Heat Pump Repair, Replacement & Installation in Kirkland, WA
Heat pump blowing cold, icing up or running nonstop? Or ready to replace an old furnace or baseboard heat? We repair and install ducted and ductless heat pumps.
- Repairs for all major heat pump brands
- Ducted, hybrid and ductless installs
- Permits and electrical coordination handled
Heat pump service in Kirkland, explained in 30 seconds
Green House Plumbing and Heating repairs, maintains, replaces and installs ducted heat pumps and ductless mini-split heat pumps for Kirkland homes. We are based at 12040 98th Ave NE in Kirkland (98034), work Monday to Saturday from 7 am to 9 pm, and offer same-day appointments when available.
A heat pump moves heat instead of burning fuel, so one system heats your home in winter and cools it in summer. Kirkland's mild winters suit heat pumps well, which is why so many local homeowners are replacing old furnaces, baseboard heaters and window AC units with one.
Already have a heat pump that is not keeping up? Most repairs come down to a capacitor, contactor, defrost control, sensor or a refrigerant leak. We find it, price it upfront and fix it, often on the first visit.
Heat pump not heating? Check this first
Some heat pump behavior looks like a problem but is normal. These checks help you tell the difference.
- Steam from the outdoor unit is normal. In cold, damp weather the unit runs a defrost cycle for a few minutes and may steam. Thick ice that stays for hours is not normal.
- Check the thermostat mode. Set it to Heat, not Auto or Cool, and replace batteries if needed. Avoid big jumps in temperature that trigger backup heat.
- Check breakers for both units. Heat pumps have breakers for the outdoor unit and the indoor air handler or furnace.
- Clear the outdoor unit. Remove leaves, snow and anything within about 2 feet. Clean or replace the indoor filter.
- Call us if it blows cool air for long periods. Especially if ice builds up or the system runs nonstop without warming the house.
Heat pump problems we fix in Kirkland homes
Match what you see to the likely cause and how we fix it.
Blows lukewarm or cool air in heat mode
- Likely cause
- Low refrigerant from a leak, a stuck reversing valve or a defrost problem.
- How we fix it
- We test pressures and controls, fix the leak first and recharge to spec.
Outdoor unit covered in ice that will not clear
- Likely cause
- Failed defrost control or sensor, low refrigerant or poor airflow.
- How we fix it
- We test the defrost system and repair the faulty part.
Outdoor unit will not start
- Likely cause
- Failed capacitor or contactor, tripped breaker or a thermostat wiring fault.
- How we fix it
- We test and replace the failed part, usually the same visit.
Electric bill jumped this winter
- Likely cause
- Backup heat strips running too often, low refrigerant or dirty coils.
- How we fix it
- We check staging, settings and refrigerant so the heat pump does the work.
Mini-split blinking or dripping water
- Likely cause
- Sensor fault, dirty filter or coil, or a clogged drain line.
- How we fix it
- We read the error code, clean the head and coil and clear the drain.
Loud buzzing, grinding or rattling
- Likely cause
- Failing fan motor, loose panels or a compressor problem.
- How we fix it
- We find the source and repair it before it damages the compressor.
Repair or replace your heat pump?
We give you both options with prices, and tell you which one we would choose.
Repair usually makes sense when
- A capacitor, contactor, sensor or fan motor failed
- The heat pump is under about 10 years old
- The leak is small and easy to reach
- It heated well until recently
Replacement usually makes sense when
- The heat pump is 12 to 15 years old or more
- The compressor failed outside warranty
- It struggles to heat on cold nights
- Repairs keep coming back each season
| Heat pump type | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ducted heat pump | Homes with good ductwork | Whole-home heat and AC from one system |
| Hybrid (dual fuel) | Homes keeping a gas furnace | Heat pump most of the year, gas backup on cold nights |
| Ductless mini-split | Baseboard heat, additions, no ducts | Room-by-room control, quick install |
| Ducted mini-split | Small homes, condos, one floor | Compact air handler with short ducts |
Heat pump services in Kirkland
Repair, maintenance, replacement and new installation.
