference is a smart thermostat. Unlike traditional thermostats, smart thermostats provide you with advanced control and learning features that make your HVAC system more efficient. These systems do more than simply set your temperature. They aim to improve comfort, energy efficiency, and add convenience to your life.

Key Benefits of Smart Thermostats

Remote Control: Adjust your home’s temperature right from your smartphone, whether you’re at work, on vacation, or just relaxing on the couch.
Learning Technology: Many smart thermostats use data and analyze your household’s schedule and automatically adjust temperatures to save energy when you’re not home.
Energy Reports: Smart thermostats provide key data and information that can help you reduce energy use and improve your energy bills.
Integration with Other Devices: Many models work with smart home assistants like Alexa or Google Home, giving you one more layer of convenience.

Why Upgrade In The Fall?

Right before the winter is a perfect time to install a smart thermostat. You’ll be able to fine-tune your heating schedule, reduce wasted energy, and ensure your home is warm when you need it most. This is a simple installation, and can be done in an afternoon.

Our technicians at Complete Comfort can recommend and install the perfect thermostat that fits your system. We’ll make sure it’s set up properly and show you how to take advantage of all its features.

Other Tips For A Fall Home Upgrade

There are countless numbers of renovations or adjustments you can make to your home. Here are a few more tips and ideas that may help improve your home comfort, energy efficiency, and safety:

Schedule routine HVAC maintenance
Seal cracks and leaks around windows and doors
Install energy efficient windows and doors
Inspect and clear your gutters
Secure your outdoor furniture
Fix cracks in the sidewalks and pathways around your home
Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors

If you want to speak to us about HVAC maintenance, or really any aspect of your home comfort, give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online!

Get Your Home Ready For Fall With Complete Comfort

We hope some of these tips can help you conserve some energy and make your home more comfortable. Some of these are more expensive than others, but they all aim to improve your home. Simple, strategic changes like zoning your HVAC system, adding a standby generator, or installing a smart thermostat can transform your comfort, save you money, and keep your family happy no matter what the weather is like outside.

At Complete Comfort in Chilhowie, VA, we’ve built our reputation on delivering reliable HVAC and generator services that homeowners can count on. Our family-owned and operated company has been serving Southwest Virginia since 2011, and we treat every home like it’s our own. As we like to say, at Complete Comfort, we care.

If you’re ready to make one of these upgrades—or if you just want advice on the best way to prepare your home for the coming winter—give us a call today at (276) 690-9222 or contact us online. Our team will be happy to answer your questions, schedule a consultation, and help you find the perfect solution for your family’s comfort.

End Of Summer Home Tips From Complete Comfort

Posted on August 25, 2025June 26, 2026 by David Cochran

End Of Summer Home Tips From Complete Comfort

As summer winds down here in Southwest Virginia, it’s the perfect time to make sure your home is ready for the change in seasons. At Complete Comfort in Chilhowie, VA, we’ve been helping families in Marion, Abingdon, Wytheville, and across the region stay comfortable year-round since 2011. With Labor Day a week away, the end of summer is a great reminder to tackle a few essential home maintenance tasks that will keep your home clean and comfortable. This means taking care of your HVAC system, along with a couple of other tasks you can accomplish.

Whether you’re preparing for cooler fall temperatures or just wrapping up the busy summer season, these tips will help you save money, protect your home, and improve your comfort. If you want to speak to one of the experts here at Complete Comfort, give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online. We can help you out with HVAC service, prepare your home with backup power, or simply answer any questions you may have!

Schedule End-Of-Season HVAC Maintenance

If you haven’t had your air conditioning system serviced this year, the end of the summer is a perfect time. Your air conditioner has been working hard all summer long. This end-of-summer service check ensures everything is clean, efficient, and ready for next year. If you need to replace it or have a component replaced, it’s nice having it done before next summer when the prices have risen and it becomes more of a pressing issue.

You should also be evaluating your energy bills over the summer. Compare them to the beginning of the year, last year at the same time, and to your neighbors’ bills. This could be a good indicator if your system has been losing energy efficiency over the summer, and is due for a service to increase energy efficiency.

