Central Heat Pump Installation

Working with your existing ductwork

Central heat pumps move a different volume and temperature of air than a typical furnace, so duct sizing matters more than with some other equipment. Undersized returns or poorly sealed ducts can cause noise, uneven room temperatures, or reduced capacity. Before recommending a central system, we inspect ducts for size, sealing and insulation, and flag anything that should be addressed alongside the installation.

• Full duct inspection before equipment selection
• Compatible air handler or existing furnace blower
• Single thermostat control for heating and cooling
• Return air sizing checked against new equipment capacity

Pairing a heat pump with existing heating

A central heat pump can be paired with the heating already in the house, so it carries most of the season and the existing system covers the coldest hours. The term dual-fuel applies when that backup burns a fuel — natural gas, propane or oil — and the thermostat switches over below a set outdoor temperature. With an electric furnace or baseboards the backup is electric, which behaves similarly but is not dual-fuel. Which arrangement fits depends on the equipment already installed, and is confirmed at the assessment.

Replacing a central air conditioner with a heat pump

If you're due for a new central air conditioner, a central heat pump uses the same ductwork and often similar equipment footprint, while adding heating capability you didn't have before. It's worth considering at that replacement point rather than installing a straight AC and revisiting heating separately later.