ServicesHeat Pumps
Heat Pump Installation and Repair in Garfield, WA
One outdoor unit can heat your home all winter and cool it all summer, and we install, replace and repair them. Before any work starts you have a written quote and an install date you can plan on, and if that date moves, we call you.
One system for heating and cooling
Instead of burning fuel, a heat pump carries heat from one place to another. During warm months it draws heat out of your rooms and sends it outdoors, much like an air conditioner. When the weather turns cold, it flips direction and gathers heat from the outside air to warm your home. Cold-climate models keep producing heat well below freezing, and a backup heat source handles the coldest nights.
It is often the right call when your air conditioner and furnace are both getting old, when you heat with electric baseboard or propane and want lower bills, or when you want cooling without adding a second system. Sometimes it is not the right call, and we will tell you that too.
Timing matters with this work, so we plan it carefully. We give you a clear schedule up front, keep you posted if parts or weather push a date, and never leave you guessing when the crew will show up.
What you get with our heat pump work
- A system sized to your home
- We take room measurements, check insulation and windows, and size the unit to match. Too large and it short-cycles, leaving the air clammy. Too small and it relies on backup heat all winter long.
- With ducts or without
- Sound existing ducts can hook up to a ducted heat pump. Where there are none, ductless mini-splits are often a better match, and we explain both paths.
- Install and first start
- The outdoor unit goes up on a pad or stand so drifting snow and defrost water drain off rather than freezing around it. We hook up the line set and wiring and run both heating and cooling before leaving. We also pull the needed permit and book the inspection.
- Fixing the heat pump you have
- We diagnose and repair most brands, including units installed by other companies. If you approve the repair, your diagnostic fee is taken off the bill. Each repair carries our 1-year labor warranty.
- Help with rebates and tax credits
- We help you claim Avista rebates and federal tax credits on heat pumps and supply the equipment details and forms the programs require.
When your heat pump needs a look
Backup heat never shuts off
A thermostat that shows auxiliary or emergency heat for most of the day can mean low refrigerant or a unit that can't keep pace. A jump in the electric bill is often the first clue.
Ice that stays put
A light frost on the outdoor coil in winter is expected and should clear during defrost. Thick ice that hangs on for hours usually points to a bad defrost control, a failed sensor or weak airflow.
Vents feel only lukewarm
Heat pump air is softer than furnace air, but it should still feel plainly warm. Cool air while the system is on heat often means a reversing valve is stuck.
Odd sounds from the outdoor unit
Grinding, rattling or heavy buzzing outside can signal a failing fan motor or a compressor problem. Turning it off early can keep the fix small.
Years on the clock
Once a heat pump passes 12 to 15 years, repairs come more often. If yours is that old, a free replacement estimate lets you plan ahead rather than scramble when it quits in January.
What shapes your heat pump price
We won't quote a heat pump without seeing the house, since its size, your electrical panel and your current equipment all affect the job. After our visit you get a written, itemized quote, and that price stands unless you agree to a change. Rebates and tax credits can lower what you actually spend by a fair amount.
Capacity and cold-weather rating
Bigger homes call for more capacity, and units built to heat well in deep cold carry a higher upfront price than standard models.
Ducts or no ducts
Connecting to sound existing ducts is usually the simpler route. Homes without ducts often go ductless, priced by how many indoor heads you need.
Panel and wiring
Some older panels need an upgrade or an added circuit to run a heat pump. We check yours on the first visit, so any electrical work is known before you approve the quote.
How backup heat is handled
Keeping your gas furnace as backup is priced differently from adding electric heat strips. We walk you through what each means for your winter bills.
The steps of a heat pump job
- 1
Call and get an arrival window
Describe what's happening and we schedule a visit with a set arrival window. If the crew falls behind, you get a call before that window ends.
- 2
We visit and write up a quote
We check your existing system, your electrical panel and where the outdoor unit will sit. The written quote lists equipment, labor and permit, and installation estimates cost nothing.
- 3
A date we can stand behind
After you approve, we order the equipment and set a date we expect to keep. If a part is back-ordered or the weather interferes, we tell you right away with a new plan.
- 4
The install
Most replacements take a day or two. We protect your floors, keep your heating or cooling going for as long as possible and clean up at the end of each day.
- 5
Walkthrough and rebate papers
We go over the thermostat settings, explain how defrost mode looks and sounds, and give you the documents you need for rebates and tax credits.
Common heat pump questions
Can a heat pump handle winter in Garfield?
A properly sized cold-climate model can. These units keep putting out heat well below zero, and backup heat steps in on the rare nights the outdoor unit can't do it alone. We'll show you how our recommended model performs in low temperatures.
Can my furnace stay as backup?
In many cases, yes. With a dual-fuel setup, the heat pump carries most of the load and hands off to the furnace on the coldest days. We make sure your furnace is in good enough condition to be worth keeping.
How do Avista rebates and federal tax credits work?
A qualifying heat pump can earn a utility rebate and a federal tax credit, depending on the equipment. We help you claim them and provide the model details and paperwork the programs ask for. Check any tax questions with your tax preparer.
Will I lose heat during the install?
Usually for a few hours on install day, not for days. We plan around the weather when possible and keep your old system on until the new one is ready to start up.
Do heat pump repairs have a warranty?
Yes, a 1-year labor warranty comes with every repair. If that repair needs another look during the year, we cover the labor.
Who shows up to do the work?
HVAC Garfield holds a Washington license and bond, and a $1M general liability insurance policy covers our work in your home. Ahead of the visit, we tell you who is coming and when.
Plan your heat pump on a schedule you can trust
Call for a free installation estimate or help with a heat pump that has stopped keeping up. We serve Garfield, Colfax, Pullman and nearby towns, and repairs are available any hour with no emergency or after-hours fees.