Heat Pump Installation

Save on energy bills with this jack-of-all-trades heating and cooling system! Our team of experts makes the installation process easy and stress-free.

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What is a heat pump?

A heat pump is a central air HVAC system designed to cool a space when in cooling mode and heat a space through “reverse cycle” in heating mode. As the name suggests, it “pumps” or moves air around rather than generating air. Homeowners across Washington state love heat pumps for two main reasons:

First, heat pumps are the complete package. In a single unit, you have the ability to heat your home during the colder seasons and cool your home during the warmer seasons.

Second, heat pump systems are highly energy efficient by design. In most situations, a heat pump uses less energy than the amount of heat they deliver to your home, which makes them more efficient than most HVAC systems. Higher energy efficiency leads to lower utility bills and a healthier functioning home. Is a cooling system and a heating system all-in-one too good to be true? For many homeowners in the Pacific Northwest, this does not seem to be the case.

What's the difference between a heat pump replacement and a heat pump installation?

If your heat pump is no longer performing at the standard it should be, it may be time to get it replaced. A heat pump replacement includes having your old system removed and installing a new heat pump that better fits the needs of your home. The key difference between a replacement and an installation is an installation includes putting a new system in place, whether or not there is an old system. A replacement follows the popular adage, out with the old and in with the new. The difference is in the first step. With a replacement, you must first remove the older system and exchange it with a newer one–which will then follow an installation process.

Both processes can be quite complex. It’s not your simple unplug and reconnect a few wires, then voilà. Unfortunately, many contractors will skip important steps and cut corners to save time, but we’d rather do it right the first time and save you money in the long run. Our replacement and installation process is incredibly detailed, so homeowners can have peace of mind knowing their heat pump was installed right.

Not sure which is right for you? Our Home Project Advisors are experts at helping you narrow down the best options for your budget, home, and region.

What type of heat pump installation does Washington Energy handle most often?

We’re fortunate to serve homeowners across the Puget Sound, from Seattle to Yelm and everywhere in between. To keep your home at maximum comfort, we take the time to understand your needs and help you make an informed decision. Therefore, when it comes to heat pump installs, we’ve done it all. Our most popular installations are central air source heat pumps and ductless heat pumps.

Central air source heat pumps are great for mild climates where temperatures don’t get too high or low. This type of installation requires a duct system in your home, which is what will keep heated or cooled air evenly distributed throughout. No drafty spots during the winter or humid air during the summer.

Ductless heat pumps are for homes without a central duct system. These heat pumps are more efficient than a central heat pump system and are typically easier to install. The upfront cost may be higher, but the long-term return on investment from saving on energy will make it worth the initial cost.

What does a heat pump installation include?

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All HVAC installations start with a free in-home estimate, including the heat pump. Why? This is the best time for our pros to determine what size and design system will best meet your home’s heating and cooling needs. To do this, we perform a Manual J load calculation which tells us how much heat your home naturally absorbs during the summer and releases during the winter.

Let’s talk shop: A Manual J is the only procedure recognized by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for producing HVAC equipment sizing loads and is required by most residential building codes. What does this all mean? For an HVAC system to be installed, your technician has to perform this calculation to implement the best heat pump design and sizing for your home’s efficiency and comfort.

With the estimate complete, we’ll walk you through the cost of the heat pump we recommend and financing options, then answer all of your questions. We’ll also ask questions about your home’s heating and cooling needs and expectations. For instance, a question we’ll ask is if you are looking to heat and cool specific areas in your home or the entire space.

Once you decide on a system and financing, we’ll schedule a time that works best for you to come back and install your new heat pump.

Our expert HVAC techs will work with you to ensure we have the access needed to install the new heat pump. We start by assessing your home’s layout, existing equipment, ductwork, and anything else that might impact your new system’s design, setup, and configuration.

After checking the boxes and laying the groundwork for a smooth installation, we’ll put a plan in place to remove the current system and get to work. And don’t worry–our skilled and exceptionally trained heat pump installers will handle all the heavy lifting! We’ve been expertly installing heat pumps into homes since 1957.

