March 5, 2025
Spokane’s hotter summers and lengthy, chilly winters are prompting homeowners to rethink their heating and cooling systems. Efficiency is now essential due to rising energy costs and a shift toward cleaner technologies.
Heat pump installation in Spokane, WA, is a standout solution. These versatile systems provide heating in winter and cooling in summer and have a smaller carbon footprint than traditional gas or electric systems. They effectively transfer heat in and out of your home, making them ideal for Spokane’s moderate climate.
If you’re considering an upgrade or want to learn more about heat pumps, this guide will cover how they work, their benefits, and whether it’s time to switch.
What Is a Heat Pump and How Does It Work?
At first glance, the term “heat pump” can be confusing, especially since it also cools your home. But once you understand how it works, it all starts to make sense.
Air-Source Heat Pumps: The Most Common Option
The most popular systems for homes in Spokane are air-source heat pumps (ASHPs). They don’t generate heat like a furnace or cool air like a traditional A/C unit. Instead, they move heat. In winter, they pull heat from the outside air (yes, even cold air has heat in it) and bring it inside. In summer, they reverse the process to carry heat out, keeping your home cool.
This method of heat transfer is incredibly efficient. For every unit of electricity used, a heat pump can deliver up to three units of heating or cooling energy. That’s a big improvement over traditional systems, especially older ones that are nearing the end of their life.
Built for Spokane’s Seasonal Swings
You might wonder if a heat pump can handle Spokane’s freezing nights. The answer is yes—with modern technology. Today’s cold-climate heat pumps are designed to operate even when temperatures drop into the single digits. During the warmer months, these same systems provide consistent cooling without the hard on/off cycling you get from standard A/Cs.
In short, a heat pump is a year-round solution—efficient, effective, and reliable for all four seasons in Eastern Washington.
Benefits of Heat Pump Installation in Spokane
So why are heat pumps becoming the talk of the neighborhood? It’s not just about going green. It’s about making a smart move for comfort, convenience, and cost.
1. Year-Round Energy Savings
Since heat pumps move heat rather than create it, they use significantly less energy than electric baseboard heaters or gas furnaces. Homeowners often report 30–50% lower heating bills, especially when upgrading from older systems. And since you’re replacing both your heater and A/C with one unit, you’re cutting down on overall system maintenance and energy use.
2. Eco-Friendly and Emissions-Free
Heat pumps don’t burn fossil fuels. That means no indoor carbon monoxide, no gas lines, and a much smaller environmental impact. If you’re looking to reduce your home’s carbon footprint or take a step toward full electrification, this is a great place to start.
3. Quiet Comfort, All Day Long
You won’t hear loud clunks or blasting air. Heat pumps are known for their quiet, consistent operation. They maintain steady temperatures without big swings, making them ideal for homes with babies, light sleepers, or anyone who just enjoys peace and quiet.
4. Solar-Friendly and Future-Proof
Already thinking about solar? A heat pump pairs perfectly with solar panels. Since it runs on electricity, the more energy you generate yourself, the lower your utility bills will be. It’s a system that’s ready for the clean energy future.
5. Financial Incentives Make It Even Better
Between federal tax credits (up to $2,000), local utility rebates, and Washington’s push for energy efficiency, installing a heat pump may cost less than you think. Many Spokane homeowners can qualify for multiple incentive programs, significantly reducing the upfront cost.
Ducted vs. Ductless: Which System Is Right for You?
When deciding on a heat pump, you’ll choose between ducted or ductless systems. The right one depends on your home layout, existing infrastructure, and comfort preferences.
Ducted Heat Pumps
If your home already has ductwork in place from a previous furnace or central air system, a ducted heat pump might be your best bet. These systems use your existing vents to distribute air throughout the home. They provide even, whole-home comfort and can usually be installed with minimal disruption.
Ducted systems are ideal for:
- Mid-sized to large homes
- Homeowners who want one central thermostat
- Houses with good-quality ductwork already in place
Ductless Mini-Splits
Ductless heat pumps (also called mini-splits) are an excellent solution for older homes without ducts, small spaces, or additions like sunrooms or garages. These systems consist of wall-mounted indoor units connected to a single outdoor unit. Each room or zone has its own remote, giving you total control over temperatures.
Ductless systems are great for:
- Home additions or remodels
- Homes with electric baseboard heat
- People who want room-by-room control (and energy savings)
Cost and Comfort Considerations
In general, ductless systems cost a little more per zone, but they’re often easier and faster to install. Ducted systems may require more planning, especially if your ductwork needs repair or upgrading. Both offer outstanding performance in Spokane homes. You just need to pick the setup that suits your lifestyle.
