For Los Altos Hills, CA homeowners, we offer a comprehensive overview of heat pump installation. We detail the full process, from initial on-site assessment and load calculations through system selection, ductwork integration, and professional installation. Our service includes commissioning, performance testing, safety compliance, and permit considerations, plus post-installation support and maintenance. You’ll learn about suitable system types for our local climate, common installation challenges, and practical steps to get an accurate estimate, ensuring reliable year-round comfort and energy efficiency in your Los Altos Hills home.

Heat Pump Installation in Los Altos Hills, CA

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Heat Pump Installation in Los Altos Hills, CA

Heat pump installation in Los Altos Hills, CA brings efficient, year-round comfort to homes that experience coastal influence, inland heat spikes, and cooler hilltop nights. Properly sized and installed heat pumps deliver reliable cooling in summer and efficient heating through mild winters while reducing reliance on fossil fuels—a practical upgrade for homeowners balancing comfort, indoor air quality, and long-term energy costs. This page outlines the full installation process, common local considerations, recommended system types, integration with existing ductwork, professional installation steps, commissioning and testing, code and safety compliance, and post-installation support you can expect when planning an on-site estimate in Los Altos Hills.

Why Los Altos Hills homes benefit from heat pumps

Climate: The Mediterranean climate and local microclimates mean many homes need cooling during warm afternoons and efficient heating at night. Heat pumps perform well in this range, offering both functions in one system.
Home types: Many Los Altos Hills properties are custom or older homes with varied floor plans and attic or slab conditions. This makes flexible system options—ductless mini-splits, zoned ducted heat pumps, or hybrid systems—particularly valuable.
Indoor air quality and wildfire smoke: Periodic wildfire smoke and outdoor air quality concerns make systems that support enhanced filtration and balanced ventilation attractive for area homeowners.

Common heat pump installation issues in Los Altos Hills

Undersized or oversized systems due to incorrect load calculations
Poor ductwork condition, leaks, or undersized runs in older homes
Limited electrical service capacity for modern multi-zone systems
Challenging outdoor unit placement on sloped lots or constrained pads
Inadequate filtration or ventilation to manage local smoke and pollen
Inefficient refrigerant charge or improper commissioning leading to subpar performance

Initial consultation and load calculations

A thorough installation begins with an on-site consultation and professional load calculation (Manual J). Technicians will:

Inspect insulation levels, window types, orientation, and envelope airtightness
Measure conditioned square footage and room-by-room heat gains and losses
Evaluate existing ductwork or the feasibility of ductless installations
Check electrical panel capacity and routing for new equipmentThese diagnostics produce a right-sized equipment recommendation, expected performance, and options that match your comfort goals and home layout.

Recommended system types for Los Altos Hills

Air-source heat pumps (ducted): Best when existing ductwork is in good condition. Modern units provide high cooling and heating efficiency, and variable-speed compressors deliver quieter, more consistent comfort.
Ductless mini-splits: Ideal for homes without ducts, additions, or rooms needing zoning. They allow targeted temperature control for guest suites, sunrooms, or multi-level homes common in Los Altos Hills.
Multi-zone systems: Combine a single outdoor unit with multiple indoor heads or air handlers to provide individualized control across rooms or floors.
Hybrid systems: Pairing a heat pump with an existing gas furnace can be suitable where deep winter heating or immediate high heat output is occasionally desired, though most Los Altos Hills homes find all-electric heat pumps sufficient.

Ductwork and system integration needs

Duct evaluation: A duct leakage test and airflow assessment determine whether sealing, insulation, or resizing is required. Leaky ducts can reduce system efficiency by 20% or more.
Retrofit strategies: For homes with limited attic space or slab foundations, options include high-efficiency ducted systems with compact air handlers, short-run ducts, or ductless solutions to avoid major structural work.
Indoor air management: Heat pump installations often include upgraded filtration, whole-home ventilation strategies, and compatibility with smart thermostats for better control and indoor air quality management.

