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Chicago & Cook County · Since 2016
Heat Pump Installation in Chicago, IL
Heat and cool your home with one efficient system. Browns Heating & Cooling installs cold-climate ducted heat pumps, dual-fuel systems and ductless mini-splits across Chicago, sized for your home, installed by EPA-certified technicians and backed by upfront pricing and financing on approved credit.
Heat pump installation near you
Expert Heat Pump Installation for Chicago Homes
A heat pump moves heat instead of burning fuel to make it. In winter it pulls heat from the outdoor air and brings it inside, and in summer it reverses to cool your home like an air conditioner. That makes it one of the most efficient ways to heat and cool a home, and today’s cold-climate models keep working through Chicago winters that would have defeated heat pumps a generation ago.
Getting the benefit depends on the installation. A heat pump that is too small leans on expensive backup heat all winter. One that is too big short cycles and wears out early. Refrigerant lines, airflow, electrical work and thermostat setup all have to be right. Browns Heating & Cooling evaluates your home, recommends the right system and installs it properly, whether you are replacing an old air conditioner, adding efficient heat to a home with electric baseboard, or bringing heating and cooling to rooms without ductwork.
We install heat pumps in homes, condos and two-flats across Chicago, from Lakeview and Lincoln Park to Hyde Park and Beverly. Call (708) 536-8134 or request a free estimate.
Is a heat pump right for you?
Do Heat Pumps Work in Chicago?
Yes. Older heat pumps struggled when temperatures dropped into the teens, which is why many Chicagoans still think of them as a southern technology. Modern cold-climate heat pumps use variable-speed compressors designed to keep delivering heat well below freezing, and we plan the right backup heat for the coldest stretches of winter.
For many homes, the best fit is a dual-fuel system: a heat pump handles heating for most of the year and all of the cooling, and a gas furnace takes over automatically on the coldest days. Homes that heat with electric baseboard, homes that need a new air conditioner anyway, and homes with rooms the current system cannot reach are often excellent candidates. If a heat pump is not the right choice for your home, we will tell you, and help you compare it with a new furnace and air conditioner.
| How it heats | Best for | |
|---|---|---|
| Cold-climate heat pump | Heat pump handles heating and cooling, with electric backup heat for the coldest days | Homes with ductwork that want one efficient electric system |
| Dual-fuel system | Heat pump heats most of the year; a gas furnace takes over in deep cold | Homes with gas that want lower bills and strong backup heat |
| Ductless mini-split | Wall, ceiling or floor units heat and cool individual rooms or zones | Condos, additions, attics and older homes without ducts |
| Furnace + air conditioner | Gas furnace for heat, separate AC for cooling | Homes that prefer gas heat and only need to replace the AC |
Systems we install
Heat Pump Systems We Install in Chicago
We install ducted and ductless heat pumps from leading manufacturers, matched to your home, your comfort needs and your budget. Learn more about ductless mini-splits, smart thermostats and water heater installation.
Cold-climate ducted heat pumps
Central heat pumps that connect to your existing ductwork and keep heating efficiently in Chicago winters.
Dual-fuel heat pump systems
A heat pump paired with a gas furnace, switching automatically to gas when it is most cost-effective.
Single-zone mini-splits
One indoor unit for a single room, addition, attic or finished basement, with no ductwork needed.
Multi-zone mini-splits
One outdoor unit serving several rooms, each with its own temperature control. Great for older homes and condos.
Smart thermostats
Heat pump-compatible thermostats that manage backup heat correctly and help you save energy.
Heat pump water heaters
Efficient water heating that pairs well with an all-electric or dual-fuel home.
How it works
Our Heat Pump Installation Process
A careful, clean installation from the first visit to the final test, backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. We handle the required city permits for you.
Home evaluation
We look at your home’s size, insulation, windows, ductwork, electrical panel and current system, and talk through your comfort goals.
Right-sized recommendation
We size the system with a heat-loss calculation and recommend the right type, capacity and backup heat, with a clear, upfront quote.
Professional installation
Our technicians set the outdoor and indoor units, run and pressure-test refrigerant lines, complete the electrical work and install the thermostat.
Startup & walkthrough
We test heating, cooling, defrost and backup heat, then show you how to use your new system and thermostat.
Pricing
What Affects Heat Pump Installation Cost?
Every home is different, so we do not quote a heat pump installation without seeing the space. The biggest factors are the type of system, its capacity and efficiency, and how much work your home needs to support it, such as ductwork improvements or electrical upgrades.
A cold-climate or variable-speed heat pump costs more upfront than a basic model, but it keeps heating efficiently in deep cold and relies less on backup heat, which is where most of the long-term savings come from in Chicago. We will show you the options side by side and give you a clear, upfront price before any work begins.
