If you’re thinking about installing a heat pump in your home, you may be wondering if it’s something you can do yourself. While DIY projects can be a great way to save money, there are some jobs that are best left to the professionals. Heat pump installation is one of them.
At Thiele Heating & Air Conditioning, we’ve seen how easily a DIY heat pump installation can go wrong. Many of our repair calls are to fix problems that started with a poorly installed system. Don’t let trying to save a little money cost you a lot more—or risk your safety. In this blog, we’ll explain what goes into the heat pump installation process, why a professional installation matters, and how to make sure your new heat pump works the way it should.
How Does a Heat Pump Work?
So you’re in the market for a heat pump, huh? Great choice! These systems are some of the most versatile and energy efficient ways to both heat and cool your home. In case you have any questions about how heat pump systems work, here’s a quick breakdown:
Moves Heat Instead of Creating It
A heat pump doesn’t burn fuel like a natural gas furnace or use electric resistance heating to generate warmth. Instead, it extracts heat from the outdoor air (or from the ground if you choose a geothermal heat pump) and transfers that heat inside your home during the heating season.
Reverses to Cool Your Home
When it’s hot outside, the system flips from heating mode into cooling mode. It works like a traditional air conditioner, pulling heat out of your indoor air and releasing it outside. That means the same system handles both your heating and cooling needs.
Indoor and Outdoor Units Working Together
A heat pump installation includes an outdoor unit and an indoor evaporator coil or air handler. These connect to your existing ducted system or to new ductwork if needed. Together, they transfer heat in and out of your home depending on the season.
Energy Efficiency That Pays Off
Because heat pumps transfer heat instead of generating it, they’re highly energy efficient. Measured by Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER2) ratings, today’s systems are designed for energy savings and lower operating costs. This means you’ll have more long-term savings compared to many traditional cooling systems and furnaces.
Reliable Comfort Even in Cold Weather
While performance can dip when outdoor temperatures drop very low, homeowners often choose a dual-fuel system that pairs a heat pump with a natural gas furnace. The heat pump handles the bulk of the heating and cooling season, while the furnace kicks in only when needed—giving you more efficient heating no matter the weather.
Bottom line? Heat pump systems generate heat in the winter, cool your home in the summer, and keep your energy costs in check all year long. Whether you’re building a new home and want a new heat pump installation or you’re ready to replace your air conditioner with a heat pump, Thiele does it all.
How Heat Pumps Are Installed
Like any HVAC system, the performance of your heat pump is directly tied to the quality of the installation. A bad heat pump install could mean poor energy efficiency, higher energy costs, air leaks, and even costly repairs down the road. Here’s an overview of the heat pump installation process:
- Setting the Outdoor Unit: The outdoor heat pump unit is placed on a level concrete pad or mounting stand, anchored so it won’t shift or vibrate. Technicians make sure there’s enough clearance on all sides for proper airflow so the system can extract heat from the outdoor air in winter and release heat in summer.
- Installing the Indoor Evaporator Coil or Air Handler: Inside, the evaporator coil is carefully mounted within your existing furnace or air handler cabinet, or a new air handler is installed if needed. At this stage, technicians may perform air duct alterations to improve airflow, eliminate leaks, and make sure the cooling capacity needed matches your home’s design.
- Running Refrigerant Lines and Wiring: Copper refrigerant lines are run between the indoor and outdoor units. They’re brazed, pressure-tested, and insulated to create a leak-free connection. At the same time, electrical wiring is routed to power the system, and a condensate drain is installed to safely carry away moisture produced in cooling mode.
- Connecting to the Home’s Electrical System: Because a new heat pump installation often requires more power than the system it replaces, technicians inspect your home’s electrical panel and may upgrade breakers or wiring. This ensures the installation meets code, protects the equipment, and keeps the home’s electrical system safe.
There are many heat pump installation requirements, and it’s a lot of work. And by law, refrigerant must be safely removed and handled by a certified HVAC contractor.
What You’re Risking With A DIY Heat Pump Installation
Legal implications aside, even if you consider yourself handy, here’s what can go wrong with a do-it-yourself heat pump installation:
- Your manufacturer warranty will be void if the system isn’t installed by a licensed HVAC contractor. That means any part failure or repair is fully on you.
- The electrical work involved is complex. One mistake running high-voltage wiring or connecting the home’s electrical system could create a serious safety hazard, from shocks to fire risk.
- Refrigerant lines must be sealed and charged precisely. If they aren’t, you’ll end up with leaks, poor efficiency, and damage to the compressor—one of the most expensive parts of the system.
- Improper installation of the indoor evaporator coil, air handler, or ductwork can cause airflow problems, air leaks, and water damage from a clogged or misrouted condensate drain.
The average heat pump installation cost is $7,000-$12,000, but if something goes wrong, the total cost can quickly climb much higher. It’s not worth taking any risks. Get certified heat pump installers—like the experienced team at Thiele Heating & Air Conditioning—to handle everything safely and correctly from the start.
Your Heat Pump System Installation Is In Good Hands With Us
When you choose Thiele Heating & Air Conditioning for your heat pump installation, we make everything feel easy. We’ll start with a consultation, review your options, and provide a clear, upfront quote with financing options available. On installation day, our technicians safely remove your old heat pump if needed, set the outdoor unit, install the indoor evaporator coil or air handler, and ensure the system is properly sized for your home.
We connect everything, test the equipment in heating and cooling modes, and make sure it’s running at peak energy efficiency. Afterward, we walk you through how to use and care for your new system, and you’ll know exactly how to reach us for heat pump repairs as your system ages.
Many homeowners also protect their investment with our cost effective maintenance plan, which includes priority service and discounts on parts and repairs. We install both air source heat pumps and geothermal heat pumps. And as a Bryant Authorized Dealer, we have access to some of the best equipment options available, along with the expertise to install them right.
Thiele Does The Heat Pump Installation Indianapolis Trusts
Searching for a heat pump installation near me? If you’re in the greater Indianapolis area—including neighborhoods like Broad Ripple, Irvington, Fountain Square, Meridian-Kessler, or downtown—or nearby in Beech Grove, Carmel, Fishers, Franklin, Greenwood, Lawrence, Mooresville, or Plainfield, we can help. Thiele Heating & Air Conditioning has been serving Central Indiana since 1883, making us Indy’s oldest and most experienced HVAC company.
Our highly trained technicians service and install heat pumps regularly, and we’re ready to provide you with a system that benefits your home and wallet for years to come. Contact us to talk about your heat pump installation in Indianapolis or the surrounding area.