Heat Pump Installation in Duncan

What happens on the free in-home assessment

When we visit your home for a free assessment, we start by looking at how you heat your space right now. We walk through your house to check your current layout, ductwork condition, and heating habits. We measure your room sizes, window areas, and insulation levels to gather the data needed for a proper heat-loss calculation. We never rely on the size of your old furnace or baseboards, because older equipment was often oversized.

Next, we inspect your electrical panel. We check the main service capacity and breaker space to confirm whether your panel can support a heat pump. If an upgrade is needed, we point that out right away so there are no surprises later on your quote.

We also look at potential locations for the equipment. We check outside for a clear spot where an outdoor unit has good airflow, proper drainage, and clearance from snow or falling leaves. Inside, we look at where ductwork connects or where wall-mounted heads would fit best for air distribution.

Finally, we talk through rebate options. We confirm whether CleanBC's Energy Savings Program or the Home Renovation Rebate Program applies to your situation, and explain how the application process works step by step.

What installation day looks like

Our installation day starts when our crew arrives at your home with the equipment and tools. First, we review the job plan with you and protect your floors and work areas. If we are removing an old furnace or oil tank, we carefully disconnect and haul away the old equipment.

Next, we set the outdoor unit on a solid pad or wall bracket. We ensure it sits level and elevated for proper drainage during winter defrost cycles. We then run line sets and wiring between the outdoor unit and your indoor air handler or wall heads. For ducted installations, we connect the new air handler to your existing ductwork and seal all joints. For ductless setups, we mount the indoor heads cleanly on your walls.

After the physical placement, our Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics complete the refrigerant lines and perform a pressure test and vacuum evacuation. This step removes moisture and air from the system before charging it. Once the electrical connections are finished, we turn the system on to complete commissioning.

Before we leave, we conduct a full walkthrough with you. We show you how to operate your thermostat or remote controls, clean the air filters, and set the system for winter heating. We leave your home clean and answer any final questions.

Living with a heat pump through the winter

Running a heat pump in the winter is straightforward once you know a few basic habits. The most important rule is to set your thermostat and leave it alone. Unlike older furnaces that heat up quickly when you turn up the dial, a heat pump works most efficiently by maintaining a steady temperature day and night. Turning the temperature down significantly at night actually increases energy use, because the system has to work harder to recover warmth in the morning.

During cold weather, you may notice your outdoor unit entering a defrost cycle. This is a normal part of winter operation. Frost can build up on the outdoor coils when temperatures drop near freezing. The system automatically reverses for a few minutes to melt the ice, and you might see steam or hear a brief swooshing sound from the outdoor unit.

You can keep the system running smoothly by checking indoor filters once a month and washing or replacing them when dirty. Outside, keep snow, ice, leaves, and debris clear of the outdoor unit so air flows freely. For everything else, a routine inspection by a technician keeps all mechanical components in top working order.