Short answer: a typical ducted heat pump replacement takes about two days on site with a crew of two or three techs. Ductless mini splits are often done in a day. The whole process, from first call to final inspection, takes longer than install day itself because of the estimate, permit, and equipment ordering.
How long does heat pump installation take on site?
For a standard swap, where a heat pump replaces an old furnace and AC and your ducts are in decent shape, plan on about two days. Here is roughly how that time gets used:
- Day one: protect floors and furniture, remove the old equipment, set the outdoor unit, and start on the indoor unit, refrigerant lines, and drain.
- Day two: finish the electrical connections, start up the system, test airflow and temperatures, and walk you through the thermostat.
Your home may be different. Tight attics, crawlspaces, and long line runs all take more time. We'll tell you what we expect when we give you your written options.
What happens before install day
Most of the calendar time is in the steps around the install. A heat pump installation usually runs in this order:
- Free in-home estimate. We look at your current system, ducts, and electrical panel.
- Design and written options. We size the system to your home (insulation, windows, sun exposure, and duct condition), not to the label on the old unit.
- Permit and equipment. We pull the permit and order the equipment. Lead time depends on what's in stock.
- Install day, startup, and inspection. The building inspector signs off on the permit, and we coordinate that for you.
If you're replacing a system that still works, you can pick a date that suits you. If it died in the middle of a heat wave, tell us when you call. We'll do what we can to move quickly.
What can make it faster or slower?
| Situation | Effect on timeline |
|---|---|
| Ducts in good shape | Keeps the job at about two days |
| Duct sealing or replacement | Can add time. See our duct work page |
| Electrical panel upgrade or new circuit | Can add time and may need its own permit work |
| Home with no ducts, an addition, or an ADU | Ductless mini splits are often done in about a day |
| Hard-to-reach attic, crawlspace, or tight equipment location | Can add time |
Older North Bay homes often need a look at the ducts and panel. That's why the free estimate matters. It lets us give you an honest timeline instead of a guess.
Will I be without heating or cooling?
Not for long. Because we replace the old system and install the new one on the same visit, most homes are without heating or cooling only for the install days. We'll go over the plan with you beforehand so you know what to expect, including when the power will be off.
Common questions
Do I need to be home during the install?
Someone should be there to let the crew in on the first morning and to join the walkthrough at the end. You don't need to be there the whole time.
How long from the first call to a finished install?
It depends on the permit, equipment availability, and the schedule. The on-site work is about two days, but the steps before it take longer. We'll give you a realistic timeline with your estimate.
Can you install a heat pump the same day I call?
Same-day service is possible for water heaters when our schedule allows, but a heat pump system needs an estimate, a design, and a permit first. If your system has failed, call us and we'll talk through the fastest path.
Are rebates available, and does that slow things down?
Rebates may be available depending on program funding. We check what's open when we quote your job and handle the paperwork. See our service areas for towns we cover.
Ready to find out what a heat pump install would look like for your home? Call Green Core at (707) 988-5858 or request a free estimate.