If you live in Western Washington, you’ve likely heard of heat pumps—but might not be sure exactly how they work or if one’s right for your home. With our region’s mild winters and increasingly warm summers, heat pumps are becoming one of the most popular home comfort solutions.
Whether you’re planning to replace your current system or want to learn more about energy-efficient options, this guide walks you through everything you need to know to stay comfortable year-round.
What Is a Heat Pump?
A heat pump is an all-in-one heating and cooling system. Instead of generating heat like a furnace, it moves heat—pulling warmth from the outside air and bringing it inside during colder months, and doing the reverse to cool your home in the summer.
In Western Washington’s moderate climate, heat pumps offer an ideal combination of comfort, efficiency, and lower energy bills.
How Does a Heat Pump Work?
A heat pump uses refrigerant and electricity to transfer heat between your home and the air outside.
This diagram illustrates the four stages of the heat pump cycle: evaporation, compression, condensation, and expansion, showing how heat is transferred.
In heating mode
- It extracts heat from the outdoor air—even in winter—transfers it inside the system
- The refrigerant absorbs heat from the outdoor air and evaporates into a low-temperature vapor.
- The hot, high-pressure refrigerant gas is sent indoors, where it releases its heat to the indoor air as it condenses back into a liquid. The air handle
In cooling mode
- It extracts heat from indoor air and pushes into the system
- Warm indoor air is blown across the evaporator coil. The refrigerant inside absorbs heat from the air, causing the refrigerant to evaporate into a gas and the air to cool
- The cooled refrigerant returns to the indoor evaporator coil, and the process repeats. The now-cooled air is blown through the supply ducts into your living spaces
Most systems include an indoor air handler and an outdoor unit. In some homes, especially those with existing ductwork, a central ducted heat pump is a perfect fit. For others, ductless mini-split heat pumps offer room-by-room control with no ducts required.
When to Choose a Heat Pump: Applications for Your Home
A heat pump can work in nearly any home, but it’s especially well-suited for:
Homes in Mild Climates Like Western Washington
Because heat pumps are more efficient in moderate temperatures, they’re a great fit for our region’s cool, wet winters and mild summers.
Homes Looking to Replace Both Heating & Cooling
Since a heat pump provides both heating and cooling, it can replace a furnace and air conditioner combo with one streamlined system.
Homes with All-Electric Systems
If your home doesn’t have natural gas, a heat pump offers an efficient electric heating option that doesn’t rely on resistance heating like electric furnaces do.
Eco-Friendly Households
Heat pumps use significantly less energy than traditional systems, helping to lower your carbon footprint—and your energy bill.
Heat Pump vs. Furnace: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Heat Pump | Furnace (Gas or Electric) |
|---|---|---|
| Heats & Cools | ✅ Yes | ❌ Heating only |
| Energy Efficiency | Very high (especially in moderate temps) | Moderate to high depending on type |
| Fuel Type | Electricity only | Gas or electricity |
| Best Climate | Mild to moderate (like Western WA) | All climates |
| Air Conditioning | Built-in | Requires separate AC system |
Do Heat Pumps Need Maintenance?
Yes—but it’s simple and well worth it. Regular maintenance helps your heat pump run efficiently and extends its lifespan.
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Schedule an annual tune-up (and take advantage of our No-Worry, No-Breakdown Guarantee!)
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Clean or replace filters regularly
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Keep outdoor units clear of debris and leaves
Our licensed technicians arrive within a 2-hour window and will help keep your system running in top shape.
Read about our maintenance service
What Does a Heat Pump Cost?
The cost of a heat pump can vary based on:
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The size of your home
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Whether you need ductwork or go ductless
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The efficiency rating of the system
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Local utility rebates (yes, we handle those for you!)
Incentives and rebates in Washington make installing a heat pump more affordable than ever—plus, your monthly energy savings can add up quickly. We offer transparent quotes, flexible financing, and expert guidance to make the process easy from start to finish.
Ready to Upgrade to a Heat Pump?
Whether you’re replacing an older system or exploring energy-efficient options, Pacific Heating & Cooling makes it easy to find the right heat pump for your home. We’ll walk you through your choices, handle local rebates, and provide expert installation—with no-surprise pricing and our No-Worry, No-Breakdown Guarantee. Contact us today for a free quote or to schedule your in-home consultation.
