Heat Pump Installation 

What Is a Heat Pump?

A heat pump is one electric system that both heats and cools your home, so you don't need a separate furnace and air conditioner. Rather than burning fuel like a traditional furnace, it simply moves existing heat from one place to another.

In winter, it pulls heat from the outdoor air and carries it inside. In summer, it reverses the process, pulling heat from your home and releasing it outdoors, just like a central air conditioner. One unit, every season, controlled from your thermostat.



A complete system has a few core parts: an outdoor unit (compressor and coil), an indoor unit (coil and blower), refrigerant, and your thermostat and controls. Air-source heat pumps, the type we install most often across Chicagoland, draw on the outdoor air to keep your home comfortable.

Left: cooling mode—the reversing valve sends heat outdoors. Right: heating mode—the same valve flips the flow to bring heat indoors.

How a Heat Pump Works​

Heat pumps move heat instead of making it, which is why they're so efficient; relocating heat takes far less energy than generating it. The system uses refrigerant and electricity to carry warmth in whichever direction you need: indoors when it's cold, outdoors when it's hot. A modern heat pump can deliver up to three units of heating or cooling for every unit of electricity it draws, making it one of the most cost-effective comfort systems you can install today.​

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The part that makes it possible: the reversing valve.​

The reversing valve is what turns an air conditioner into a true heat pump. Mounted near the compressor in the outdoor unit, it changes the direction refrigerant flows, sending heat outside in cooling mode and indoors in heating mode. Without it, the system could only run one way.​

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Good to Know

If a heat pump heats but won't cool (or vice versa), short cycles, makes clicking or hissing sounds when switching modes, or blows lukewarm air, the reversing valve may be the culprit. Caught early, it's a straightforward fix, which is why annual service matters.​

Why Choose a Heat Pump Over a Furnace?

The clearest way to see the difference is side by side. A furnace creates heat by burning fuel and runs it through your home in short, hot bursts. A heat pump skips combustion entirely, moving heat with electricity and refrigerant for greater efficiency and steadier comfort.

A furnace burns fuel to make heat and is up to ~99% efficient. A heat pump moves heat instead of making it and can reach up to ~300% efficiency, delivering roughly three units of heat for every one unit of electricity it uses.

The Evolution of Heat Pumps

Heat pumps aren't new. The technology has been around since the 1950s. What's changed is how far it's come. Decades of refinement have turned heat pumps from a warm-climate-only option into a year-round solution that performs reliably in nearly every region of the country, including cold northern winters.

That progress is showing up in the market. Homeowner demand has climbed to record levels and keeps growing: the global heat pump market was valued at roughly $82 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach about $167 billion by 2030. More homeowners than ever want heating and cooling that lowers their energy use and shrinks their carbon footprint, and they're doing their homework first.

Recent research found that about two-thirds of homeowners research their options before making an HVAC purchase, with growing awareness of incentives like the federal 25C tax credit fueling that interest.

The biggest leap has been in cold-weather performance. Today's cold-climate heat pumps can pull usable heat from the air even in sub-freezing temperatures, delivering comfortable, efficient warmth with far less reliance on backup heat.

For homes that want extra reassurance in the deepest cold, a dual-fuel setup pairs a heat pump with a gas furnace: the heat pump handles most of the season efficiently, and the furnace takes over only when temperatures drop low enough that it becomes the more economical choice.

Is a Heat Pump Right for Your Home?

Heat pumps are an excellent fit for:

• Homes looking to reduce heating and cooling costs
• Homeowners replacing an aging furnace and AC at the same time
• All-electric homes, or homes moving away from natural gas
• New construction and major renovations
• Households interested in energy rebates
• Older homes without existing ductwork (using ductless mini-split heat pumps)

Why Choose a Heat Pump for Your Home?

One system, extra efficiency all year long. A heat pump works alongside your existing furnace to heat efficiently in milder temperatures while your furnace kicks in when it's really cold outside. This dual fuel setup means you get the best of both worlds, energy savings from the heat pump combined with the reliable backup heat of a furnace when temperatures drop.

Lower energy bills. Lower energy bills. Because heat pumps move heat instead of generating it, they can run two to three times more efficiently than traditional furnaces or electric resistance heating in mild weather. Many homeowners see meaningful drops in their monthly utility bills after switching, especially when replacing older equipment.

Energy Rebates. Heat pump installations qualify for utility rebates that can significantly reduce your upfront cost. Our team helps you identify every incentive you qualify for.

Cleaner, quieter operation in mild weather. When your heat pump is running, there's no on-site combustion, no gas burning, no exhaust, and no carbon monoxide risk during that time. Your furnace still provides combustion heat during colder stretches, but the heat pump reduces how often that combustion cycle runs, cutting down on overall emissions and runtime. Heat pumps also run quietly thanks to variable-speed compressors and modern sound-dampening design.

Better year-round comfort. Traditional furnaces blast hot air in short bursts, which creates uneven temperatures. Heat pumps deliver gentle, consistent airflow that holds a steady temperature throughout your home, with better humidity control to match.

Future-proof your home. As more cities and states adopt clean energy goals, heat pumps are becoming the standard for home heating and cooling. Installing one now positions your home for long-term value and compliance with future regulations. If your home has solar panels installed, you can take it a step further, using that solar energy to power your heat pump means essentially free heating and cooling straight from the sun.

Why Choose TOPTEC for Your Heat Pump Installation?

• Expertise that matches the equipment. Heat pumps require precise sizing, refrigerant charging, and proper system matching to reach full efficiency. Incorrect installation can cost you 20 to 30 percent in performance. Our certified technicians have installed hundreds of heat pumps across Chicagoland, and we get it right the first time.
• Energy rebate guidance. Rebates and manufacturer promotions can add up to thousands in savings, but only if claimed correctly. We handle the paperwork so you capture every available dollar.
• A ComEd Authorized Contractor. As a ComEd authorized contractor, we help you take full advantage of ComEd's energy-efficiency rebate programs, guiding you through eligibility and paperwork.
• One-stop installation. We handle everything, removal, installation, thermostat setup, ductwork sealing, and a full walkthrough. No subcontractors, no surprises.
• Service that doesn't end at installation. With the TOPTEC Home Care Club, your heat pump is covered with priority service, regular maintenance, and member-only savings for years to come.

Ready to Learn If a Heat Pump Is Right for Your Home?

Get a free, no-obligation consultation from TOPTEC’s experienced Home Comfort Advisors. We'll assess your home, walk you through your options, calculate available rebates, and provide a clear, upfront installation quote.