Heat Pump Installation in Altadena, CA

If your air conditioner needs replacement and the furnace is also showing its age, it is worth considering both systems before choosing new equipment. A heat pump can provide electric heating and cooling through one coordinated system, but the right installation depends on your home’s heating load, summer cooling needs, ductwork, and electrical capacity.

Connor Air Conditioning & Heating provides heat pump installation in Altadena, CA. Our system-design capabilities include Manual J load calculations, air duct leakage testing, and custom sheet metal fabrication, helping connect equipment selection with the way conditioned air reaches your rooms.

Call (626) 286-3157 to discuss a heat pump replacement or a conversion from your existing heating and cooling equipment.

Can a Heat Pump Replace Your Furnace and Air Conditioner?

A heat pump transfers heat between the home and outdoor air. In cooling mode, it moves heat outside. In heating mode, it reverses that process to bring heat indoors. A properly selected system can serve both needs, although the design must account for its heating performance as well as cooling capacity.

A central heat pump installation typically combines outdoor equipment with a compatible indoor coil or air handler and controls. Replacing only an outdoor air conditioner does not automatically turn the existing system into a suitable heat pump arrangement.

If you already own a heat pump, weak heating or cooling does not establish that replacement is necessary. Heat pump diagnosis and repair can help identify whether the existing equipment has a serviceable fault.

Will Your Existing Ductwork Work With the New System?

Existing ducts may be reusable when their condition, size, insulation, and layout suit the proposed equipment. For an older Altadena home with aging ductwork, that assessment can be as important as choosing the heat pump itself.

A leaking supply duct loses conditioned air before it reaches the room. A restricted return limits airflow through the indoor equipment. Neither problem disappears simply because the new outdoor unit has a higher efficiency rating.

Connor Air offers duct leakage testing and custom sheet metal fabrication. Discuss whether the project needs connection changes, return-air improvements, or other duct modifications, and have that work identified in the proposal.

For spaces without practical duct access, ductless mini split installation offers another approach. The choice depends on whether you want whole-home air distribution or separate conditioning for particular rooms.

How Should Heating and Cooling Capacity Be Selected?

Start with the home’s current needs rather than copying the capacity of the old equipment. Insulation upgrades, window replacements, additions, and layout changes can all affect the load the new system must serve.

Connor Air uses Manual J calculations in its system-design work. The resulting heating and cooling requirements help guide equipment selection alongside duct airflow and manufacturer performance data.

For Altadena’s long cooling season and milder winter conditions, both operating modes still deserve attention. Ask how the proposed system meets heating demand on colder mornings and cooling demand during hot weather. A larger nominal capacity is not automatically a better fit.

The Department of Energy’s heat pump guidance identifies oversizing, improper refrigerant charging, and leaky ducts as installation problems that can undermine efficiency and comfort.

What Changes Affect Installation Cost and Operating Costs?

The project scope determines installation cost. Converting from a gas furnace and central air conditioner can involve different work than replacing an existing heat pump.

Indoor equipment: Compatibility, available space, service access, and any required air-handler changes.
Electrical supply: Circuit requirements, available capacity, and any necessary upgrades. A panel replacement should be based on an assessment, not assumed.
Ductwork: Repairs, insulation, transitions, or airflow improvements needed for the selected system.
Outdoor location: Equipment clearances, access, support, and refrigerant piping routes.
Controls and drainage: Compatible thermostat operation and a suitable condensate drainage arrangement.

For operating efficiency, SEER2 describes seasonal cooling performance and HSPF2 describes seasonal heating performance. These ratings help compare equipment; they do not predict your exact utility bill. Electricity rates, previous fuel use, thermostat settings, weather, and the home itself affect the outcome.

Ask for a comparison based on your existing equipment and usage before expecting a particular saving. Replacing a furnace with a heat pump changes how the home uses electricity and gas, so comparing equipment efficiency alone is incomplete.

What Should Be Established Before Installation Begins?

