A heat pump is an air conditioner that can also run in reverse. In winter it pulls heat out of the outdoor air and moves it inside; in summer it does the opposite. Because it moves heat rather than burning fuel, it is most efficient in mild weather, which is what Tiburon, Belvedere and Mill Valley have for most of the year. For many homes here, one heat pump can take over from both the gas furnace and the air conditioner.
Which kind of heat pump
| Type | Good for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ducted (central) heat pump | Homes with ducts in good condition | An outdoor unit plus an air handler, or a coil on the existing furnace |
| Dual fuel | Homes that want gas as backup | The heat pump does most of the heating; the furnace covers the coldest hours |
| Ductless mini-split | No ducts, additions, rooms that run hot or cold | One indoor unit per room or zone; see mini-split installation |
| Ducted mini-split | Two or three rooms served from a hidden unit | Short duct runs from a closet, attic or soffit |
Designing the system
Size for heat. Here the heating load sets the size. We calculate heat loss room by room (walls, windows, insulation, air leakage) and choose equipment whose heating capacity at local winter temperatures covers it. Variable-speed (inverter) heat pumps adjust their output and run longer at low speed, which keeps rooms even and the outdoor unit quiet.
Check the ducts. A heat pump delivers air that is warm rather than hot, so duct leaks, undersized returns and long runs to far rooms matter more than they did with a furnace. Large hillside and waterfront homes with several zones often need some duct sealing or changes to heat evenly, and that work is listed in the proposal.
Plan the electrical. Heat pumps run on 240-volt circuits, and electric backup heat can draw a lot of current. We look at the panel before quoting, because a heat pump the panel cannot support is not a finished plan.
Place the outdoor unit. It needs airflow, a firm base, room for service and a path for defrost water to drain away. The spot also has to respect bedrooms, neighbors and HOA rules, which are often strict on the peninsula. Near the water, a sheltered location and a coated coil, where the manufacturer offers one, slow salt corrosion.
Installation and commissioning
- Consultation. We look at the home, the ducts, the electrical panel and possible equipment locations.
- Design. Sizing, equipment type and layout.
- Proposal. Options side by side, with an upfront price for each.
- Install. Old equipment removed and its refrigerant recovered; the new system set, lines brazed and pressure-tested, evacuated and charged.
- Commissioning. Airflow and refrigerant checked against the manufacturer’s data in heating and cooling, the defrost cycle tested, the thermostat set up for the heat pump and its backup heat, then a walkthrough of how to use the system.
Cost, incentives and paperwork
The price depends on the type of system, its capacity and efficiency, duct and electrical work, and access to the equipment locations. Heat pump incentives from utilities and government programs change often, so check what applies before signing; we provide the model numbers and efficiency ratings that most applications ask for. Financing is available with approved credit, and the equipment carries the manufacturer’s warranty.
Local pages
See heat pump installation in Tiburon, Belvedere and Mill Valley, where older homes with crawlspace ducts and little room for equipment often lean toward ductless. If your current heat pump is failing, start with heat pump repair. If you are weighing a new gas furnace instead, see furnace installation, and for cooling-only options AC installation.