A heat pump is one of the most energy-efficient ways to heat and cool your home year-round. Instead of generating heat, it moves it — cutting utility bills by 30–50% compared to conventional systems. Spencer Heating and Air specializes in sizing and installing ducted heat pumps that handle Alexander City’s hot summers and mild winters with equal efficiency. Whether you’re upgrading from an aging system or replacing one entirely, we deliver reliable, efficient comfort.
We serve Alexander City, Kellyton, Equality, Eclectic, Kent, Dadeville, and New Site across the Lake Martin region. Since 1967, we’ve engineered and installed thousands of residential heat pump systems, earning recognition as an American Standard Customer Care Dealer and maintaining our AL License #13038.
256-373-3165Seven reasons Lake Martin homeowners trust Spencer for heat pump installation. Click any card to read the detail.
Since 1967, Spencer Heating and Air has installed and serviced HVAC systems across Alexander City and surrounding communities.
Heat pump technology has evolved dramatically over the past two decades, and our team has hands-on experience with generations of equipment — from early two-stage units to modern variable-capacity systems. We understand how heat pumps perform in Alabama’s climate, where mild winters minimize the need for backup electric heat and hot, humid summers reward efficient operation.
We’re an American Standard Customer Care Dealer, meaning our technicians receive specialized training on heat pump-specific commissioning.
Refrigerant circuit balance, reversing valve operation, thermostat staging, and cold-weather backup heating integration. When you choose a certified partner, you protect your warranty coverage and ensure your heat pump operates at peak efficiency from day one.
Our team holds AL License #13038 and carries full liability insurance. Heat pump installation involves refrigerant handling, electrical work, and commissioning procedures that demand expertise.
Every technician completes ongoing training in refrigerant recovery, proper line sizing, and system diagnostics. Licensing exists to protect homeowners — we exceed the standard.
A heat pump must be precisely matched to your home’s heating and cooling loads to deliver the efficiency advantage.
We perform Manual J load calculations — accounting for square footage, insulation, window orientation, solar gain, and local climate — to size your system correctly. The right-sized heat pump operates efficiently through both heating and cooling seasons, avoiding the energy waste that oversizing creates.
Our team stays current with heat pump technology advances — variable-speed compressors, two-stage outdoor units, smart thermostat integration, and enhanced cold-weather operation.
We’re not a franchise following corporate templates; we’re locally-owned technicians who research and recommend equipment that performs well for Lake Martin homeowners specifically. Your neighbors trust us because we’ve earned a reputation for thoughtful equipment selection and expert installation.
Tap a benefit to see how heat pumps deliver superior comfort and efficiency.
Heat pumps move warm air rather than generating heat from scratch. This approach uses 2–3 times less electricity than electric resistance heating and delivers significant savings on utility bills year-round. Modern heat pumps achieve HSPF ratings of 9+ and SEER ratings of 16+, compared to older systems with HSPF 6 and SEER 13.
The result: 30–50% lower heating and cooling costs compared to conventional systems.
Efficiency Advantage
300% Efficient
Heat pumps deliver 3 units of heat for every 1 unit of electricity consumed.
The efficiency advantage translates directly to lower monthly utility bills. Over a 15-year lifespan, the efficiency gain from a modern heat pump typically pays for itself through reduced operating costs. Alabama’s mild winters maximize the heating efficiency advantage, while hot summers benefit from efficient cooling operation.
Typical savings: lower annual heating and cooling costs compared to older systems.
Annual Savings
Hundreds
Typical utility bill reduction from upgrading to an efficient heat pump system.
A heat pump provides both heating and cooling from a single outdoor unit. In summer, it removes heat from your home and rejects it outdoors. In winter, it extracts warmth from outdoor air (even in cold weather) and transfers it indoors. This eliminates the need for separate furnace and AC equipment.
Alabama advantage: mild winters mean your heat pump handles most heating directly, with backup electric heat rarely needed.
Operating Range
15°F to 100°F+
Modern heat pumps maintain full capacity down to 15°F and handle Alabama’s hottest summers.
Instead of maintaining separate furnace and AC systems, a heat pump consolidates heating and cooling into one outdoor unit and one indoor air handler. This reduces maintenance complexity, parts inventory, and service calls. One system to maintain, one warranty to track, one manufacturer relationship.
Maintenance advantage: twice-yearly tune-ups cover both heating and cooling operation in a single visit.
Maintenance
2 Visits/Year
Spring and fall tune-ups cover both heating and cooling in one system.
Modern heat pumps operate more quietly than older AC units and much quieter than gas furnaces. Variable-speed compressors and advanced fan designs reduce noise levels significantly. Two-stage and variable-capacity models run at lower speeds most of the time, further reducing sound levels.
