Heat Pump Replacement in the Puget Sound Area
Replacing an old or failing heat pump? We size it with a room-by-room load calculation, pull the permits and handle PSE and Tacoma Power rebate paperwork.
Locally-owned since 1977 • Licensed, bonded and insured in Washington (WA Contractor Reg. #HOMECCA785BD) • WA Electrical Contractor Lic. #HOMECCA782DC • NATE-certified technicians • Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Dealer • Lennox Premier Dealer
Heat pump replacement from Home Comfort Alliance
Home Comfort Alliance replaces ducted heat pumps and ductless mini-splits across the Puget Sound area. Every replacement starts with a free in-home estimate and a room-by-room load calculation (ACCA Manual J). We pull the required permits, give you an upfront price before any work begins, and handle the rebate paperwork for PSE and Tacoma Power rebates.
Our technicians are NATE-certified, and we're a Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Dealer, a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer and a Lennox Premier Dealer, locally owned since 1977. Putting in your first heat pump instead? See heat pump installation.
When is it time to replace your heat pump?
ENERGY STAR suggests considering replacement when a heat pump is more than 10 years old, needs frequent repairs, or your energy bills keep rising. HomeAdvisor puts average heat pump life at about 14 years, with newer models lasting 20 years or more (June 2026).
- The compressor or outdoor coil has failed on an older system.
- It runs on R-22, which hasn't been produced new since January 1, 2020 (EPA), and needs a large repair.
- It needs a repair every season.
- Backup heat strips carry the house through most of the winter.
Repair or replace?
If the fix is a small part on a younger system, repair usually wins. See heat pump repair, and our heat pump repair cost guide for the $5,000 rule worked through.
What changes now: the refrigerant
New heat pump systems use lower-impact refrigerants such as R-454B and R-32 instead of R-410A. Federal rules have capped new residential systems at 700 GWP since January 1, 2025, and Washington's HFC rule bans refrigerants above 750 GWP in newly installed air conditioning equipment from January 1, 2026. Your R-410A heat pump can still be repaired; a replacement uses the new refrigerant.
| Question | Short answer | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Can I keep repairing my R-410A heat pump? | Yes. Parts used to repair existing systems are exempt. | EPA Technology Transitions (August 2026) |
| What are the new refrigerants? | R-454B (GWP 470) and R-32 (GWP 675), both class A2L, which means lower flammability. | EPA SNAP list (March 2026) |
| Can an R-410A system be converted to R-454B? | No. Manufacturer instructions say R-410A systems should not be retrofitted. | Manufacturer installation instructions |
| Can I replace just the outdoor unit? | Federally, an R-410A part used to repair a system is a repair. Washington's rule counts a new outdoor unit on a single split system as new equipment. We'll tell you what applies to your system at the estimate. | EPA HFC FAQ (September 2026); WAC 173-443 |
| Does the indoor coil change too? | Usually. A2L equipment needs a matched, approved indoor coil or air handler. | Manufacturer installation instructions |
| Can the old refrigerant lines be reused? | Sometimes, if they're the right size and cleaned to the manual; some makers say replace them. | EPA HFC FAQ; manufacturer instructions |
| What happens to the old refrigerant? | It's recovered, not released. PSE requires recovery for its upgrade rebate. | PSE |
Like-for-like or upgrade?
| Option | What it means | Rebate notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single-stage ducted heat pump | Runs at one speed, like many older systems | Utility rebates usually need higher tiers |
| Variable-speed ducted heat pump | Adjusts output to the weather for steadier heat | Needed for Tacoma Power's existing-heat-pump rebate |
| Cold-climate ducted heat pump | Keeps more capacity in cold snaps (PSE asks for a COP of 1.75 or more at 5°F) | Needed for PSE's heat pump to heat pump upgrade rebate |
| Ductless mini-split | Heads in each room, no ducts | Not eligible for the PSE upgrade rebate |
| Dual fuel (heat pump with a gas furnace) | The furnace takes over in deep cold | Not eligible for the PSE upgrade rebate |
ENERGY STAR says a correctly installed system can cut energy use by up to 20 percent. We run a room-by-room load calculation (ACCA Manual J) on every installation, so the new system is sized to the house, not to the old unit.
Ducted or ductless?
If your ducts are in good shape, keeping them is usually the simplest replacement. Homes with uneven rooms or no ducts upstairs can add or switch to ductless; see ductless mini-splits.
