Heat pumps are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on heating by transferring existing household energy into heating. A heat pump can also offer hot water savings as well as providing a good deal of heating for domestic use using a low-cost electricity source. However, installation of an air heat pump system can be tricky and many people are not sure how to approach it.

To help you we have put together this article covering the steps that are involved in a standard air heat pump installation from start to finish. This will allow you to make the best decision for your home and give you confidence that the company you choose to install your heat pump is qualified and will do a quality job.

The first step in the process is for a professional to visit your property and complete an assessment. Most companies will have a salesperson (also known as a comfort consultant) or engineer that will carry out the assessment. This person will take a number of key measurements, assess the size and layout of your home, and determine what heat pump is best suited to your requirements.

They will then recommend an appropriate model and provide you with a quote for the project. This should be based on your heating needs and if a ducted or ductless system is required. It should also include a breakdown of the costs and an estimate of any potential savings you could make from switching to an air heat pump system.

Most companies will arrange a mutually convenient time to install your new system. Once they arrive on site, they will unpack the equipment and set up the outdoor unit on a pad, which should be raised above ground level to avoid snow build up in colder climates. They will then connect the electrical wiring to the unit.

Once they have installed the outdoor unit, they will then create access points inside your home to connect the indoor units. This will involve drilling a hole in your wall to accommodate the return and supply heating pipes, and connecting the electrical wiring.

Then the installer will connect the new evaporator coil on top of your furnace and the smaller line set that runs between it and the outside heat pump. The installer will also run a low voltage control wire between the heat pump and your thermostat. This will send a signal to the heat pump to turn on and off according to the temperatures in your home.

Once everything is connected, the installer will test the system to ensure it is working properly and to check for any faults. Once everything is up and running and you are satisfied with the work, they will collect their payment and leave your home. We recommend getting quotes from several installers to compare prices and service levels. This will ensure that you are not overpaying and can recoup some of the initial cost through rebates and tax credits, available from your local utility provider and ENERGY STAR. GreenMatch makes this process easier by allowing you to obtain up to 4 free, non-binding quotes from trusted local installers after answering a few questions about your heating needs.