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heating first

Start with space heating

A heat pump can change the heating options without deciding every other appliance today.

Replace the heating system without deciding every appliance

A heat pump can work with a gas furnace in a dual-fuel system. An all-electric design can instead use an air handler with a planned backup strategy. Either choice can be made while the home keeps a gas water heater, range or fireplace.

Show the contractor how the house behaves

Point out cold rooms, noisy or weak vents, recent insulation or window work, and finished areas that may not appear in old records. Ask how the contractor evaluated the heating load, ducts, indoor equipment, outdoor location and low-temperature performance. The old furnace size is useful history, but the new system should be sized from the home as it is today.

Mention the next appliance you may replace

Tell the HVAC contractor and electrician which appliance may change next. They can use the actual proposed equipment in the load calculation and avoid placing equipment or wiring in the way of a known later phase. A future appliance does not by itself prove that panel or service work is needed.

Before choosing a proposal, check that it separates the HVAC scope, work by another trade and conditions that still need to be verified. It should also name the proposed equipment and explain how backup heat will operate.

Send photos of your current heating system for a first review, or schedule a UniColorado heating assessment.

Sources

  1. ENERGY STAR heat pump guidance
  2. ENERGY STAR installation guidance
  3. DOE cold-climate heat pump guidance
Published and operated by UniColorado Heating & Cooling, Denver.