Change Your Air Filters

Changing your HVAC filter is one of the simplest—and most important—tasks you can perform on your own. After months of running your air conditioner, your filter fills up with dust, pollen, and any other airborne irritants that pass through. We recommend that you change the filter once every 1-3 months. At the end of the summer is a perfect time to do it.

This clean filter will help you keep the air in your home clean and healthy. This is especially important for any occupants who have breathing issues, or who should simply be watching their health a little more closely. This pertains to the elderly, very young children, and anyone with breathing problems like asthma or emphysema. It’s also important for homes with pets that could create more hair and dander that float through the air.

Seal Windows And Doors

The changing of the seasons is always a good time to make slight improvements. One of those is sealing windows and doors so you have less exposure to the air outside. Take a walk around your home and check for gaps around doors and windows. Sealing up those cracks and leaks is going to help improve your home’s comfort, and also lower energy bills. If the HVAC system isn’t working as hard to keep the space comfortable, it’s going to cost less to run.

Prep Your Thermostat For Fall

If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, now’s the time to adjust your settings for cooler weather. Set your schedule now that the kids are back to school and you are back to a regular working schedule. Programming your thermostat to match your family’s fall schedule helps maximize comfort while keeping energy costs down. If you want to improve your home with a smart thermostat, give Complete Comfort a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online! We can get your home set up with a smart thermostat that can help lower your energy use, and also add easier ways to control the system, like apps on your phone or tablet.

Consider Upgrading To A Heat Pump

Now that the summer is coming to a close, you can make a decision if you need a new HVAC system, or sticking with the one you’ve been using. If the air conditioner didn’t keep your home cool, it may be time to consider a new energy efficient heat pump. Modern heat pumps not only cool your home in the summer, but also provide efficient heating in the winter.

Right now, through the end of 2025, there are tax credits available through the Inflation Reduction Act. Unfortunately, these tax credits are almost certainly going away on January 1st, 2026, as the One Big Beautiful Bill is going to eliminate this tax credit for home owners. This credit can go up to $2000 for a new heat pump, and up to $600 for a new AC or furnace.

We can help you choose the RIGHT heat pump that fits your home, and qualifies for rebates or tax credits that will help you save on the cost of the installation.

Test Your Generator Before Storm Season

Here in Southwest Virginia, we know that fall and winter can bring strong storms and unexpected power outages. We all remember 2024 when we saw extended power issues with hurricane season hitting us hard. If you already have a Generac standby generator, now’s a great time to test it and make sure it’s ready to kick on when you need it. Our experts are trained and certified to service these generators, and ensure they are working properly and safely.

If you don’t have a generator for your home, we can help you explore options that keep your home safe and powered through any weather!

Clean Up Outdoor Units, Gutter, And Patio Furniture

One of the more obvious areas of attention is cleaning your home’s exterior. This is usually a task people are used to. Trim back bushes or weeds that may have grown around your outdoor AC unit, and clear out leaves and debris from your gutters. If sticks and leaves are messing up the fans in your HVAC system’s condenser, it could cause issues with your home comfort, and lead to a costly repair. If your gutters are full and weighed down,

Another thing to make sure is taken care of is your patio furniture. Make sure your patio furniture is secured and ready for the winter. That could mean putting it away for the season, or just securing it so it doesn’t get blown away by a storm! The last hing you want is to get to next summer and have to replace it all.

You may also want to treat any cracks or breaks in your cement and pavement. These are a little more complicated than cleaning out the gutters, but the mild weather in the fall is the perfect time to finish outdoor projects and improvements for your home.

Get Your Home Ready With Complete Comfort

Taking care of these small tasks at the end of summer will help you stay comfortable and save money. At Complete Comfort, we’re proud to be a family-owned HVAC and electrical company serving Chilhowie, Marion, Abingdon, and the surrounding areas for more than a decade.

If you’d like help with end-of-summer maintenance, HVAC service, or even exploring a new heat pump or generator, give us a call at (276) 690-9222 or contact us online. Our team is here to keep your home comfortable, no matter the season.