Professional installation steps

Site preparation: Confirm outdoor unit location that meets clearance, noise, and aesthetic considerations; prepare pad or wall brackets with proper anchoring for sloped properties.
Electrical upgrades: Install dedicated circuit, disconnect, and verify panel capacity and grounding per local code.
Mechanical installation: Mount indoor units or air handler, run refrigerant lines, condensate drains, and control wiring with proper insulation and protection.
Refrigerant management: Recover, charge, and verify refrigerant per manufacturer specifications and environmental regulations.
Insulation and sealing: Ensure all penetrations are sealed and any ductwork modifications are insulated to local standards.

Commissioning and performance testing

Commissioning ensures the system operates as designed:

Refrigerant charge and pressure checks for manufacturer-recommended levels
Airflow measurements and temperature split testing across registers
Electrical load and safety interlock verification
Thermostat calibration and zone balancing
Noise and vibration checks, particularly important on hillside installationsA properly commissioned system should deliver stable setpoint temperatures, efficient run cycles, and quiet operation.

Safety, code compliance, and permitting

Heat pump installations in Los Altos Hills must follow California building codes and local ordinances. Typical compliance items include:

Permitting for equipment changes and electrical upgrades
Proper refrigerant handling and disposal practices per environmental regulations
Seismic anchoring or mounting considerations for outdoor units on hilltop pads
Clearances and setback requirements for outdoor equipmentLicensed professionals will prepare documentation and inspection-ready installations to meet municipal requirements.

Post-installation support and maintenance

Post-installation care keeps performance optimized:

Initial warranty and manufacturer registration guidance
Recommended maintenance: seasonal inspections, filter replacement schedules, condensate drain cleaning, and annual tune-ups to verify refrigerant, airflow, and controls
Performance monitoring: Many systems offer app-based diagnostics or optional monitoring packages to track efficiency and comfort remotely
Troubleshooting common early issues: thermostat settings, modest airflow adjustments, or short refrigerant line balancing are normal items addressed during the first service visit

What to prepare for an on-site estimate

To make an on-site estimate accurate and efficient, have the following ready:

Recent utility bills (electric usage) and any existing HVAC system details
Photos of current equipment, electrical panel, attic space, and preferred outdoor locations
Notes on rooms that are hard to heat or cool, lifestyle preferences, and occupancy schedulesAn in-person estimate will include the load calculation, duct and electrical assessments, system options tailored to the home, and a proposed timeline for permitting and installation.

Long-term benefits for Los Altos Hills homeowners

A correctly designed and installed heat pump provides:

Year-round comfort with efficient heating and cooling
Lower operating emissions when paired with California’s cleaner grid
Improved indoor air quality options to address regional smoke and allergens
Flexible installation paths for diverse home architectures found throughout Los Altos Hills

Choosing the right heat pump solution for a Los Altos Hills property requires careful assessment of climate effects, home construction, and occupant needs. A comprehensive on-site estimate, professional installation, and methodical commissioning ensure the system delivers reliable comfort and efficiency for years.

testimonials

hear what our satisfied clients have to say

5.0

We found Plum HVAC in 2024 after spending more than 2 months searching and comparing estimates. The owner Sam gave us a very competitive price for a Mitsubishi mini-split and the installation went off without a hitch. Our experience was so positive that we later requested their services twice more to also install A/Cs for our 2 other rooms. Their technician, Jake, led our installations each time and we were very impressed by their professionalism and quality of work. Now 1 year in and we could not be any happier, nor have we encountered any issues with our models.

Jesse Y.

5.0

Sam of Plum HVAC, responded to our Heat Pump installation request promptly and provided a very competitive estimate after an onsite visit. He was very flexible and patient to answer and explain our questions. After we signed the contract, he and his team of 4 worked very hard to deliver and install the whole Heat Pump system on time with good quality. I am particularly impressed by their problem solving skills to overcome different connection challenges for the attic installation. Each day before they started, they covered the floors with protection blankets and cleaned after they were done for the day. They also revised the drainage and electric work per the city inspection guidance. Sam and his team were professional and honest so we highly recommend Plum HVAC to any customers who need HVAC work done for their houses.

Chunshi C.

5.0

We needed to install a mini-split in a backyard unit. Sam and his team helped with this, and they did a fantastic job. Sam visited our place and clearly explained to me what needed to be done, and offered a great price. He scheduled the job for a few days later, and his team performed the job with extraordinary quality. Later, I noticed a minor issue and reached out to them. Sam helped me to fix the issue on a second visit by his team later in the week, providing top-notch customer service. I will work with them in the future for my HVAC jobs, and highly recommend them given their excellent work quality and customer service.

