An Effective Strategy to Find the Right Heat Pump Contractor

If you’ve decided to invest in a heat pump for your home, the next step is finding a qualified, trustworthy heat pump contractor. Heat pumps provide heating and cooling. They’re among the most convenient and efficient HVAC solutions. However, a heat pump is a complex system that requires a professional to install; but not every heating and cooling technician has the proper experience. Here, we’ll explain an effective strategy to find the right contractor to help select and install your heat pump.

Know Why You Want a Heat Pump

There are many advantages to installing a heat pump. When you speak to a contractor, it helps if they understand your motivations for upgrading to one. They can then find options and select equipment that meets your expectations. Some of the reasons to consider a heat pump include:

• Reduced heating and cooling bills
• Increased comfort throughout your home
• Minimized carbon emissions
• Fewer maintenance requirements
• Safer to operate than furnaces
• More compact than traditional HVAC equipment
• Longer operating life
• Eligibility for tax credits

Determine What Type of Heat Pump You Need

This might require an expert’s advice, as there are a few types of heat pumps. Each differs in how it extracts heat. The most common options for residential applications include:

• Air Source Heat Pumps: An air source heat pump extracts or absorbs heat. Using coolant, the system delivers warm air inside, even if the outside air is relatively cool. When refrigerant is reversed, it moves heat outside to cool the air in your home.
• Geothermal Heat Pumps: These include ground-source, water-source, and earth-coupled heat pumps. A ground-source system uses heat from the ground, where temperatures are constant year-round. It delivers warm air in winter, but ground temperatures are cooler than the air above in summer, which helps keep your home cool.
• Absorption Heat Pumps: An absorption system, which is a type of air source heat pump, uses a fuel source. It relies on natural gas, propane, or heated water instead of electricity.
• Ductless Heat Pumps: A ductless air-source heat pump, also called a mini-split, eliminates the need for air ducts. Ductwork can be costly and difficult to install, especially in older or smaller homes. This heat pump can serve an entire house, a finished basement, or a home addition.
• Reverse Cycle Chiller: Another type of air-source heat pump, it provides radiant heating or cooling by generating hot or cold water. It is often used with radiant floor heating systems.
• Not every heat pump professional specializes in every type. When consulting with a contractor, be sure they’re familiar with the kind of heat pump you’re considering.

Use the Internet

An online search for “heat pumps” or “heat pump contractors near me” can be the easiest way to find the right installer. The search engine should list HVAC companies specializing in heat pump installation. Visit each business’s website and look at its credentials, industry affiliations, and knowledge of heat pump installation requirements.

Other places to look include the company’s Google business page, Angi, and Yelp where you can find ratings and reviews. The Better Business Bureau provides good insights, too, with ratings and complaints if they’ve been filed. Also, check the company’s social media pages; here, you’ll find the most up-to-date information on its services.

Schedule a Consultation/Estimate

The Internet provides an efficient way to evaluate any company’s expertise and credibility. Using your research, narrow down your options to at least three possibilities. Contact these companies and schedule an in-home visit. The representative should evaluate your home and explain your options.

If you don’t receive a cost estimate, request one in writing. In addition, obtain documentation on what’s included in the quote. This enables you to compare bids from multiple companies. Knowing what’s included helps identify the fairest price for the best possible service.

Understand How to Compare Bids

Your goal shouldn’t be to choose the lowest bidder. Think about long-term savings, too. Cutting corners and shoddy workmanship will only lead to higher costs later. When reviewing the bids you’ve received, ensure they’re for the same type of heat pump. For example, some models are single-stage while others are two-stage or variable-speed. Also, inquire about:

• The heat pump’s size (capacity is rated in tons)
• Whether an air handler or supplementary heater is included (a matched system ensures efficiency and reliability)
• The system’s capacity balance point (the lowest temperature at which it can produce sufficient heat)

Know the Right Questions to Ask

These are just a few things to ask a heat pump contractor. Ask the same questions during your call and when a technician or representative visits. You may get different answers, so use their insights to determine whether to work with this company. Here are some other questions to ask:

• How long have you been installing heat pumps?
• What types of heat pumps do you specialize in?
• How long does installation usually take?
• Can you provide references to call?
• What is the typical cost range for installation?
• What’s included in your price quote?
• Are discounts or financing available?
• What equipment is used during installation? (this helps predict if the job will be disruptive or cause property damage)

Finding the Right Heat Pump Contractor Makes All the Difference

Once you’ve found the right contractor, you can rest assured knowing the job will go smoothly and the equipment will be installed correctly. The contractor will ensure you get the most out of your heat pump. You can expect year-round comfort and energy savings over the long term. 

Contact Kliemann Brothers Today

Kliemann Brothers is a trusted heat pump contractor serving Tacoma, WA, and surrounding areas. We provide high-efficiency variable speed and two-stage models from Trane. Offering various heat pump models allows us to find the best solution for your home that can reduce heating and cooling costs. For information on our products, specials, rebates, and financing, call (253) 364-5024 or start your quote online.