This is where it can get complicated. Heat pumps have two components, the indoor unit and the outdoor unit. After removing the older system, we’ll start by installing the indoor unit. Going with a ductless heat pump? Your installer will find a free place on the wall to install the unit. But if you’ve chosen a ducted system, we’ll connect the indoor unit to the ductwork. We’ll also take the time to make any needed repairs to your ductwork so your new heat pump is ready to rock ‘n’ roll at its highest efficiency.

From there, we’ll create an access point in the wall between the indoor unit and the outdoor condenser. Next, we’ll connect the outside pipes to the indoor unit(s). Once everything checks out to our standards and industry best practices, we’ll install the outdoor unit.

We’ll bring in the new heat pump and secure it in place on a new pad made from a concrete slab. The heat pump will be elevated several inches from the floor to protect your system from snow. If you have a mini-split system or an air source heat pump with a smaller system, it will usually be mounted to the side of your home.

After installing both units, your installer will connect them through the refrigerant line and electrical wires. Once everything is secured and safe, we’ll go through some finishing touches, and then it’s time to commission the system.

Commissioning your heat pump is often ignored by HVAC contractors, but at Washington Energy Services, it’s a critical step to ensure everything is operating as it should. So what is the commissioning process? It’s fancy lingo for turning on the heat pump and running it for anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 plus hours to test the system and ensure it is ready to perform.

Once the heat pump passes the commission process with an A+, we’re ready to get out of your hair and on the road. But, first, we try to leave the space spick-and-span. We’ll remove all the old equipment and clear any materials and debris. However we found the area is how we’ll return it.

We’ll also walk you through the operation, safety, maintenance, warranty, and instructions for the heat pump. At this point, we’ll answer any of your questions and leave you with contact information so you can always get in touch with a knowledgeable person should you need to.

Ready for a new heat pump? We service homes across the entire Puget Sound, including the Seattle area, Tacoma, Kent, Olympia, Bellevue, Lynwood, Anacortes, Yelm, and everywhere in between.

What is the average cost of installing a new heat pump?

Purchasing a new heat pump is an investment your home can rely on for up to 20 years. The cost is not something any homeowner gets giddy about, trust us, we know–but it’s a necessary expense to keep your home comfortable year-round. That being said, the cost depends on the model, size, and complexity of the installation.

Heat pump installation base prices can be more expensive upfront, with an average cost between $3,874 to $10,000. However, it’s less costly when compared to installing home heating and cooling products separately. For instance, getting a gas or electric furnace and an air conditioning system will be much more costly than most types of heat pumps.

Why is heat pump installation so expensive?

To sum it up: labor. Installing a new heat pump is a very labor-intensive process requiring eagle-eyed attention to detail, electric work, excavation, and work on both the inside and outside of your home for eight or more hours. Additionally, installing a heat pump can be complex when it’s done right. This is why Washington Energy Services only sends expertly trained heat pump installers to your home.

However, when considering your total investment, it’s important to note the overall savings you will have thanks to lower energy bills and the potential to earn money through rebates. That’s right, Washington utilities offer rebates for heat pumps because of the real energy savings they provide homeowners.

Whether it’s a ductless heat pump or air-source heat pump, our Home Project Advisors will always strive to give you the best options for your budget and comfort.

After you've installed a new heat pump, how can you help in the future?

Glad you asked! Just like a car needs to be serviced regularly to ensure all the moving parts keep you moving, so does a heat pump to ensure all the heating and cooling parts keep you comfortable through all the PNW seasons.
We recommend an annual service to:

  • Prolong the life of your heat pump over time
  • Increase savings on energy bills
  • Keep you and your family safe and comfortable
  • Give you peace of mind all year

Like all HVAC systems, regular maintenance can be the difference between an energy guzzler and an energy conserver. The actual difference in energy consumption between a well-maintained heat pump and a neglected one is somewhere between 10% to 25%. One is robbing your pockets, and the other is, well, not.

Our experienced and licensed HVAC technicians will run through a detailed examination to ensure your units are working properly and needed repairs are caught early.

A proper heat pump service will include extensive testing and cleaning, leaving your heat pump looking and running like brand new again.

And it’s easy to schedule.

What should I do if my heat pump is not working?

First, we understand how frustrating that is. Any number of things could have caused a heat pump malfunction, but your home is a sanctuary and should always feel that way.