Heat pump replacement rebates (checked October 2026)
PSE pays $1,500 to replace an out-of-warranty, centrally ducted, all-electric heat pump with a qualifying cold-climate model, plus a $2,400 Efficiency Boost for income-qualified customers.
| Utility | Offer for replacing a heat pump | Key conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Puget Sound Energy | $1,500, plus a $2,400 Efficiency Boost for income-qualified customers | Old system is a centrally ducted, all-electric heat pump out of its original warranty; new cold-climate model; old refrigerant recovered; installed by a Trade Ally. Ductless and dual fuel aren't eligible. We handle the paperwork. |
| Tacoma Power | $1,000 for a variable-speed heat pump that replaces an existing heat pump | Not for homes that already received a Tacoma Power heat pump incentive; no rebate for replacing an existing ductless heat pump; the 0% loan doesn't cover it. We handle the paperwork. |
| Seattle City Light | Instant discount of $300, $400 or $600 by efficiency tier | Units under 5.4 tons. Ask us whether your replacement qualifies. |
| Snohomish PUD | Heat pump rebates for electrically heated homes | Ask us first whether a heat pump to heat pump replacement qualifies. |
| Energy Smart Eastside | Bellevue, Issaquah, Kirkland, Mercer Island, Redmond and Sammamish | Ask us first; replacing an existing heat pump may not qualify. |
| Federal 25C tax credit | Ended | Not available for equipment placed in service after December 31, 2025. |
Rebates change. We confirm amounts with your utility before you sign. See every program on our heat pump cost guide, rebates page and PSE rebates page.
How much does it cost to replace a heat pump?
Angi's regional estimate for replacing a heat pump in Seattle is $5,000 to $8,000 (April 2026). For a full heat pump installation, Angi's Seattle average is $10,218, and most homeowners pay $6,667 to $13,852 (July 2026). These are third-party estimates, not Home Comfort Alliance prices.
Your price depends on your home's heating and cooling needs, the add-ons you need, how many rooms the system serves and where it's installed: the size, a cold-climate or variable-speed model, a new coil or air handler, refrigerant lines, ducts, electrical work and permits. Get a price range in about 30 seconds with our free instant quote tool (it's not a commitment), then a technician confirms the exact price on a free site visit.
Financing
Low monthly payment plans starting at $179/month* through Salal Credit Union or Synchrony, with 0% interest options for qualifying customers and instant online approval. See financing.
*Financing through Salal Credit Union or Synchrony, subject to credit approval. Rates, terms and monthly payments depend on the amount financed, the plan and your credit. 0% interest options are available to qualifying customers. See lender for full terms.
Get a free estimateAn in-home visit and a written, upfront price before any work begins.
Permits and code
We pull the required permits for every installation. In Seattle, a heat pump replacement needs a mechanical permit and a separate refrigeration permit (Angi, April 2026). Circuit and panel work is done by our electricians (WA Electrical Contractor Lic. #HOMECCA782DC). More on timing in our heat pump permit and inspection timeline, and on panels in panel upgrades for heat pumps.
How our heat pump replacement works
- Try the instant quote tool or call us.
- Free in-home estimate: load calculation, ducts and electrical checked.
- A written, upfront price and a rebate check for your utility.
- We pull the permits.
- The old unit comes out and its refrigerant is recovered.
- The matched new system goes in and is tested.
- We file the PSE or Tacoma Power rebate paperwork and walk you through the new system.
Warranty on your new heat pump
Our labor warranty: 3-year Comfort Shield labor warranty on new installations, kept active with yearly maintenance. First-year maintenance is included. We support the manufacturer's warranty on covered parts, and Home Comfort Club members with a new system installed by Home Comfort Alliance get extended labor coverage for up to 5 years from installation.
| Manufacturer | Register within |
|---|---|
| Carrier | 90 days |
| Mitsubishi Electric | 90 days |
| Lennox (Extended warranty) | 60 days |
Registration windows from each manufacturer's warranty pages (checked October 2026). For the PSE upgrade rebate, the old heat pump must be out of its original warranty. More in decoding heat pump warranties.
A recent heat pump replacement in Mill Creek
In September 2026 our Everett team replaced a Mill Creek home's existing heat pump in the same spot. The old indoor coil came out too, and a new matched coil went in. Rather than reuse the old refrigerant lines, the crew ran new lines from the coil to the heat pump through the crawl space.
They added a 4-inch media filter cabinet, kept the existing electrical circuit and installed a new smart thermostat. Permits were pulled and the new equipment was registered for its warranty.
What you get with Home Comfort Alliance
- NATE-certified technicians and a load calculation on every installation
- Licensed, bonded and insured in Washington (WA Contractor Reg. #HOMECCA785BD; WA Electrical Contractor Lic. #HOMECCA782DC)
- Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Dealer, Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer and Lennox Premier Dealer; we service all major brands
- Lennox Centurion Award 2024 and 2025; Gensco Ducted, Ductless and Multi-Zone Excellence 2024 to 2025
- PSE Trade Ally; approved contractor with Tacoma Power, Seattle City Light, Snohomish PUD and Energy Smart Eastside
- Locally owned since 1977; BBB Accredited Business since 2002; Best Pick 2025 and 2026; 4.8 stars from 5,000+ reviews
Where we replace heat pumps
Our install crews work across King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties from walk-in offices in Sumner (headquarters), Everett and Bremerton, and from our Redmond service location.
