Heat Pump Installation | Central Oklahoma

A heat pump moves heat in both directions — it cools in summer like an AC and heats in winter by extracting heat from outside air. One system, year-round comfort.

An air conditioner only moves heat in one direction (out of the house). A heat pump uses the same refrigerant cycle in reverse to heat in winter. For Oklahoma homes with electric heat, replacing the furnace and AC with a heat pump often reduces annual heating costs significantly.

Correct sizing requires a Manual J load calculation based on your home’s square footage, insulation, windows, and orientation — not just square footage. Hartzell’s performs Manual J on every installation.

The “rule of thumb” sizing (1 ton per 500 sq ft) is too imprecise for heat pumps. An oversized unit short-cycles, causes humidity problems, and wears out faster. An undersized unit can’t keep up in extreme weather. Dave performs proper load calculations and discusses the results with you before any equipment is ordered.

A standard split system replacement takes 4–6 hours. New installations with ductwork modifications take longer. Geothermal takes 1–3 days depending on loop field.

For a direct replacement of an existing system (same location, same ductwork), Hartzell’s typically completes installation in one day. If gas lines need to be capped, ductwork needs modification, or it’s a first-time installation in a home that previously used window units, the project may span two days. Dave discusses the timeline during the estimate.

Every 60–90 days for most Oklahoma homes. Homes with pets or high dust levels may need monthly changes to keep coils clean and airflow unrestricted.

Because heat pumps run in both heating and cooling modes, they log more total hours than a standard AC. A clean filter protects the indoor coil and blower motor — the two most expensive components to repair. We walk you through the filter schedule during installation and leave you with a reminder card.

Yes — when properly sized with backup heat strips, a heat pump handles Oklahoma winters reliably. Central Oklahoma’s climate is well-suited for heat pump systems.

Oklahoma winters occasionally dip below 20°F, but rarely for extended periods. A properly sized heat pump with electric backup heat strips handles those cold snaps automatically — the backup engages only when needed. Hartzell’s reviews your home’s load calculation and local climate data during every estimate so you know exactly what to expect before installation day.