Heating & cooling experts in Amherst, VA
Vortex Air keeps Amherst homes comfortable year round with honest diagnostics and quality repairs. If your AC will not cool or your heat struggles on cold mornings, we find the real cause and fix it right. No pushy sales. Just straight answers and clean work.
What we do in Amherst
AC repair & tune-ups
Capacitors, contactors, airflow corrections, coil cleaning, and charge checks by superheat and subcool to restore steady cooling and efficiency.
Heating & furnace service
Heat pump diagnostics and furnace safety. Sensors, control boards, draft checks, and oil burner service when applicable.
Maintenance plans
Seasonal tune-ups that reduce breakdowns, protect warranties, and keep utilities in check. Spring for cooling. Fall for heat.
System replacement
When replacement truly makes sense, we size by load, confirm airflow targets, and present options with efficiency ratings, warranties, and estimated operating costs.
Why Amherst homeowners choose Vortex Air
- Local technicians who prioritize repairs over replacements
- Clear pricing with written options you can compare
- Free second opinions on “must replace” quotes
- Fast scheduling for no-cool and no-heat situations
- Most major brands serviced including Trane, Carrier, Goodman, Lennox, York, and Rheem
Signs you may need service
- AC runs but air is warm or airflow is weak at the vents
- System trips the breaker or struggles to start
- Buzzing, grinding, or rattling from the outdoor unit or air handler
- Rooms never reach the set point or humidity stays high
- Utility bills spike with no big weather change
- Water at the air handler or a wet ceiling below the unit
Repair vs. replace. Our honest take
We compare age, condition, efficiency, parts availability, and your goals. If a targeted repair restores safe operation and comfort, we recommend it. If replacement is smarter, we show side-by-side options and explain the math in plain language.
Local rule of thumb: when a single repair approaches 35 to 50 percent of the cost of a new, properly sized system on older equipment, replacement may be the better long-term value. Lower utilities and fresh warranties can tilt the numbers. We run the math with you so it is not a guess.
Already have a quote? Request a free second opinion and a fair comparison.
Clear pricing without games
You see the price before we start. We carry common parts to finish most calls on the first visit. If a motor or board needs to be ordered, you get a written estimate and a target date. Parts are matched to model and serial so warranties stay intact and performance stays right.
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Equipment size and efficiency | Higher efficiency can lower monthly bills. We show total cost of ownership, not just the install number. |
| Duct and airflow corrections | Right-sized returns and balanced supply fix hot and cold rooms and protect equipment. |
| Electrical or control upgrades | Old breakers or low-voltage issues cause intermittent faults. We fix the root cause, not just symptoms. |
Typical timelines
- Common parts like capacitors and sensors: same day or next day
- Special-order motors or controls: usually 1 to 3 business days
- Replacements: often next day after approval and deposit
Extreme weather can affect parts availability. We will give realistic dates and keep you updated.
Amherst areas we serve
We service homes across town and nearby roads toward Madison Heights, Elon, and Monroe. If you are close but outside the core, call and we will confirm travel time and availability.
Town center and Main Street
Mixed-age homes and ductwork. We verify static pressure and return sizing to even out rooms.
US 29 corridor
Road dust and pollen can clog coils. Keep two to three feet of clearance around the condenser for airflow.
Rural homes with crawlspaces
We watch drains, safeties, and insulation around ducts to cut moisture and keep efficiency steady.
Maintenance plans that prevent breakdowns
Two tune-ups a year keep surprise costs down. In spring we focus on coil cleanliness, charge, blower performance, drain safety, and thermostat calibration. In fall we verify ignition, flame quality, heat rise, safeties, and duct pressure. Each visit comes with photos and readings for your records.
| Season | Key checks |
|---|---|
| Spring AC | Coil clean, superheat and subcool, blower speed, drain pan and line, electrical readings |
| Fall heat | Ignition sequence, flame quality, temperature rise, static pressure, safety devices |
Ask about reminders and priority scheduling during peak months. Maintenance plans.
Indoor air quality that respects airflow
Cleaner air starts with proper filtration that does not choke the blower. Add UV for coil cleanliness and consider dehumidification when summer feels heavy even at the set point. We right-size filter cabinets and fix leaky returns so the system can breathe and comfort stays steady.
- Media filter cabinets with proper surface area
- UV treatment for coils and drain pans
- Return sealing and duct balancing
Financing that keeps projects affordable
Replacing a system or handling a major repair is easier with a payment plan. We present options with different terms so you can pick what fits. Many plans have no prepayment penalty and some start with a soft credit check. We explain which applies before you proceed. If you already have a bid, we can match scope and show comparable financing for a fair comparison.
- Short-term plans with lower total interest
- Balanced mid-length plans with even payments
- Low-payment long-term plans to protect cash flow
Approval, rate, and payment depend on credit, scope, and lender terms at the time of your request. See financing details.
Amherst HVAC FAQ
Do you offer emergency service?
We prioritize no-heat and no-cool calls in extreme weather and try for same day when the schedule allows. After-hours availability varies by season.
Which brands do you service?
Most major brands including Trane, Carrier, Goodman, Lennox, York, and Rheem. We match parts to model and serial to protect warranties.
Can you service oil heat?
Yes. We clean burners, set draft, check nozzle and electrodes, test safeties, and tune for safe and efficient operation.
Do you handle large industrial jobs?
No. We focus on homes and small businesses so response stays tight and quality stays high.
How do I schedule?
Call (434) 316-3362 or book online. For replacements, start with a free second opinion.
Book HVAC service in Amherst
Tell us what is going on and we will get you on the schedule. Straight answers. Steady communication. Solid work.
Call (434) 316-3362 or schedule online. Not sure you need a new system? Ask for a free second opinion.
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