Atlas Plumbing And Heating provides heating services throughout central Vermont. Our primary service area includes Montpelier, Barre, Washington County, Waterbury, Stowe, and surrounding communities. We also serve parts of Lamoille and Caledonia Counties. If you're outside our primary service area, give us a call anyway—we may still be able to help or can refer you to a trusted colleague.
Yes, we understand that heating emergencies don't wait for business hours. We offer same-day emergency service throughout our service area. If your furnace stops working on a holiday night or your boiler fails during a cold snap, you can reach us at (802) 917-2232. Our technicians carry common parts and can handle most repairs on the first visit.
Our technicians are certified to work on all major heating equipment brands including Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Goodman, Rheem, Bryant, American Standard, and many others. If you have a less common brand, just ask—we likely have experience with it or can get trained on it quickly.
We recommend annual furnace maintenance before the heating season begins—ideally in late summer or early fall. Regular maintenance helps prevent unexpected breakdowns, extends your furnace's lifespan, and keeps it running efficiently. During a tune-up, we clean the system, check all components, replace the filter, and identify potential issues before they become expensive problems.
Several issues can cause furnace problems: dirty filters restricting airflow, thermostat malfunctions, pilot light or ignition problems, worn-out blower motors, tripped circuit breakers, or gas supply issues. If your furnace isn't working, first check that the thermostat is set correctly and the filter isn't clogged. If problems persist, give us a call for diagnosis and repair.
With proper maintenance, a well-made furnace can last 15-20 years. Regular annual tune-ups, prompt repairs, and changing filters monthly (or as needed) can maximize your furnace's lifespan. If your furnace is over 15 years old and requiring frequent repairs, it may be more cost-effective to consider replacement rather than continued maintenance.
Steam boilers heat water until it produces steam, which then travels through pipes to radiators throughout the home. Hot water (hydronic) boilers heat water and circulate it through pipes to radiators or radiant floor systems. Both types are common in older Vermont homes. Steam systems operate at higher pressures and require different safety controls. Our technicians are experienced with both types and can service, repair, or replace either system.
Knocking or banging sounds in radiators—called "water hammer"—are usually caused by air trapped in the system or steam condensation returning too quickly through the pipes. The fix is often as simple as bleeding your radiators to release trapped air. If the problem persists after bleeding, it may indicate issues with pipe slope, valve function, or system pressure that require professional attention.
At the start of each heating season, you should bleed all radiators to remove trapped air that prevents efficient heating. Some homes may need additional bleeding during the winter, especially after system work or if you notice cold spots on radiators. If you have trouble bleeding radiators or they need frequent bleeding, it may indicate a system problem that requires professional diagnosis.
Yes! Modern cold-climate heat pumps are specifically designed for northern climates like Vermont. They remain efficient even when temperatures drop below zero. Many of our customers in Montpelier and surrounding areas successfully heat their homes entirely with heat pumps. During extremely cold periods (below -10°F), auxiliary electric resistance heating may activate, but this only happens during the coldest hours of the coldest days.
Heat pumps offer several advantages: they are 2-3 times more efficient than traditional heating systems, reducing energy costs significantly; they provide both heating and cooling in one system; they have lower maintenance requirements than furnaces or boilers; and they qualify for utility rebates and federal tax credits. Many Vermonters also appreciate the improved indoor air quality and consistent, comfortable temperatures.
With proper maintenance, a heat pump typically lasts 15-20 years—comparable to or longer than traditional heating systems. Regular maintenance includes cleaning filters, checking refrigerant levels, and ensuring proper drainage. One advantage of heat pumps is that they often require less frequent major repairs compared to furnaces or boilers.
Service costs vary depending on the type of work needed. Service calls start at $89-149 depending on the equipment type. During the visit, we'll diagnose the issue and provide a detailed estimate before any work begins. For installations, we provide complete quotes that include equipment, labor, permits, and any necessary modifications. We also offer financing options for major installations. View our services page for general pricing ranges on common services.
Yes, we stand behind our work. All repairs come with a warranty on parts and labor—typically 1 year for most repairs. New equipment installations include both manufacturer warranties (often 10 years on major components) and our installation warranty. We also offer extended warranty options for additional peace of mind. Details vary by equipment type and installation.
Yes, we offer comprehensive Service Agreements that include priority scheduling, discounted service rates, and priority access to emergency appointments. Agreement members receive annual preventive maintenance visits with system inspection, cleaning, and optimization. Members also receive 10% off all parts and labor. Contact us for details on our current Service Agreement options.
We accept cash, checks, and all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover). For larger installations, we also offer financing through third-party providers with options for qualified buyers. We can discuss payment options during your free estimate consultation.