Getting a heat pump can make a major difference in both heating and cooling, whether it’s a ductless mini split, air-source central unit or even a ground-source. At Oasis HVAC, we have been serving our neighbors as the best heat pump installation company in the Grosse Pointes, committed to excellent, timely service at fair rates. In fact, we’re the only locally owned company operating from St. Clair Shores that serves the Grosse Pointes and understands the local lay of the land, as we have since 2008.
Transparency and Fairness, No Matter the Project Scope
Upgrading or replacing an HVAC system is a complex process that requires even more care with the period homes found in each of the Grosse Pointes. Oasis HVAC strives to offer great value on projects of all sizes because we feel it’s the right thing to do, as fellow members of the community.
Experience Working on Historic and High-Value Homes
With a diverse housing stock, each of the five Grosse Pointes offers different housing styles and construction methods. Having worked in so many homes, we understand how to blend our experience with each to ensure that the ensuing installation feels like it belonged there the whole time.
Flexibility in Heat Pump Types
Oasis HVAC can source heat pumps of all sizes and methods of operation, from cutting-edge ground-source options that don’t require assistive heat on the coldest days to ductless mini-splits that can work unobtrusively in historic homes.
Getting Your Heat Pump Installed
In many cases, the expert technicians at Oasis HVAC will have to do little visible prep work to ensure that heat pump installation goes smoothly in your home. Many homeowners choose heat pumps as a more-efficient alternative to forced-air furnaces or boiler systems with fewer risks of leaks.
However, there are times where we will need to be creative and work with you in order to ensure that appearances meet your expectations. That’s particularly true with mini-split ductless systems where there will be small, narrow-gauge pipes that go between the central unit and air handlers in each room where they will be installed. We’ve outlined the full process below:
| Assessment |
|---|
| Oasis HVAC sends a heat pump specialist to your home to learn what you would like from a renovation or new HVAC system. Based on our notes and your answers, we will look to devise a system that can provide better heating and cooling in a more efficient fashion. |
| Design |
|---|
| Based on your goals and the structure of your house, Oasis will begin designing a system, making choices like ground vs. air-source and ducted vs. ductless. We also take special care, given the historicity of the homes that we work with, to come up with innovative solutions for placement of both interior and exterior units so they remain out of sight where possible. |
| Preparation |
|---|
| While preparation varies depending on house type, it generally involves agreeing to where any piping might come out of or enter walls, as needed or what changes, if any would need to be made to existing ductwork. In addition, brackets are mounted where indoor air handlers will be installed. |
| Installation |
|---|
| With everything agreed to and prepared for, Oasis technicians run any necessary refrigerant lines in the home where they will be least obtrusive and begin installing indoor handlers per the homeowners’ expectations. The outdoor unit is also being placed, often on a slab or other safe space on the outside, with electrical connections being established for both indoor and outdoor elements. |
| Ductwork Modification |
|---|
| Due to the age of many homes in the five Grosse Pointes, we often check and replace any ductwork that shows signs of pressure drops and leaks. We also are often asked to bring in flexible ductwork in homes with tighter confines. |
| Connection and Testing |
|---|
| The final steps should only be a few days away from the start. Technicians will hook up refrigerant lines to indoor and outdoor units for mini-splits, plug in all elements and ensure that not only does the system operate, but does so including any zoning requests of the owner. |
Now, while that is true for every heat pump system that we install, we understand that some homeowners may still have questions because of the specific style of their home. We took four of the most popular styles we’ve worked on in the Pointes and outlined how different styles of heat pumps can best serve occupants:
| Home Style | Heat Pump Best Practices |
|---|---|
| Tudor Revival | • Ductless mini-splits are ideal for preserving intricate architectural details and wood paneling. • For larger Tudor homes, consider a hybrid system: central heat pump for main areas, mini-splits for additions or hard-to-reach spaces. • Low-profile ducted mini-splits can be concealed in false beams or soffits to maintain period aesthetics. • Ground-source heat pumps can be an excellent option if the property has sufficient outdoor space, providing efficient heating in cold winters. |