3 Reasons To Upgrade Your HVAC System

Posted on August 7, 2025June 26, 2026 by David Cochran

3 Reasons To Upgrade Your HVAC System

Deciding to upgrade your HVAC system is a big decision. A new HVAC system is a large investment, and one that impacts not only your wallet, but also your home comfort and energy bills for the next decade.

I’ve been upgrading and replacing HVAC systems in Southwest Virginia for 15 years, and I know how much it can improve a home. Not just the comfort, but the energy bills, the indoor air quality, and the value of the home. In this article, I’ll go over a few of the key reasons you’ll want to upgrade your HVAC system.

If you want to speak to an expert here at Complete Comfort, just give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online. We can answer any questions you may have about your home comfort, and set you up with an appointment for an estimate on a new system.

Improve Comfort

Whenever you upgrade your HVAC system, the most noticeable improvement should be the comfort in your home. If you have an older heating or cooling system, chances are it’s lost efficiency over time, and the comfort in your home may not be all that it should be.

Upgrading to a new system provides more consistent and precise temperatures throughout your home. Newer systems operate more quietly, and some come with advanced features such as zoning capabilities, a smart thermostat, and humidity control. Whether it’s a high-efficiency heat pump, a variable-speed air conditioner, or an updated furnace, today’s HVAC units are designed to keep your home comfortable, while staying energy efficient.

In our part of Virginia, where the seasons can swing from cold and snowy winters to hot, humid summers, having a reliable HVAC system that can deal with the weather is important.

Better Energy Efficiency

One of the biggest reasons homeowners choose to upgrade their HVAC system is energy savings. They have an older system that isn’t providing the same comfort it used to years ago, and it’s running the energy bills up higher than they should be. HVAC systems manufactured even just 10-15 years ago are less efficient than the models available today. It’s not always easy to tell when you should replace your system, but age is a good gauge. This means that your system that isn’t keeping the space very comfortable, is also using more energy than a new system which would provide better heating and cooling.

In 2023, the requirements changed for cooling systems, and in our part of Virigina, it’s now required to have a minimum 15 SEER rating. Even outside of these requirements, newer systems are usually built with efficiency in mind,

Variable-speed motors, smart sensors, and inverter technology are some of the reasons that systems use less energy while delivering better comfort.

Many of our customers in Southwest Virginia see a significant drop in their utility bills after upgrading, especially when switching from older electric furnaces or baseboard heating to high-efficiency heat pumps. These are some of our favorite systems to install. Some of the newer ductless and dual-fuel systems can reduce energy costs by 10-30% or more over time.

If your system is over a decade old, it may be costing you more money than you realize. Lots of homeowners think they are saving money by using the old system. Instead, they’re more likely costing themselves by wasting energy, and potentially dealing with breakdowns, when they are going to have to upgrade in the future anyway.

Expiring Tax Credits

Another strong incentive to upgrade now is the availability of tax credits and rebates that help reduce the cost of a new HVAC system. Unfortunately, the tax credits are expiring in 2026, due to the “One Big Beautiful Bill”. Luckily they are still available through the end of 2025. Through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit, homeowners can qualify for tax credits on heat pumps, furnaces, and air conditioners.

These credits can provide:

Up to $2,000 for high-efficiency heat pumps
Up to $600 for high-efficiency furnaces
Up to $600 for high-efficiency air conditioners
Up to $1,200 for other energy-efficient HVAC improvements

Local utility rebates from companies like Appalachian Power are unaffected by the new legislation. Those should still be available as long as you are within their dates of eligibility.

If you have questions about the best way to save when you upgrade your heating and cooling, we can help. We’re happy to help you understand which systems qualify for tax credits, and match you to the best system that fits your home’s needs.

Installing A New HVAC System In Your Virginia Home

At Complete Comfort, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners throughout Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee upgrade their HVAC systems with confidence. Whether you’re in Chilhowie, Marion, Abingdon, or any of the surrounding towns, we take the time to evaluate your home, listen to your needs, and recommend a solution that fits your comfort goals and your budget.

We offer a variety of high-efficiency systems, including:

Ducted and ductless heat pumps
Dual-fuel HVAC systems
Traditional furnaces and air conditioners
Whole home generators

From start to finish, we’ll walk you through the process—from choosing the right system to installation, financing options, and helping you file for any tax credits or rebates.

