Heating
Heat Pumps
One system that heats and cools. Today's cold-climate heat pumps keep working well below freezing, and a hybrid setup lets the furnace take over on the coldest nights.
A heat pump moves heat instead of making it. In summer it works like an air conditioner, pulling heat out of the house. In winter it runs in reverse, pulling heat from the outdoor air, even when it's well below freezing, and bringing it inside. Kelvin Heating & Cooling installs ducted and ductless heat pumps, and we'll be straight with you about whether one makes sense for your home and your gas and electricity costs.
Heat pump options
- Ducted heat pumps — replace a central air conditioner and use your existing ductwork to heat and cool the whole house.
- Hybrid (dual fuel) systems — a heat pump paired with a gas furnace. The heat pump handles mild and moderate weather, and the furnace takes over below a set outdoor temperature.
- Cold-climate models — variable-speed units designed to keep producing useful heat in deep cold, not just in shoulder seasons.
- Ductless systems — for homes, additions or garages without ducts, see ductless mini-splits.
What we look at before recommending one
- Heat loss. How much heat the house needs on a cold night, so the heat pump and backup heat are sized properly.
- Ductwork. Heat pumps move more air at lower supply temperatures, so undersized ducts and weak returns matter more.
- Electrical capacity. Your panel needs room for the new circuit, which is installed by a licensed electrician.
- Controls. A compatible thermostat and a sensible switchover point between the heat pump and the furnace.
- Placement. The outdoor unit needs a raised base above snow, clearance and a spot away from bedroom windows.
Hybrid or all-electric?
Most homes with gas keep the furnace as backup and let the heat pump do most of the work. Homes without gas often go all-electric with a cold-climate heat pump and electric backup. We'll walk you through both setups using your home's numbers, not a sales pitch.
Rebate and financing programs for heat pumps change often, so we check what's currently available when we quote. Most heat pump jobs are paired with a furnace or a new thermostat.
What affects the cost of heat pumps
Heat pump costs depend on capacity, whether the unit is a cold-climate model, and whether it's variable speed. A hybrid system that keeps or adds a gas furnace costs more up front but provides backup heat. Ductwork may need changes because heat pumps move more air. Electrical work, often a new circuit and sometimes a panel upgrade, is done by a licensed electrician and quoted separately. A compatible thermostat, outdoor stand, line set and any available rebates all affect the final number.
Heat Pumps questions
Do heat pumps work in Michigan winters?
Cold-climate models keep heating well below freezing. In a hybrid system, the gas furnace takes over during the coldest stretches, so comfort doesn't depend on the outdoor temperature.
Can a heat pump replace my air conditioner?
Yes. A ducted heat pump cools like a central air conditioner in summer and adds efficient heating for the rest of the year.
Will my electricity bill go up?
Usually, while your gas use goes down. Whether you save overall depends on the equipment, your home and current energy prices, which we walk through with you.
Where we offer heat pumps
We provide heat pumps for homeowners in Novi, Troy and Canton. See what to expect in your area:
Comfort you don't have to think about.
See a ballpark for a new system in about a minute, or book a home visit for a written, itemized quote.