- Heat pumps near you: Seattle, Woodinville and Mount Vernon
- Heat pump repair near you: Seattle, Everett, Redmond, Bellevue and Kirkland
Heat pump replacement FAQ
When should I replace my heat pump?
ENERGY STAR suggests considering replacement once a heat pump is more than 10 years old, needs frequent repairs, or your energy bills keep climbing. A failed compressor on an older system or an R-22 system needing a big repair are also good times to compare a replacement price.
How long do heat pumps last?
HomeAdvisor puts the average heat pump life at about 14 years, and says newer models can last 20 years or more (June 2026). Yearly maintenance and clean filters help a heat pump reach the upper end.
How much does it cost to replace a heat pump?
Angi's regional estimate for replacing a heat pump in Seattle is $5,000 to $8,000 (April 2026), and its Seattle average for a full heat pump installation is $10,218 (July 2026). These aren't our prices. Use our instant quote tool for a ballpark, then book a free in-home estimate for an exact price.
Can I replace just the outdoor unit of my heat pump?
Federal rules let you repair an R-410A system with R-410A parts. Washington's HFC rule counts a new outdoor unit on a single split system as new equipment, so a replacement usually means a matched indoor coil too. We'll tell you what applies to your system at the estimate.
Is R-410A being phased out?
For new systems, yes. New residential heat pump systems now use lower-impact refrigerants such as R-454B or R-32, and Washington bans refrigerants above 750 GWP in newly installed air conditioning equipment from January 1, 2026. Your existing R-410A heat pump can still be serviced and repaired.
Are R-454B and R-32 safe?
EPA lists both as acceptable for new residential heat pumps, with use conditions. They are class A2L refrigerants, which means lower flammability, so new equipment and installation follow added safety rules, such as approved coils and, in some homes, leak sensors.
Does PSE give a rebate to replace an old heat pump?
Yes, if it fits PSE's rules. PSE pays $1,500 (plus a $2,400 Efficiency Boost for income-qualified customers) to replace a centrally ducted, all-electric heat pump that is out of its original manufacturer warranty with a qualifying cold-climate model. Ductless and dual fuel systems aren't eligible. Home Comfort Alliance is a PSE Trade Ally and handles the paperwork.
Does Tacoma Power give a rebate to replace a heat pump?
Tacoma Power offers $1,000 when the new unit is a variable-speed heat pump that replaces an existing heat pump, unless your home already received a Tacoma Power heat pump incentive. Replacing an existing ductless heat pump doesn't qualify, and the 0% loan doesn't cover it (checked October 2026). We handle the rebate paperwork.
Do I need a permit to replace a heat pump in Washington?
Yes. We pull the required permits for every installation. In Seattle, a heat pump replacement needs a mechanical permit and a separate refrigeration permit.
Is the replacement estimate free?
Yes. Replacement and installation estimates are free, and you get an upfront price before any work begins. For a quick ballpark first, try our instant quote tool; it's not a commitment.
Do I need to register my new heat pump for the warranty?
Usually, yes. Carrier and Mitsubishi Electric ask for registration within 90 days and Lennox within 60 days for their full warranty terms. Our installations also come with a 3-year Comfort Shield labor warranty, kept active with yearly maintenance, and first-year maintenance is included.
Can I finance a heat pump replacement?
Yes. Low monthly payment plans start at $179/month* through Salal Credit Union or Synchrony, subject to credit approval. Rates, terms and monthly payments depend on the amount financed, the plan and your credit. 0% interest options are available to qualifying customers. See lender for full terms.
Sources
- ENERGY STAR, when to replace heating and cooling equipment (checked October 2026)
- HomeAdvisor, heat pump repair cost and lifespan (June 2026)
- U.S. EPA, Technology Transitions HFC restrictions (August 2026), HFC phasedown FAQ (September 2026), SNAP residential AC and heat pump substitutes (March 2026), R-22 phaseout
- Washington Administrative Code 173-443, hydrofluorocarbons
- Puget Sound Energy, heat pump to heat pump upgrade rebate (checked October 2026)
- Tacoma Power, heat pumps (page updated October 1, 2026)
- Seattle City Light, heating and cooling your home; Snohomish PUD, heating rebates (checked October 2026)
- Angi, HVAC replacement cost in Seattle (April 2026) and heat pump cost in Seattle (July 2026)
- Carrier, Lennox and Mitsubishi Electric warranty registration pages (checked October 2026)
Why Choose Home Comfort Alliance for Heat Pump Replacement?
Your Comfort is Our Promise
We promise...
Reliable heating, air conditioning, plumbing and electrical service, all from one trusted company.
To educate and guide you through your options so you’ll find the right solution at the right price.
Knowledgeable and respectful workers who ensure both your own comfort during the installation process, and lasting comfort from your home systems.
Outstanding service, communication, and follow-up, so your home is comfortable now and for years to come.
Get a heat pump replacement estimate
Free in-home estimates, upfront pricing and rebate paperwork handled for PSE and Tacoma Power. 4.8 stars from 5,000+ reviews.
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