If your current HVAC system is outdated, struggling to keep up, or costing you more than it should, it may be time to upgrade. Give us a call at (276) 690-9222 or contact us online to schedule your free estimate. Let’s make your home more comfortable and energy efficient for years to come.

Installing A High Efficiency Trane Heat Pump In Marion, VA

Posted on March 27, 2025June 26, 2026 by David Cochran

Installing A High Efficiency Trane Heat Pump In Marion, VA

The owners of this lovely older Federal style home in Marion VA had a 25 year old HVAC system that was consistently needing repairs. As tends to happen, when the hot weather hit, the system started working overtime, and the stress led to more break-downs. The homeowner was an elderly woman and her son was helping her maintain the property, but needed to do so from his home out of state. That made getting prompt and courteous service important as well. The frequent breakdowns were causing a lot of stress, and were becoming more than just inconvenient.

The homeowner’s son called us late on a Friday to see if we were available for service. Knowing how important this was, our helpful and experienced team went right out to help. Initially, the homeowner wanted to see how long the repair could sustain the system. After several more visits for problems over the summer, it was clear that the system was reaching the end of its lifecycle, and it was time to start considering a replacement.

The system failed completely during the height of the heat in August, and our technicians came out, recommending that while we could put one more Band-Aid on the system, it was clear that the better investment would be to replace the system with a newer, more efficient system that would not only be more reliable, but would provide greater comfort while reducing their energy bills every month- something people on fixed incomes can really appreciate.

When we sat down with the homeowner and her son, we discussed not only the different systems that would work well for the home, but we also included information about financing options, that can help make getting a new system work better with cash flow and finances for many people. The low interest rates can help save money, and the available rebates for replacing an older system with a higher efficiency system can also make installation more affordable.

Installing A New Heat Pump System

After considering all the options, the family chose a Trane XV Variable Speed heat pump that would provide efficient comfort all year long, while adding additional efficiency, which will lower energy bills each and every month.

Variable speed systems are some of the most efficient systems available. The variable speed motor acts like cruise control on your car, and is able to make small adjustments to keep the comfort level in the home just where you like it. At low speeds, it does a fantastic job with controlling humidity, which makes sure you don’t get that sticky feeling during our hot and humid summer weather.

By operating continually at lower speeds, the system uses less energy, while also increasing circulation of air, improving overall air quality in your home as well. Operating at lower speeds also means the system is quieter, meaning if you walk by the outdoor unit, it won’t sound like a jet is taking off when the system kicks on, like some systems.

System Installation

Once the family decided on the right system for the home, the next concern was installation. The team from Complete Comfort made sure to let the homeowner know when we would be there, what to expect, and how long the job would take. Here at Complete Comfort, we take pride in caring for your home like it was our own, and we know having a whole crew in your home can be stressful, especially when it’s hot weather and a speedy replacement is important. We worked to remove the old system and install the new Trane heating and air conditioning system quickly and efficiently, completing the job in one day, to get the home back to comfort as quickly as possible.

While we’re excited about the new system delivering better comfort and using less energy so the homeowner’s bills will be lower, the family was equally happy that they no longer had to worry about constant issues with the system. For them, knowing they had someone who would treat them well, with respect, and would be there when needed was as important as getting ‘a good deal’. As a result, the homeowner wrote us and said “I was so happy I’ve continued to use Complete Comfort for after-sales service. I’ll keep it up!” And to us, that’s music to our ears.

At the end of the day, we know our business depends on having a good reputation, and that means doing our best to treat every customer like family. Our technicians know that when your system is struggling, it’s easy to get hot under the collar and get frustrated. We go the extra mile to let you know what’s happening and help you make the best decision about your system, whether that’s a repair or whether it’s time to invest in new system altogether. And being able to give families peace of mind? That just makes our day.

Let Us Help You Achieve Complete Comfort!

If you have an HVAC system that seems to be struggling, give us a call here at Complete Comfort. Our team will help you figure out what’s wrong, and help guide you to making the best decision for your home. But most importantly, we will treat you and your home as if they were our own, taking the care needed to make sure you get the comfort you want- that’s what we mean by Complete Comfort..