While heat pumps are popular because they can cool and heat a home efficiently, they are just as subject to wear and tear as any other HVAC system. Sometimes, the problem can be as simple as updating the thermostat settings, and other times it can be a much bigger issue–like a leaky air duct.

For any issues you’re experiencing, we recommend contacting an HVAC professional (we know a bunch of them) to find the cause and troubleshoot the problems.

We offer 24/7 emergency services for heat pump repair when a heat pump stops working unexpectedly.

Heat Pump Installation FAQs

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We get this question a lot, and rightfully so. Heat pumps are becoming an increasingly popular option for homeowners who want a system with high efficiency and low energy usage. In the long run, this means more savings for you, so we’d say the return on investment is definitely worth it.

For us PNW folk anticipating hotter summers down the line, we imagine many homeowners will get a jump on purchasing air conditioners or heat pumps to stave off the humidity–if they haven’t already. Which system is better? We’ll let you be the judge of that.

Energy efficiency: Heat pumps are some of the most energy-efficient systems on the market. Using a heat pump instead of burning natural gas has been known to cut down on utility bills and save energy.

Cost efficiency: Since they use less electricity, heat pumps are generally cheaper to run and twice more efficient than electric furnaces and, in some situations, gas furnaces. Ductless heat pumps are a cost-effective option because they don’t require any ductwork or need a large central unit to install.

Year-round heating & cooling: Anyone living in the PNW will tell you that we experience the full gauntlet of seasonal weather conditions. Just with milder temperatures. In fact, it’s because of the PNW’s mild climate that many people move here. So when the temperature does get colder or hotter than we’re used to, we need a system that can bring us back to homeostasis.

Heat pumps are the clear winner when looking for one system to handle all of your heating and cooling needs because they’re two systems in one: an air conditioner in the summer and a furnace in the winter.

Rebates: You can make money when you purchase a heat pump. Washington utilities offer rebates for heat pumps because of the real energy savings they provide homeowners.

There are many factors that go into the overall cost of installing a heat pump in Washington state, including complexity, size, model, efficiency rating, brand, and type.
Here are some average prices for different heat pump installation costs in Washington:

  • Air source heat pump: $3800 to $8200
  • Geothermal heat pump: $15,000 to $35,000
  • Ductless mini-split heat pump: $1500 to $3500 (per zone)

Anywhere from 4 to 8 hours. In some cases, it could take longer. Some factors that impact the time include the size of the existing system, the weather, and accessibility.

When we started as a family-owned business in the heart of Ballard in 1957, we had a vision of providing communities across the Puget Sound exceptional home services and products–rooted in excellent customer service. We’re proud to have continued this legacy the last 60 plus years and expanded to service most of Western Washington including Bellevue, Seattle, Olympia, Tacoma, and surrounding areas.

Yes, all of our heat pumps offer warranty options.

Yes! Washington utilities offer rebates for heat pumps because of the real energy savings they provide homeowners.

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265,981 Happy Homes Across Washington

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Award-winning home services and products since 1957.
  • I just had WA Energy Services install a heat pump onto my furnace. They quoted far less than some of their competition and the salesman was a lot more efficient with our time than others we talked to. Everyone I interacted with was extremely professional - the lead installer was really great to work with. Everything was clean and perfectly back to rights when they were done. Installation was completed on time, looks fantastic and works very well. Thanks!
    Nathan K.
    Seattle, WA
  • A big thank you to the work crew that completed the new siding installation on our home. Ramon (the team leader), Samuel, and John! Thanks for patiently answering all of our questions with such a high level of professionalism and kindness and doing an outstanding job on the project.
    Krissy T.
    Seattle, WA
  • Our experience with Washington Energy was wonderful. Every single individual involved was professional, friendly, and efficient. That seems pretty rare these days.
    Jeanne Z.
    Buckley, WA
  • I would highly recommend WES. The whole process was a positive experience. From our estimate , install and customer service we were very pleased.
    Todd P.
    Redmond, WA
  • All the workers who came out on my 3 jobs were professional, personable and efficient. I would and have recommended WA Energy to others. So impressed and worth every penny!
    Judy O.
    Edmonds, WA
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