Majid J.

5.0

I reached out to 4 companies for mini split quotes; Plum HVAC pricing came in the lowest. Beyond that, Sam was very knowledgeable and kind during the in home consultation. He offered a quote in person, & stuck by it. They removed our old furnace, and installed a two head mini split in our two story townhouse. The work as you can see is very clean! The guys who installed it were very fun & professional. Sam & his team were communicative the whole way through including the permitting process. They took roughly one full day for install, which was very fast! Including removal & disposal of our old furnace. Natalie was very helpful throughout the Bayren Rebate process & always available for any questions! This system has changed our lives, wish we would have gotten it done sooner! It’s way better than we could have imagined.

Bobby R.

5.0

Plum HVAC exceeded my expectations in every way. Sam and his installer team were not only professional but also incredibly responsible throughout the entire process. They provided top-notch service at a very reasonable price, which is hard to come by these days. I highly recommend Plum HVAC to anyone looking for quality HVAC services. You won't be disappointed!

A Chui

5.0

I recently engaged Plum HVAC to install two mini-split units at my residence, and I'm thrilled with the outcome.Throughout the entire process, from the initial consultation to the project's completion, Plum HVAC showcased professionalism and expertise. The technician, Sam, arrived promptly and conducted a comprehensive assessment of my HVAC system. Sam took the time to thoroughly explain the technicians' tasks, the estimated duration of the project, and provided transparent pricing options.

Romero J.

5.0

Wonderful experience with Plum HVAC on a heat pump installation! I checked several companies, compared their recommendations, timelines, reputations and prices.Sam, the owner, was very professional and has almost 2 decades of experience in HVAC. When I asked dumb questions, he answered most graciously. And when I noted that some companies we queried said we could get away WITHOUT replacing our original ductwork from 1965, he gave us his honest opinion why that wasn't a good idea. (Hubby remembered later that people who worked in our attic adding insulation told us there were lots of duct leaks.)

Marlene S.

5.0

I called 8 different HVAC companies for quotes for a heat pump heating/ac system because I want to save money by switching from a forced air gas furnace to an electric heat pump system which will give me both heating and air conditioning. In addition my old furnace (circa 1991) was way oversized for my home and the air coming out too noisy. The New heat pump system is quieter and more efficient. Back to the quotes for the system, all the other 7 companies sent a salesperson/advisor to give the quote. Sam, the owner of Plum HVAC came our to give the quote. He was quick with his quote and was very knowledgeable. He didn't try to upsell me on anything and have the lowest quote of them all. His price was 60% less than the highest quote and 15% lower than the next second lowest quote.

Michael C.

5.0

Plum HVAC is an extremely professional, knowledgeable, and an established company to hire. I highly recommend Plum HVAC! Sam and his crew did a wonderful job. Sam worked with my schedule and his crew had completed the job with ease.

Blake

5.0

Sam was one of the most professional business owners I had the chance to meet over the past few years and I'm so happy I trusted him to install our new A/C unit.- He showed up on time- He was transparent (and reasonable) regarding pricing- He offered 2-3 options- His crew did a very clean/thorough jobWhat I loved the most though, was the fact he was very easy to communicate with. I would definitely use him again and recommend him to our neighbors/friends.

Bruno L.

5.0

We recently had a complicated Bryant Evolution dual fuel system with variable speed and zoning installed in our home by Plum HVAC, and we are very pleased! The team also changed the entire crawl space ducting, ensuring a comprehensive upgrade. The price was fair, and the team was always on time and easy to contact. Sam Mousavi, the head of the team, paid great attention to detail and demonstrated a strong understanding of systems. His expertise in HVAC systems and his friendly character made us feel comfortable throughout the process. We highly recommend Plum HVAC for their professionalism and excellent service.

Amirali B.

5.0

I cannot say enough about Plum HVAC, who replaced my aging heater furnace, and in particular Sam. Sam was very highly recommended by my sister, who replaced her furnace and added air conditioning.First, they gave me a good deal for a 2-stage, at the same cost as the lowest bid for a 1-stage. The other bids were dancing around some gas line work made by previous owners.

Kumar S.

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