That alone makes modern heat pumps a much more reliable and practical option for our region — provided they’re applied and set up correctly.
That said, it’s also important to note that in the cooling season in areas with high humidity, variable-speed equipment can sometimes run at lower speeds for longer periods. This tendency may not remove enough moisture from the air effectively.
In those cases, the system might need to run at a higher speed during peak humidity hours, or we may need to adjust the dehumidification settings and staging strategy to ensure both temperature and humidity are properly controlled. Thoughtful application of these systems makes a significant difference.
Skipping Steps is Dangerous
The danger comes when homeowners, or even some less-thorough contractors, skip those steps.
If you treat a heat pump like a silver bullet and simply swap it in without addressing insulation issues, leaky ducts, or poor electrical capacity, things can go sideways fast.
I’ve seen situations where customers ended up with skyrocketing electric bills, cold homes in the winter, and a system that runs non-stop because it was undersized or had to rely too heavily on expensive electric heat strips.
Worse yet, sometimes the customer blames technology when the real issue is a lack of proper planning.
A heat pump can absolutely be a great option — but only when it’s applied with care, after a thorough evaluation of the home and a clear conversation about what to expect.
At the end of the day, electrification is not about selling a piece of equipment — it’s about delivering the right solution for the home, the customer, and the climate they live in.
When we take the time to do it right, everyone wins.
Mitch Bailey owns Air Heroes in Modesto, CA. He is a member of ACCA, RSES, and IHACI, and currently holds a number of different NATE certifications as well as certifications in duct design, load calculations, Title 24, Wrightsoft, zoning, and home automation. He is also part of the National Comfort Institute (NCI) training team in California with more than 38 years of on-the-job experience and has serviced and installed thousands of HVAC systems.
Mitch will share more information on this topic during NCI’s 2025 High-Performance HVAC Summit in Round Rock, TX, September 9-12. Click here for more Summit information.
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