Heat Pump Installation in Des Moines, IA
A heat pump is one of the smartest climate control investments you can make in Des Moines. Unlike traditional systems that need both a furnace for winter and an air conditioner for summer, a single heat pump handles both seasons with remarkable efficiency—pulling warmth from outside air even in cold Iowa winters, or rejecting heat to cool your home in summer. Obsidian Heating and Cooling has been installing ducted heat pumps since 2009. We're a veteran-owned business and Tempstar Elite Dealer, and we know how to size, install, and commission a heat pump system that turns Des Moines into your comfort zone year-round.
Up to 15-Year Warranty
Parts & Labor
What Homeowners Value Most About Heat Pump Installation
Schedule Your Heat Pump Installation Consultation
A heat pump is different from traditional AC or furnace setups—it's important that you talk to an expert before deciding if it's right for your home. Let's discuss your heating and cooling needs, your current system, and whether a heat pump is the ideal fit.
Our Heat Pump Installation Process — From Design to Handoff
From the first assessment to the final walkthrough, every step is handled with precision and care. Here's what to expect when you choose Obsidian Heating and Cooling for your heat pump installation.
System Evaluation & Load Analysis
Heat pump installation starts with a complete picture of your home's heating and cooling needs. We assess insulation quality, window heat loss, solar gain, air sealing gaps, and your ductwork integrity. A heat pump must be sized correctly—oversized units short-cycle and waste energy; undersized units can't meet peak heating demand on the coldest days. Using Manual J industry standards, we calculate the exact capacity your home needs.
We'll also evaluate your existing ductwork. Heat pumps work best when air flows freely through sealed ducts. If your system has leaks, restrictions, or poor design, we'll recommend improvements—and often those improvements are needed before installation to maximize efficiency. For homes with poor ductwork, we may recommend ductwork upgrades, a supplemental mini-split ductless system, or alternative solutions.
We also discuss your current heating setup. If you're replacing a furnace, we'll assess whether you want complete removal of the old system or temporary backup during shoulder seasons. If you're adding a heat pump to work alongside an existing furnace, we can configure it that way too. Some homeowners prefer a staged approach—install the heat pump first, monitor performance, then decide whether to remove the furnace later.
What We Cover
Manual J Load Calculation
Industry best practice for precise system sizing.
Ductwork Inspection
Testing for leaks, blockages, and proper sizing.
Insulation Assessment
R-values and air sealing opportunities identified.
Electrical Panel Review
Ensuring proper capacity for the new system.
Heat Pump Selection & Performance Modeling
Heat pumps come in multiple efficiency tiers and configurations. A high-efficiency variable-speed model is quieter and more efficient on mild days but costs more upfront than a single-stage unit. Two-stage systems offer a middle ground. We'll explain the trade-offs, model your expected heating and cooling costs for each option, and recommend what makes sense for your climate and budget.
We also discuss refrigerant types. Modern heat pumps use environmentally friendly refrigerants that are required by law but cost more than older alternatives. We also explain HSPF (heating efficiency) and SEER2 (cooling efficiency) ratings—what they mean for your utility bills and how to compare options fairly. You'll get a detailed written proposal with equipment specs, warranty information, installation timeline, and financing options.
Heat pump selection also includes thermostat choice. Smart thermostats learn your schedule, optimize heating and cooling efficiency, and integrate with mobile apps. Traditional thermostats are simpler but offer less control. We'll help you decide based on your comfort preferences and tech comfort level.
What You'll Receive
Equipment Specs & Warranty
Detailed coverage outlined in full.
HSPF & SEER2 Comparison
Performance differences between efficiency levels.
Cost Savings Estimate
Seasonal savings based on your usage patterns.
Financing Options
Multiple plans to fit your budget.
Thermostat Options
Smart vs. traditional control choices.
Preparation & Ductwork Conditioning
Before installation day, we prepare your home and ductwork. If sealing or repair is needed, we handle it now—a heat pump needs pristine ductwork to deliver full efficiency. We'll also schedule electrical work if a panel upgrade is required, coordinate refrigerant line routing, and confirm thermostat placement.
Preparation includes removing old equipment if you're retiring your furnace and AC. We dispose of refrigerant and equipment responsibly, following all environmental regulations. We also mark outdoor unit placement for optimal airflow, plan for condensate drainage (heat pumps produce condensation in winter), and brief you on installation day logistics and what to expect.
For homes in areas with extreme cold or significant ice accumulation, we may recommend an outdoor unit protection strategy or defrost optimization to ensure reliable operation throughout the season. Every detail is planned before our crew arrives.
Preparation Checklist
Ductwork Sealed & Tested
All existing ducts inspected for leaks before install.
Electrical Verification
Service capacity and panel readiness confirmed.
Outdoor Unit Placement
Marked for optimal airflow and drainage.
Old Equipment Removal
Removed safely and responsibly.
Condensate Drainage
Winter condensation routing planned.
Family Briefing
Installation day logistics and timeline explained.
Professional Heat Pump Installation & Commissioning
Installation day is when years of experience show. Our technicians position the outdoor heat pump unit with proper airflow clearance and a level concrete pad. We run insulated refrigerant lines from the outdoor unit to your indoor air handler, install an expansion device, and connect electrical controls. We pressure-test every connection, verify electrical integrity, and commission the thermostat with your preferences programmed in.