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| System type | Ducted, dual-fuel and ductless systems differ in equipment and labor |
| Capacity & efficiency | Larger and higher-efficiency, variable-speed cold-climate units cost more upfront but save more to run |
| Ductwork | Existing ducts may need sealing, resizing or repairs to deliver the right airflow |
| Electrical | Some homes need a new circuit or a panel upgrade for the heat pump and backup heat |
| Number of zones | Each additional mini-split indoor unit adds equipment and installation time |
| Line set & placement | Longer refrigerant runs and difficult outdoor unit locations add labor |
Rebates & financing
Heat Pump Rebates & Financing in Chicago
Utility rebates can lower the cost of a new heat pump. ComEd offers rebates on qualifying ducted heat pumps and ductless mini-splits, with amounts that depend on the type and size of the system and requirements for who installs it. Programs change, so we will check what your installation qualifies for when we prepare your quote.
The federal energy efficiency tax credit for heat pumps (Section 25C) ended for equipment installed after December 31, 2025, so it does not apply to new installations. To spread out the cost, we offer financing on approved credit.
Before you buy, we help you
- Compare a heat pump, dual-fuel system and furnace + AC
- Choose the right size with a heat-loss calculation
- Check current ComEd rebate eligibility
- Understand operating costs with your utility rates
- Plan for ductwork or electrical upgrades upfront
- Apply for financing on approved credit
Timing
When to Install or Replace a Heat Pump
The best time to install a heat pump is before you are forced to. If your air conditioner or old heat pump is near the end of its life, replacing it on your schedule gives you time to compare options, check rebates and avoid an emergency installation in a heat wave or cold snap. If your current heat pump is having problems, start with our heat pump repair service, and we will tell you honestly whether a repair or a replacement makes more sense.
Signs it may be time
- Your air conditioner is 10–15 years old or needs a major repair
- Your current heat pump is aging, struggling in winter or uses R-22 refrigerant
- You heat with electric baseboard and want lower bills
- Some rooms, an addition or the attic never get comfortable
- You have a boiler or radiators and want efficient cooling without ductwork
- You want to lower gas use or move toward an all-electric home
Why Browns
Why Chicago Homeowners Choose Browns for Heat Pump Installation
We know how heat pumps perform in Chicago homes, from vintage two-flats to new construction, and we recommend what genuinely fits. With a BBB A+ rating and hundreds of five-star reviews, we make upgrading simple.
Free estimates
Request a free estimate online or by phone, and we will recommend the right system with no pressure.
Right-sized systems
Heat-loss calculations so your heat pump is not too big or too small.
Upfront pricing & financing
Clear quotes and financing on approved credit.
Background-checked technicians
EPA-certified, factory-trained and drug-free.
Permits handled
We take care of the required city permits for your installation.
100% satisfaction guarantee
Every installation is backed by our guarantee.
Reviews
What Chicago Homeowners Say
Service areas
Heat Pump Installation Across Chicago & Cook County
We install heat pumps and mini-splits in homes, condos and two-flats throughout Chicago, including Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Logan Square, Wicker Park, Uptown, Hyde Park, Bronzeville and Beverly, plus Oak Lawn, Orland Park, Tinley Park and other nearby Cook County suburbs. Choose your area for local details, or call and we will confirm coverage for your address.
FAQs
Heat Pump Installation FAQs
Do heat pumps work in Chicago winters?
Yes. Modern cold-climate heat pumps keep heating well below freezing, and ducted systems are paired with backup heat, either electric heat strips or a gas furnace in a dual-fuel setup, for the coldest days.
What is a dual-fuel heat pump system?
A dual-fuel system pairs a heat pump with a gas furnace. The heat pump handles cooling and most of the heating, and the furnace takes over automatically in deep cold. It is a popular choice for Chicago homes that already have gas.
How long does heat pump installation take?
Many ducted heat pump replacements are completed in one to two days. Ductless mini-splits and jobs that need ductwork or electrical upgrades can take longer. We give you a timeline with your quote.
How do you size a heat pump?
We size heat pumps with a heat-loss calculation that looks at your home’s square footage, insulation, windows and air leakage, so the system is not too small for winter or too big for efficient operation.
Are there rebates for heat pumps in Illinois?
ComEd offers rebates on qualifying heat pumps and mini-splits, and amounts depend on the system. The federal Section 25C tax credit ended for equipment installed after 2025. We check current rebate eligibility when we prepare your quote.
Can I add a heat pump to a home with a boiler?
Yes. Ductless mini-splits are a common way to add efficient cooling and supplemental heat to homes with radiators. Your boiler can stay as the main heat source. See our ductless mini-split services.
How long does a heat pump last?
Most heat pumps last about 10 to 15 years with regular maintenance. If your current system is having problems, see our heat pump repair service.
Do you offer financing?
Yes. We offer financing on approved credit for new heat pump installations.
Ready to Upgrade to a Heat Pump?
Call us at 708-536-8134 or request a free estimate online.
Contact
Talk to Our Heat Pump Specialists
Whether you are replacing an old system or adding heating and cooling where you have none, we will help you choose the right heat pump and install it properly. Contact us today for a free estimate.