Installing a heat pump HVAC system and water heater is one of the best ways to get off fossil fuels and decarbonize your home.
But if you want your heat pump to deliver on its energy efficiency promises, it needs to be installed correctly. Poorly and improperly installed heat pumps won’t run as intended, reducing efficiency and leading to expensive repairs.
At the Clean Energy Connection, we connect California homeowners with reputable heat pump and mini split heat pump installers who get the job done right.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re looking for a contractor.
How to Find a Heat Pump Installer
1. Search the Clean Energy Connection
The Clean Energy Connection is a free contractor directory featuring the best heat pump installers in California. We do the vetting for you—with regular license checks, reference checks, and customer satisfaction surveys—so you don’t have to spend hours researching contractors and verifying their claims.
2. Get Multiple Quotes
We recommend getting at least three quotes for your heat pump installation. Comparing bids helps you understand the range of services and pricing available.
Look for quotes that include a clear scope of work, including load calculations, system sizing, installation details, and any required electrical upgrades.
Cost matters, but it shouldn’t be the only factor. Consider the contractor’s experience, credentials, and thoroughness of their proposal when making your decision.
3. Ask Questions
Take your time when reviewing your options, and don’t feel pressured to sign a contract right away. A quality contractor will welcome your questions and provide clear answers. If they rush you or avoid specifics, that’s a red flag.
7 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Heat Pump Contractor
Finding the right contractor can be a matter of asking the right questions. Before picking a company to install a heat pump in your home, here are some of the most important things to look into:
1. How much experience do you have installing heat pumps?
Experience counts when installing any HVAC equipment, especially heat pumps. Heat pump installation requires specialized knowledge and training. Ask how many installations they’ve completed and whether they’ve worked on projects similar to yours.
2. Will you assess my home to determine the right system size and setup?
Whether you’re installing a heat pump HVAC system or a heat pump water heater, proper heat pump sizing and system design are key to long-term performance and energy efficiency.
3. Can you evaluate my existing systems (ductwork, plumbing, electrical) and let me know if upgrades are needed?
A good installer will check for compatibility and explain if any additional work is required to support the new equipment.
4. What brands or models do you recommend, and why?
A good contractor should be able to explain their equipment choices and how they fit your home’s needs.
5. What kind of warranty do you offer on labor and equipment?
Find out what’s covered, for how long, and who to contact if something goes wrong.
6. Are you familiar with rebates and incentives, and will you help me claim them?
An experienced heat pump company should be able to help you access rebate programs to reduce your installation costs. Ask whether they’re a qualified contractor with any rebate or utility programs, and how they’ll help you with the process.
7. Can you provide recent references or customer reviews?
Hearing from other homeowners can give you insight into their professionalism, workmanship, and customer service.
The Clean Energy Connection Makes It Easy
Finding the right contractor doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At the Clean Energy Connection, we make the process simple by connecting you with trusted, vetted heat pump professionals across California.
The Clean Energy Connection is funded by the non-profit organization, Efficiency First California (EFCA). We don’t profit from the directory, and neither do the contractors listed. Our goal is to champion decarbonization and electrification efforts in California by connecting homeowners with reputable clean energy contractors.