Heat pump commissioning is more involved than standard AC installation because we're testing heating mode as well as cooling. We verify the system switches between heating and cooling smoothly, that supplemental electric resistance heat engages only when needed, and that pressures, amperage, and temperatures match factory specifications in both modes. We also test defrost cycles—when outdoor coil temperature drops, the system reverses to shed ice and maintain heating capacity.
For the first startup, we monitor performance closely, verify that the system reaches and maintains setpoint in both modes, and confirm that the outdoor unit cycles properly. We'll also run diagnostics on the controls to ensure all safety interlocks and operating parameters are correct.
Installation Details
Outdoor Unit Positioned
Optimal clearance and drainage ensured.
Refrigerant Lines Routed
Proper insulation and support brackets.
Pressure Tested
Nitrogen tested, no moisture contamination.
Heating & Cooling Tested
Both modes verified to factory specs.
Training, Documentation & Long-Term Support
Once everything is commissioned, we walk you through system operation. You'll understand how to use your thermostat, what to expect from heating in cold weather (yes, you may see warm air that isn't as hot as a furnace's output—that's normal for heat pumps), how to recognize signs of trouble, and when to call us. You'll receive all documentation: warranties, equipment manuals, service records, and a commissioning report for your records and insurance company.
We also explain maintenance requirements. Heat pump systems need spring and fall inspections to keep them running smoothly. Filter changes every month during heavy-use seasons, outdoor unit cleaning in spring (to remove debris that blocks airflow), and occasional refrigerant checks. A well-maintained heat pump system stays efficient, lasts 15–20 years, and rarely surprises you with emergency breakdowns.
Before we leave, we schedule your first maintenance appointment and give you our contact information for questions or emergencies. You're now part of our customer family, and we're here whenever you need us.
Before We Leave
Thermostat Training
Operation and emergency heat settings explained.
Performance Verified
Heating and cooling modes tested and confirmed.
Full Documentation
Manuals, warranty cards, and receipts provided.
First Maintenance Scheduled
Your next appointment set before we leave.
Heat Pump Installation Throughout the Des Moines Area
We install heat pump systems throughout Des Moines and surrounding communities, helping homeowners enjoy year-round comfort with a single, efficient system.
Serving Our Neighbors in & Around:
Not Sure If We Service Your Area?
We're dedicated to serving Greater Des Moines and our surrounding communities. Give us a call if you're not sure if we come to you—chances are we do.
Ankeny, IA
Growing north metro Des Moines, Ankeny's newer homes and active building market make it ideal for heat pump adoption. We've installed systems in hundreds of Ankeny homes, and the area's strong builder relationships help us coordinate seamlessly.
Heat Pump Installation in AnkenyUrbandale, IA
Northwest of Des Moines, Urbandale's diverse housing stock—from established neighborhoods to new construction—benefits from heat pump efficiency. We understand the area's ductwork variations and know which homes are best suited for heat pump upgrades.
Heat Pump Installation in UrbandaleAltoona, IA
Southeast communities like Altoona trust Obsidian Heating and Cooling for heating and cooling expertise. Whether you're upgrading from an old furnace or installing in new construction, we apply the same professional standard across every job.
Heat Pump Installation in AltoonaGrimes, IA
North of Des Moines, Grimes residents appreciate the efficiency benefits of heat pumps, and we've built strong relationships with homeowners who've made the switch. Our local experience means shorter response times and intimate knowledge of the area's homes.
Heat Pump Installation in GrimesClive, IA
West of Des Moines, Clive's mix of established and newer neighborhoods benefits from our 15 years of local experience. We've installed heat pump systems in virtually every neighborhood in Clive and know the area's heating and cooling demands intimately.
Heat Pump Installation in CliveComplete Heating & Cooling Solutions Beyond Heat Pumps
Your home's comfort needs vary by season and system type. We offer:
Furnace Installation & Replacement
Traditional heating systems for homeowners who prefer proven furnace technology. Still the most popular heating choice in Iowa.
Explore Furnace InstallationCentral AC Installation
Dedicated cooling systems for homes that prefer separate heating and cooling. Many homeowners pair AC with furnace backup.
Get Central AC InstalledMini-Split Ductless Systems
Efficient zone heating and cooling without ductwork. Perfect for additions, basements, or homes with limited duct space.
See Ductless Mini-Split OptionsHeat Pump Repair & Maintenance
Keep your existing heat pump system running smoothly with expert diagnostics and repair.
Schedule Heat Pump RepairBoiler Installation & Service
Hydronic heating for homes that prefer radiant comfort. Less common in Iowa, but excellent for certain applications.
Explore Boiler InstallationReady to Install a Heat Pump System in Your Des Moines Home?
A heat pump is one of the smartest climate investments you can make. One system handles heating and cooling, cutting complexity and costs while delivering comfort year-round. Obsidian Heating and Cooling is ready to assess your home, explain how a heat pump will perform in Des Moines's climate, and design a system sized perfectly for your comfort needs.
Our veteran-owned team serves Des Moines, Ankeny, Urbandale, Altoona, Grimes, and Clive with expertise, integrity, and neighborhood accountability. We're Tempstar Elite Dealers, and we've installed systems in thousands of Iowa homes. When you call us, you're working with technicians who know heat pumps inside and out.
Frequently Asked Questions About Heat Pump Installation
Explore All Heat Pump Services
See everything we handle for heat pump systems, or jump straight to a related service.