Sound advantage: many heat pumps operate at 55–65 decibels, comparable to normal conversation levels.
Sound Level
55–65 dB
Comparable to normal conversation — much quieter than older equipment.
Heat pumps use electricity more efficiently than any other heating method, reducing overall energy consumption and carbon footprint. As the electrical grid incorporates more renewable energy sources, heat pumps become even more environmentally friendly. No combustion means no direct emissions at your home.
Environmental benefit: 40–60% lower carbon footprint compared to gas furnace and electric AC combinations.
Carbon Reduction
40–60%
Lower carbon footprint compared to traditional heating and cooling systems.
A properly installed heat pump delivers efficient heating and cooling for 15–20 years. Our installation process ensures correct sizing, proper refrigerant circuit balance, and reliable operation through all seasons.
Our technician visits to evaluate your home’s heating and cooling requirements, comfort priorities, and equipment preferences. We measure square footage, inspect insulation quality and ductwork condition, assess window performance and solar exposure, and discuss your climate control goals. Using this data, we calculate your Manual J load — the industry standard for right-sizing heat pump equipment.
Once you approve the heat pump model and capacity, we order equipment and schedule installation at your convenience. Before the installation day, we inspect the outdoor pad or foundation, verify electrical service capacity for the heat pump’s startup load, and confirm proper space for indoor equipment placement. We coordinate with local building officials if permits are required.
Our installation crew removes old equipment (if replacing) and positions the new outdoor unit on a level, stable pad. All refrigerant lines are properly sized and routed to minimize pressure drop — critical for heat pump efficiency. Electrical connections are wired to code, tested for safety, and verified for proper compressor sequencing. The reversing valve is inspected to ensure smooth transitions between heating and cooling modes.
The indoor coil is installed or verified in your air handler, and all ductwork connections are sealed with appropriate materials. We charge the system with refrigerant according to exact manufacturer specifications — using electronic scales and gauges to measure superheat and subcooling, not guesswork. Proper refrigerant charge is essential for heat pump efficiency; too little reduces heating and cooling capacity, while too much damages the compressor.
We power up the heat pump, monitor startup sequence, measure temperature differential across both indoor and outdoor coils, and verify electrical operation of all components. We test both heating and cooling modes — even in summer, we verify heating function to confirm full system capability. We walk you through thermostat programming, optimal settings for energy savings, and maintenance responsibilities. You receive warranty documentation, a commissioning report with performance data, and contact information for future service.
Our maintenance members enjoy priority scheduling, consistent system performance, and the confidence that comes from knowing a trained professional is keeping an eye on their equipment throughout the year.
What’s Included In Our Maintenance Plan?
We know that a new HVAC system or a major repair can be a significant investment. That is why Spencer Heating and Air works with trusted lending partners to make quality comfort accessible to every homeowner. We want you to make the best decision for your home — not the cheapest one because of budget pressure.
Why Consider Financing?
Hover over the section to see the full list. The first card shows the most popular heat pump type for Lake Martin homes — the rest fan out as you explore.
From single-stage units to variable-capacity systems, we install heat pumps that match your home’s needs, usage patterns, and efficiency goals. We will walk you through the differences between heat pump types and recommend the right balance of upfront cost and long-term savings.
Best for: budget-conscious installations. Runs at full capacity when on, cycles off when setpoint is reached. Lower upfront cost, reliable operation, good efficiency for the price point.
Best for: balanced efficiency and comfort. Modulates between low and high capacity based on demand. Better efficiency in mild weather, quieter operation, improved humidity control.
Best for: maximum efficiency and comfort. Inverter-driven compressor adjusts output continuously. Highest efficiency ratings, quietest operation, precise temperature control.
Best for: enhanced winter performance. Maintains capacity down to -5°F or lower. Enhanced vapor injection, larger coils, optimized refrigerant circuits for cold-weather operation.
Best for: tech-savvy homeowners. Wi-Fi connectivity, smartphone control, energy monitoring, diagnostic alerts. Remote troubleshooting, usage tracking, integration with smart home systems.
Best for: homes without indoor space for equipment. All components in one outdoor unit. Simplified installation, good for manufactured homes, reduced indoor noise.
A heat pump uses refrigerant circulation to move warm air — rather than generating heat from fuel combustion. In heating mode, it extracts warmth from outdoor air (even in cold weather) and transfers it indoors. In cooling mode, it removes heat from inside and rejects it outdoors. This approach is 2–3 times more efficient than electric resistance heating and delivers significant savings on utility bills year-round. A traditional system uses a separate furnace for heat and a separate AC unit for cooling.
