Mark and Susie Wood are ready to meet you and your HVAC unit.

 As owners of HVAC Specialists of Virginia, the Woods are local contractors (they live in nearby Partlow near the lower end of the lake) with strong ties to the community.

   “I began pursuing a career in the HVAC trade 26 years ago at the vocational center while attending Spotsylvania High School and playing pitcher for the Spotsylvania Knights. I love Lake Anna, call it home, and have watched it transform into something special,” Mark Wood told Life & Times.

  To further hone his knowledge of HVAC systems, Wood has attended numerous training schools, including the prestigious Carrier Training Facility in Syracuse, New York where he also had the opportunity to visit the factory where the compressors are made.  

  “As technology has advanced over the years, I’ve continued my education and acquired both a Master HVAC Tradesmen and Class-A Contractors License,” he said in a recent interview.

  After a 25-year career working for various local contractors, Wood and his wife opened their own business to provide the local community with quality work and affordable prices.  

    Services Wood offers include heating and air conditioning:  with installation, repairs, maintenance and air purification.  They also service and install hot water heaters.

  Since HVAC Specialists of Virginia are family owned you will have direct interaction with the owner.  Wood does not use subcontractors or send inexperienced technicians on any job.

  As far as advice to lake area homeowners concerned if their HVAC unit is going to hold up through the winter?

  “An HVAC system is one of the most important appliances used in your home to keep your family comfortable year-round, however, we’re often unaware of its importance until it breaks down and needs replacement. With winter around the corner, here are five signs indicating it may be time for a new HVAC system: 1) Age can be the most obvious sign indicating the need for a new HVAC system. On average, a system can last 10 to 15 years.  However, most systems over 10 years old use a refrigerant known as R-22, which is outdated and harmful to the environment. If your system is approaching or has surpassed a decade, it’s time to consider investing in a new one before your old one gives out.  Upgrading to a new system will also reduce your carbon footprint and cut down monthly energy bills, 2) Rising utility bills. You HVAC system accounts for about half of your energy usage.  So, if your energy bills are gradually increasing, even though your energy usage has remained the same, it’s a strong indication that your system is losing efficiency and needs to be replaced, 3) Increased running time. If you’ve noticed that your system is running longer than usual, then it’s working overtime to keep your home at the desired temperature due to any number of issues, 4) Frequent Repairs. If your current system frequently requires repair or a repair that is more than half the cost of a new system, investing in a new one is the wiser choice, 5) Strange noises or odors.  If you hear any unusual noises coming from your system, it’s time to contact an HVAC professional. Strange sounds may indicate that something has gone wrong with one of your internal components. In the same way, strange smells can be indicative of several issues, from electrical to mold in your ductwobe replaced.” 

  See their add on page 11 for current promotions or visit their website at  www.hvacspecialistsofva.com to read their 5-star reviews.