Replacing a heating and cooling system can save homeowners money for years. But one Philadelphia homeowner's experience shows how quickly that plan can unravel when the installed equipment does not match what was requested.
During a renovation, a homeowner said the project went off course when an outdoor air conditioner was installed after they had repeatedly asked for a heat pump.
Here's what to know
According to a post on Reddit's r/heatpumps, the equipment installed was a Gibson wsa4bd5m1sn30k, a unit that cools but does not provide electric heating. The original poster said both the general contractor and the HVAC crew had been given the same instruction: "I want a heat pump. I do not want central air. I am trying to remove natural gas from my home."
Heat pumps can heat and cool a home in one system.
If you are sorting through those options yourself, Palmetto's Comfort Plan network can help you understand your HVAC options and slash your energy bills with new, efficient HVACs and heat pumps while connecting you with vetted installers.
One commenter advised the homeowner to "tell them to stop work on HVAC until they give you a written contract that shows you what specific heat pump equipment they are installing and the calculations."
More background
Some commenters said the homeowner's request was not straightforward. One user said, "It's completely unrealistic to expect to say 'I want a heat pump' and things magically to happen… There are written proposals for the purpose."
Another commented, "You need to have a manual J done of your home and then work with a contractor who knows what [they're] doing to get a properly sized and reputable brand installed."
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What can be done?
A key takeaway is to lock down the equipment details before installation starts. Ask for the exact model number, written confirmation that the system is a heat pump rather than a cooling-only unit, and the load calculations used to size it, and get multiple quotes to make mistakes easier to catch.
Palmetto can also be part of that homework process. Through Palmetto's Comfort Plan network, you can find efficient heating and cooling solutions for your home. If you're not ready to spend up front, the Comfort Plan includes $0-down options that can lower your heating and cooling costs by up to 50%. Palmetto's Comfort Plans also include 12 years of free maintenance.
Homeowners can potentially increase those savings by pairing solar panels with electric appliances such as efficient HVACs. EnergySage makes it easy to find the best solar system and installer for your home and budget, saving you up to $10,000 on installations.
Where can I learn more?
Confusion around heat pumps is still surprisingly common. The articles here look at how contractor advice, basic heat pump capabilities, rebates, and even local building rules can shape whether homeowners end up with the system they actually wanted.
• Homeowners denounced an HVAC tech who refused to install the heat pump after pushing gas equipment.
• A marketplace now pairs homeowners with their own expert energy adviser before they commit to new HVAC equipment.
• In Washington state, builders now face heat pumps in new homes under updated residential energy rules.
A little homework up front can help homeowners avoid installation surprises and land lower energy bills.
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