Heat Pump Electrical

Dedicated circuits, panel and service upgrades, and HVAC contractor coordination for cold-climate heat pump installs across Connecticut.

The electrical side of going to heat pumps

Dedicated circuit per outdoor unit

Most cold-climate heat pumps need a 40 or 60 amp 240V dedicated circuit, plus a separate small circuit for the air handler.

Service upgrade in most cases

A heat pump replaces gas or oil heat - but the electrical load is new. Adding 30-60 amps to a 100A panel rarely works.

Heat pump water heaters too

HPWHs draw a 15 to 30 amp 240V circuit. Smaller load than space heating but still its own circuit and breaker.

Stack the incentives

IRA HEAR rebates, Energize CT rebates from Eversource or UI, plus Connecticut Green Bank Smart-E financing. We walk through current eligibility at the estimate.

Plan the whole electrification picture

A heat pump is rarely the only new load coming. If you also plan EV charging, induction cooking, or solar plus battery - sequence the electrical work once and save a service call.

Whole-Home Electrification Service Upgrade

Heat Pump Electrical FAQs

Common questions from Connecticut homeowners going to heat pumps.

Do I need an electrical upgrade to install a heat pump in Connecticut?
Often yes. A whole-home cold-climate heat pump typically needs a dedicated 40 to 60 amp 240V circuit. If your home is on 100A service and already running an EV charger, electric range, or electric water heater, a 200A service upgrade is usually required. We run an NEC 220 load calculation and confirm in writing.
What does the electrical side of a heat pump install cost in CT?
A dedicated circuit and breaker installation runs roughly $600 to $1,500 depending on the panel-to-equipment distance and any sub-panel work. If a service upgrade to 200A is required, add $2,500 to $4,500. Heat pump water heaters typically need a smaller dedicated circuit, around $400 to $900 installed.
Do you coordinate with the HVAC contractor?
Yes. We coordinate scheduling so the electrical rough-in happens before the equipment install and the final connections happen on the day of equipment placement. We work with most CT HVAC contractors and can recommend several we trust.
Are there Connecticut incentives for heat pumps?
Yes. The federal IRA HEAR program provides rebates up to $14,000 for income-qualified households. Energize Connecticut offers cold-climate heat pump rebates through Eversource and United Illuminating. Eligibility and amounts change frequently; we walk through current programs at the estimate.
Can I add a heat pump and an EV charger on the same panel?
Yes, but you usually need 200A service. A heat pump can pull 40-60 amps continuous and an EV charger another 32-48 amps. On 100A service that almost never fits. Smart load management (Span, intelligent breakers) can sometimes keep you on 150A.
How long does the electrical work take?
A standalone dedicated-circuit job is typically a half-day. A service upgrade plus heat pump circuit is a full day. Permitting and inspection add 1 to 3 weeks.

Get the load calculation done first

Free site visit, NEC 220 load calculation, written quote with timeline.

Get a Free Estimate