A useful proposal should explain what equipment is being installed, why it fits the home, and which supporting changes are included. Review these points before approving the work:

The selected indoor and outdoor equipment combination and proposed controls.
Equipment removal, duct modifications, electrical work, and drainage provisions.
Permit and inspection responsibilities applicable to the project.
Manufacturer-required startup procedures, refrigerant setup, airflow checks, and testing in heating and cooling modes.
Filter access, thermostat instructions, maintenance requirements, and equipment warranty terms.

If the project affects more than equipment replacement, Connor Air’s heating and air conditioning services in Altadena can help address the broader comfort needs alongside the installation.

Plan Your Heat Pump Installation With Connor Air

Bring your recent utility usage, equipment service history, and a description of rooms that are difficult to heat or cool. These details help make the discussion specific to your home and the results you want.

Connor Air Conditioning & Heating is family owned, has served the San Gabriel Valley since 1976, and has NATE-certified technicians. We hold California Contractor License #403735 and provide residential and light commercial HVAC services.

Call (626) 286-3157 or request a heat pump installation estimate to discuss equipment options, installation requirements, and the next step for your Altadena home.

Questions About Switching to a Heat Pump

Will heat from the vents feel the same as furnace heat?

Not necessarily. Heat pump supply air can feel less hot than air from a gas furnace while still warming the home. Operating patterns also vary by equipment and controls. Ask what to expect from the proposed system so normal operation is easier to recognize.

Can I keep my existing thermostat?

Only if it is compatible with the selected equipment and intended control functions. Some systems need manufacturer-specific controls or additional wiring. Include thermostat compatibility in the installation assessment rather than assuming the existing control will remain.

My old AC condenser was 36 years old and functional, but to head off an emergency breakdown, we replaced the HVAC (air and gas furnace) with a whole house heat pump system. After reviewing 5 bids, we went with Connor Air, not so much because of their pricing, but because of their response to our questions and a full solution including explanations and options with a reliable Lennox solution.

All interactions with Connor Air were excellent. Their bid was solid and included the inspections - no hidden fees. They were always on time, showing when promised and finished the work in a timely manner. Their on-site workers were courteous and friendly and cleaned up after their work each day.

HEARS inspector said the custom configuration for the return air was excellent and they rarely see such good work.

We highly recommend Connor Air services.

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      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 53 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Woogie W 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Connor Air was the best AC company among all the different estimates we got. We chose them out of 5-6 estimates because Jared and his staff are just the nicest people to work with. Very helpful in designing a system that worked best for our home. Jared designed us a beautiful heat pump system. Thanks Connor Air.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kevin M 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have been using Connor Air Conditioning since they installed our new Lennox central A/C heating system in July 2020. No problems.
Great people, always a great job!
We use their Preventative Matenance program every year and have dependable service every time.
Thank you, Connor Air
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kevin C 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recently had my complete heating and air conditioning system replaced by Connor. Jarred gave me a good estimate and explained everything that needed to be done. His crew showed up when he said they would, did a great job, and cleaned up at the end of each day. Our system works great and I would highly recommend them to anyone who asks.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   David V 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They responded quickly to our request for a price. It was much less money than our other bids for the same equipment and labor.  They got it all done in about a week and time on site was only part of one morning.  We also now have them for the maintenance program.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Victor H 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I called Connor Air & Heating after having a bad experience with  Air-tro, who couldn't fix the problem. Eric from Connor came out and over the next three hours diagnosed the problem, replaced the central heating circuit board and thermostat, both of which he had in his truck. Got everything to work....then the fuse on the circuit board started to trip because of excess heat. Turns out he realized I had too many vents closed which caused the unit to turn off. Amazing. Now several days later the heater is working like a charm. I would wholeheartedly recommend Connor Air Conditioning & Heating.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   S T 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our AC went out over the holiday weekend. Needed a couple of parts. Conner AC came through like a champ. And Acosta cannot be beat.

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