Heat pump repair
Capacitors, contactors, defrost controls, sensors, fan motors and refrigerant leaks.
Heat pump installation
New ducted heat pumps sized to your home, with permits and electrical coordination.
Ductless mini-split installation
Single and multi-zone systems for homes with baseboard heat or no ducts.
Furnace to heat pump conversion
Replace an old furnace with a heat pump, or add one as a hybrid system.
Heat pump maintenance
Coil cleaning, refrigerant, electrical and defrost checks, twice a year for best results.
Emergency heat pump repair
Same-day help when available when the house will not stay warm.
What Kirkland homeowners should know about heat pumps
Our climate is one of the best in the country for heat pumps.
Mild winters, hot summer weeks
Kirkland winters are usually mild and wet, with occasional cold snaps and windstorms that knock out power. Seattle also hit 108°F on June 28, 2021. A heat pump covers both with one system.
Great for baseboard-heated homes
Many older Kirkland homes and condos in Juanita, Finn Hill and Kingsgate still use electric baseboard heat. Ductless heat pumps use much less electricity for the same heat and add cooling.
Keep the outdoor unit clear
Fir needles, maple leaves and moss collect around outdoor units here. Keep 2 feet of space clear and rinse the coil gently in spring.
Permits are part of the job
Kirkland requires a mechanical permit for a new or replacement heat pump. We pull it and schedule the inspection.
Heat pump service across Kirkland neighborhoods
Sources: Kirkland mechanical permit checklist, HistoryLink, June 28, 2021 heat wave, ACHR News, EPA R-410A rule change, IRS on the 25C credit.
How heat pump service works
Clear steps, no surprises on price.
- Call or bookTell us what the heat pump is doing, or what you want to install.
- Inspect or sizeWe test the system, or measure the home for a new one.
- Upfront priceRepair or replacement options, both priced.
- Repair or installDone to code, with permits when needed.
- Test and explainWe confirm heating and cooling and show you the best settings.
Do heat pumps work in Kirkland winters?
Yes. Kirkland winters are mild, and modern heat pumps keep heating well below freezing. On the coldest nights a backup heat strip or a gas furnace in a hybrid system can help.
Why is my heat pump steaming or making a whooshing sound?
That is usually the defrost cycle, which melts frost off the outdoor coil in cold, damp weather. It is normal for a few minutes. Thick ice that stays for hours is not, so call us.
Why is my heat pump blowing cold air?
During defrost, air can feel cool for a few minutes. If it lasts, the cause is often low refrigerant, a stuck reversing valve, a failed defrost control or a thermostat setting.
How much does heat pump installation cost in Kirkland?
It depends on the size of the home, ducts, electrical work and the type of system. We visit, measure and give you a free upfront price for each option.
Ductless mini-split or ducted heat pump?
If you have good ducts, a ducted heat pump is usually simplest. If you have baseboard heat, no ducts or rooms that never get comfortable, a ductless mini-split is often the better choice.
Do I need a permit to install a heat pump in Kirkland?
Yes. Kirkland requires a mechanical permit when heating and cooling equipment is installed or replaced, and an electrical permit may also be needed. We handle the permits.
How long does a heat pump last?
Many heat pumps last around 12 to 15 years with yearly maintenance. Because they run in both seasons, regular service matters more than for a furnace.
Which areas near Kirkland do you serve?
All Kirkland neighborhoods, including Juanita, Finn Hill, Kingsgate, Totem Lake, Rose Hill, Houghton and Bridle Trails, plus nearby Redmond, Bothell, Woodinville and Kenmore.
Comfort all year from one system
Same-day repair appointments when available, Monday to Saturday, 7 am to 9 pm.
Customer Trust Us 
We are committed to honest, careful heating service on every visit. Whether it is a furnace that will not light, a heat pump that will not keep up or a new system for your home, our goal is a warm, safe and comfortable house when we leave.
Kirkland homeowners tell us what they value most: technicians who show up on time, explain the problem clearly, give a fair upfront price and leave the home clean. Here is what a few of them said.
