When a heat pump installation makes sense
What matters in your home?
You don’t need all the answers before you call.
Your old heat pump is near the end
If your home already has a heat pump and it’s aging or needing frequent repairs, a new one is the natural replacement. Heat pump replacement keeps the same basic setup while bringing current efficiency standards and refrigerants.
You’re replacing an AC and gas furnace together
When both pieces of equipment are getting old, one heat pump system can take over both jobs. It’s a bigger change than a straight swap, so it’s worth understanding what’s involved first (see below).
You want one system for heating and cooling
Some homeowners like the idea of a single system on one utility, with no separate furnace to maintain. In a climate with mild winters, that can be a practical fit.
You’re adding comfort to part of the home
A mini-split heat pump can heat and cool a single space, like a converted garage or an addition, without tying into the main system.
Switching from a gas furnace to a heat pump
Your current system.
Replacing an AC and gas furnace with a heat pump changes more than the outdoor unit. Here’s what’s involved.
Inside, the furnace comes out and an air handler goes in. The air handler moves air through your ducts and usually holds backup electric heat strips for the occasional cold morning.
The gas line to the old furnace gets capped safely by a qualified professional.
Electrical capacity gets checked next. A heat pump with backup heat strips can draw more power than the system it replaces, so your panel or circuits may need work.
Your thermostat has to support heat pump operation, including backup heat. Some older thermostats don’t, and they’ll need replacing.
Finally, the ductwork. If it’s in good shape and sized properly, it’s reused. If not, now is the time to fix it.
Heat pump efficiency: SEER2 and HSPF2
Your comfort goals.
Heat pumps carry two efficiency ratings. SEER2 measures cooling efficiency over a season. HSPF2 measures heating efficiency; DOE explains that the higher the rating, the less electricity the heat pump uses to heat your home.
Federal minimums apply to every new split-system heat pump made since January 1, 2023: 14.3 SEER2 and 7.5 HSPF2.
In the East Valley, cooling runs for months and heating for weeks, so SEER2 usually deserves more weight in your decision.
You’ll also see single-stage and variable-speed (inverter) models. A single-stage unit runs at full output or not at all. A variable-speed unit adjusts its output to match what the home needs, so it runs longer at lower speeds.
Heat pump only vs. dual fuel
Compare your options.
Heat pump only
- How it heatsThe heat pump, with electric heat strips as backup.
- What you needElectric service only.
- In a cold snapThe heat strips help on the coldest mornings.
- EquipmentOutdoor heat pump plus an indoor air handler.
- When it fitsHomes without gas, or going all-electric.
Dual fuel
- How it heatsThe heat pump, with a gas furnace as backup.
- What you needGas service and a furnace.
- In a cold snapThe furnace takes over when it’s colder.
- EquipmentOutdoor heat pump plus an indoor gas furnace.
- When it fitsHomes keeping a gas furnace that’s in good shape.
Heat pump not heating right now? That’s a repair; see heating services.
How heat pump installation with Keenan works
Start with a conversation.
We look at your home, ducts and electrical
We look at your current equipment, your ductwork and your electrical panel, and talk about how you use heating and cooling. That tells us what a heat pump would involve in your home.
You compare options in a written quote
The quote spells out the heat pump and air handler, any electrical or gas work, the price and the warranty, all in writing. If there’s more than one reasonable option, we’ll lay them out side by side.
We install, test both modes and walk you through it
We install the system, then test it in both cooling and heating mode. You’ll learn how the thermostat handles each one, including backup heat.
Heat pump questions? We’ll answer them.
Check for heat pump rebates before you buy
Worth a call.
Heat pumps qualify for SRP’s Cool Cash rebate, so if SRP supplies your power, a high-efficiency model installed by a licensed Arizona contractor can earn a per-ton rebate. Check SRP’s current program for terms. One change to know about: the federal 25C tax credit ended for improvements made after December 31, 2025.
What affects heat pump installation cost
No surprises.
Every heat pump installation is priced on your home and your choices.
- SizeTons of heating and cooling capacity.
- EfficiencySEER2 and HSPF2 levels.
- Compressor typeSingle-stage or variable-speed.
- Heat pump only or dual fuel
- Electrical work and backup heat strips
- Indoor unit location and access
- Ductwork changes and thermostat
- Gas cap-offif you’re switching from a gas furnace.
- Rebatesthat may lower your net cost.
Each of these appears as a line on your written quote before you approve anything.
The person behind the name
Your neighbor.
Your comfort.
Daniel grew up in the East Valley and still calls it home. Keenan is locally owned, family owned, and independent. Not owned by private equity.
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Care for your whole home.
Heat pump installation questions
A little clarity.
Is a heat pump a good choice in the East Valley?
It can be. Our winters are mild, and a heat pump cools as well as a standard AC of similar efficiency. Whether it fits your home depends on your current equipment, gas service and preferences, and we’ll walk through those with you.
Can I replace my gas furnace with a heat pump?
Yes. The furnace is replaced with an air handler, usually with backup heat strips, and the gas line is capped. Your electrical capacity and thermostat get checked, and your ductwork is reused if it’s in good shape.
Do I need backup heat?
Most heat pump systems include electric heat strips that help on the coldest mornings, or if the heat pump needs service. In a dual-fuel setup, a gas furnace plays that role. Keenan sizes the backup heat for your home.
What’s the difference between SEER2 and HSPF2?
SEER2 measures cooling efficiency over a season. HSPF2 measures heating efficiency. For both, higher numbers mean less electricity for the same comfort. In the East Valley, SEER2 usually matters more.
Can I choose a system from the website?
System selection and pricing depend on your home. Contact Keenan to discuss options for your property.
Where can I find pricing and warranty details?
Ask for the proposed equipment, installation scope, price and written warranty terms before deciding. Our AC replacement page has a checklist of what a good quote includes. Once it’s installed, the Keenan Comfort Club helps keep a heat pump cared for in both seasons.
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