| Craftsman and Bungalow | • Multi-zone ductless systems work well with the typical open first-floor layout, allowing for customized comfort in different areas. • For two-story Craftsmans, consider a compact ducted system for upstairs bedrooms to maintain the clean lines of interior trim and built-ins. • Take advantage of the often-present basement to install a central heat pump system if whole-house consistent heating/cooling is preferred. • Use wall-mounted units that complement the home’s color scheme and craftsman aesthetics. |
| Mid-Century Modern | • Ceiling-mounted ductless units or slim ducted systems can preserve the clean lines and open spaces characteristic of this style. • For homes with radiant floor heating, consider a hybrid system: keep radiant for winter, add ductless heat pumps for efficient cooling and shoulder season heating. • Take advantage of large windows: position indoor units to optimize airflow and counteract solar heat gain. • For homes with flat or low-slope roofs, rooftop packaged units can be an unobtrusive option. |
| Victorian and Neo-Colonial | • For homes with existing radiators, consider a high-temperature air-to-water heat pump to integrate with the current system. • In multi-story Victorians, a multi-zone VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) system can provide efficient heating and cooling across different levels. • Use decorative covers or custom millwork to conceal indoor units and maintain period aesthetics. • For homes with usable attic space, consider a central heat pump with the air handler located in the attic to minimize visual impact. • In additions or renovated spaces, integrate concealed ducted mini-split systems to maintain architectural integrity. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do heat pumps work in Michigan winters?
99 percent of the time, a heat pump will work on its own as temperatures plunge to near zero. All systems come with resistive electric heat backups for subzero temperatures, and families can also consider using an existing furnace for those extremely cold days.
How long does it take to install a system?
Installation time is dependent on the scope of the project, with multiple rooms or multiple ductless systems requiring up to three or four days. A single central heat pump replacing or augmenting a furnace or a single ductless mini split system in a craftsman home might require only a single workday.
Are heat pumps noisy?
Ductless mini splits are extremely quiet heating and cooling options since the refrigerant does not make a noise inside the house and the air only needs to be circulated infrequently. Central heat pumps are akin to standard air conditioners, but again the loudest noise comes from the fans moving conditioned air.
What kind of zoning options do I have?
How a heat pump system is zoned is dependent on whether or not it is a central heat pump or a ductless mini split. Mini splits are always zoned because the refrigerant moves between the pipes into different registers. For a central heat pump, zoning is available but be sure to mention that you want it to your HVAC contractor prior to the design phase.
Are heat pumps energy efficient?
Heat pumps can be the most energy efficient heating and cooling option available, with up to 300 percent efficiency given the amount of electricity used by the system. They can save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in utility bills over their lifetime.
What will installing a heat pump do for my home’s resale value?
Generally speaking, heat pumps are designed to last for decades and buying one will lead to lower year-round electric bills. In each case, the investment is likely to pay off in terms of a higher resale value.
Are there any incentives for buying a heat pump?
At the time this page was written, Michigan offered a multi-thousand dollar rebate for homeowners in the Wolverine State who installed very efficient options. Speak with an HVAC company you trust about whether you may be able to deduct some or all of the cost of a heat pump from your tax bill.
Trust Oasis for Your Grosse Pointes Heat Pump Installation Needs
Oasis HVAC recognizes that heat pumps are an investment in both comfort and cost savings for years down the road. Ensuring that you have the right solution for the job means understanding how different systems work and then how they can be installed in your home with minimal visible changes.
Based in nearby St. Clair Shores, we have worked with high-end and historic homes and their owners since 2008. In our nearly 20 years of experience, we have developed the expertise and best practices to ensure your new investment doesn’t come at the expense of your existing one. Contact us today via phone or by filling out the form to schedule your assessment for heat pump installation in the Grosse Pointes today.