Heat pumps are rated by HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) for heating and SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) for cooling. Higher numbers mean lower operating costs. A modern heat pump might carry HSPF 9 and SEER 16 ratings. Older systems (pre-2015) often have HSPF 6 and SEER 13. Over a 15-year lifespan, the efficiency gain from a newer unit typically pays for itself through lower utility bills.
Yes, absolutely. Alabama’s mild winters and hot summers are ideal for heat pumps. Your winter heating loads are lower than northern states’, so your heat pump’s efficiency advantage is maximized. Modern heat pumps maintain full capacity down to 15–20 degrees F, and below that, built-in electric backup heating engages. In the Lake Martin region, this backup rarely activates — your heat pump handles most winter heating directly.
Ductwork for cooling and heating must handle different airflow volumes. An undersized duct system can reduce heat pump efficiency and performance. During our assessment, we inspect and test your ducts. If they need adjustment for optimal heat pump operation, we’ll discuss ductwork redesign or repair options. Proper ductwork is essential to realizing your heat pump’s efficiency potential.
A single-stage unit runs at full capacity whenever it’s on. A two-stage unit modulates between low and high capacity based on demand. Two-stage models cost more but provide better efficiency in mild weather (when full capacity isn’t needed) and quieter operation. Variable-capacity models (inverter-driven) offer the best efficiency and comfort but carry the highest upfront cost. During your consultation, we’ll recommend the right tradeoff for your usage patterns and budget.
Heat pump thermostats must manage refrigerant-based heating, electric backup heat, and cooling in coordinated stages. We program your thermostat to prioritize heat pump heating and minimize auxiliary electric heat usage — this protects efficiency. Smart thermostats can learn your patterns and adjust setpoints automatically, further reducing energy consumption. We walk you through optimal programming during installation.
Most manufacturers offer 10-year parts warranty on the compressor and 5-year coverage on other components, provided the installation is done by a certified technician and the system receives annual professional maintenance. Some extended warranty plans are available. We document our installation to ensure your factory warranty is fully protected and assignable to future owners.
Often, yes — if your ductwork is in good condition and properly sized. We test your ducts during the assessment and recommend modifications if needed. Sometimes older ductwork has leaks or undersizing that reduces heat pump efficiency; addressing these upfront pays dividends over the system’s lifespan.
We recommend twice-yearly maintenance: a spring tune-up before cooling season to verify refrigerant charge and airflow, and a fall check before heating season to ensure smooth heating operation. Many of our customers enroll in our maintenance plan, which includes priority scheduling and discounts on repairs — and prevents costly unexpected repairs.
Spring (March–April) is ideal — before peak cooling demand and early enough to test heating function in shoulder season. Fall installations are also good, allowing you to verify heating operation before winter. Summer installations are possible but expect longer wait times due to contractor demand. Winter is the least-preferred season, though we can accommodate urgent replacements.
Proper thermostat programming, sealing air leaks in walls and attics, maintaining clean air filters, and keeping the outdoor unit clear of debris all extend efficiency. Annual professional tune-ups verify refrigerant charge and airflow — two critical efficiency factors that degrade over time. We discuss these factors during installation and our service visits.
Yes. We work with Wells Fargo to offer flexible financing terms, allowing you to spread equipment and installation costs over time. Many customers find that monthly financing payments are offset by utility bill savings from a more efficient heat pump system.
Spencer Heating and Air operates from two convenient locations to serve communities across East Alabama. Whether you live in the heart of Auburn or along the shores of Lake Martin, our team is never far away.
Our Auburn flagship has served Lee County since 1967, with the deepest tooling and parts inventory in the region. When you need our broadest expertise — the Auburn team is a short drive away.
Call Auburn Location 334-887-9020Auburn customers and Lake Martin neighbors get the same Spencer commitment to honest work, accurate diagnosis, and repairs that last.
Book Service at Auburn Location
For over 55 years, Spencer Heating and Air has set the standard for honest, expert HVAC service in the Lake Martin area and Auburn. Our customers keep coming back because they know they can count on us — for fair pricing, skilled workmanship, and the kind of genuine care that only comes from a family-owned business with deep roots in the community.
Whether you need a brand-new American Standard system, a quick repair, or a comprehensive maintenance plan, we are here and ready to help. Do not settle for anything less than the best — your home and your family deserve it.
A heat pump delivers efficient heating and cooling in a single integrated system — and it’s one of the best investments you can make to reduce utility bills while improving year-round comfort. Spencer Heating and Air brings 55+ years of regional expertise, certified installation practices, and a commitment to right-sizing and commissioning your system correctly.