What to Expect During Heat Pump Installation
Getting a new heat pump might sound like a big project, but it’s actually a smooth, well-organized process when you’re working with the right team. Here’s a breakdown of what typically happens so you can feel confident every step of the way.
STEP 1: Home Evaluation and Sizing
Before anything gets installed, a technician will come out and take a good look at your home. They’ll measure your square footage, check out your insulation levels, and see what kind of heating and cooling setup you already have in place. If you have ductwork, they’ll inspect its condition and layout. If you don’t, no worries—that’s where ductless systems shine.
They’ll also ask a few questions about how you use your space. Are there certain rooms that always run cold? Is the upstairs warmer than the downstairs? Do you want zoned control or one consistent temp across the house? This helps them understand your energy use patterns and tailor the system to match your lifestyle.
STEP 2: Sizing and System Selection
Once they’ve gathered all the details, they’ll recommend the best system for your needs. This includes proper sizing, which is more important than most people realize. An oversized system will constantly turn on and off (which wears it out faster), while an undersized one will work overtime just to keep up.
You’ll also talk through things like:
- Ducted vs. ductless
- SEER and HSPF ratings (efficiency matters!)
- Smart thermostat options
Any must-have features like quiet operation or zone control
STEP 3: Installation Day(s)
Most installations take one to two days. Ductless systems are quicker since they don’t require major changes inside your walls. If your home needs electrical upgrades or duct adjustments, that could add a little time. But your installer will give you a clear timeline upfront, so there are no surprises.
The crew will show up on time, prep the work areas, and start on the indoor and outdoor unit setup, wiring, and connections.
STEP 4: Final Walk-Through and Clean-Up
Once everything’s in place, your installer will walk you through your brand-new system. They’ll:
- Test the heat and cooling modes
- Show you how to adjust settings
- Set up your smart thermostat (if included)
- Share simple maintenance tips
- Go over any rebate or tax credit info you need
And yes, they’ll clean up the workspace before leaving. The only thing left behind should be a more comfortable, efficient home.
Signs You Should Replace Your Current System with a Heat Pump
If your current heating and cooling setup still works, it’s easy to put off replacing it. Sometimes, the signs are there, but you just need to know what to look for. Here’s how to tell if your system is hanging on by a thread and whether a heat pump might be the smarter, long-term move.
Your Furnace or A/C Is Getting Old
Age matters. Most furnaces and air conditioners have a lifespan of 12–15 years, give or take. If yours is creeping past that point, you might start noticing some not-so-subtle changes—like more frequent repairs, weird noises, or having to crank the thermostat higher (or lower) than usual to stay comfortable.
You could replace the system with another traditional unit. But why swap one aging machine for another single-purpose setup when you can get both heating and cooling in one? A heat pump is an efficient, modern upgrade that takes care of your comfort year-round—and often runs quieter and more reliably, too.
Utility Bills Keep Climbing
When your energy bills seem to keep going up—despite no major lifestyle changes—it’s usually your HVAC system waving a white flag. Older systems lose efficiency over time. Motors wear down, coils get dirty, filters clog, and everything starts working harder to deliver the same results.
Heat pumps are designed to move heat rather than generate it, which takes significantly less energy. That’s why many homeowners who make the switch see immediate reductions in their monthly bills, especially during high-usage seasons. So, if your winter heating or summer cooling costs are getting out of control, upgrading to a heat pump could be the financial relief your home needs.
You Notice Cold Spots or Uneven Temperatures
Are some rooms roasting while others stay chilly? That’s a red flag. Uneven temperatures usually point to airflow problems, poor ductwork, or a system that’s too big or too small for your home.
One of the best parts of upgrading to a heat pump is the ability to dial in your comfort, especially with ductless mini-splits. These systems allow for zoned control, meaning each room can have its own temperature setting. No more fighting over the thermostat, no more freezing bedrooms or overheated living rooms—just even and reliable comfort in every space.
You Want to Go Electric
Maybe you’re trying to reduce your carbon footprint. Maybe you’re planning to add solar panels. Or maybe you’re just ready to ditch the gas line and all the potential safety concerns that come with it.
No matter your reason, switching to a heat pump is a huge step toward electrifying your home. Because it runs solely on electricity, it eliminates your reliance on gas or propane. And when combined with solar, heat pumps can make your home almost net-zero in terms of energy usage. It’s a future-forward decision that makes both environmental and economic sense.
Are You Considering Heat Pump Installation in Spokane, WA?
If you’re tired of high bills, constant maintenance, or inconsistent home comfort, a heat pump could be the upgrade your home needs. From lower energy use to cleaner air, there’s a lot to love—and with rebates and tax credits available, it’s more accessible than ever.
Are you ready to explore your options? Contact Holliday Heating + Cooling + Electric today. Schedule your free in-home evaluation to find the best system for your home and get expert help navigating local incentives.
