Heat Pump Installation & Replacement in Gramercy, LA
Louisiana’s climate is practically made for heat pumps. Mild winters and long, hot summers mean you spend far more time cooling than heating, and a heat pump handles both jobs in a single system, usually more efficiently than running a separate AC and furnace. When it’s time to install a new one or replace an aging unit, getting it sized and set up correctly from the start makes all the difference in how well it performs and how long it lasts.
Big Chief’s has been installing and replacing heat pump systems across the River Parishes for over two decades. As an independent Trane dealer, we offer access to some of the most reliable, energy-efficient heat pump equipment on the market. And as NATE-certified technicians, we make sure every installation is done right — not just good enough.
Financing Available
A new heat pump is a significant investment, but it doesn’t have to be an out-of-pocket one. Big Chief’s offers financing through Wells Fargo to help make a new installation or replacement work for your budget.
Signs It's Time for a New Heat Pump
Whether you’re replacing an old system or considering a heat pump for the first time, there are some clear signals that now is the right time to move forward. Here’s what to look for:
If you’re on the fence about whether replacement is the right call, a free estimate from Big Chief’s will give you a clear picture of your options without any pressure to commit.
What Goes Into a Proper Heat Pump Installation
A heat pump installation isn’t just swapping out equipment. Getting it right means starting with a proper load calculation to determine the right size system for your home, accounting for square footage, ceiling height, insulation, window placement, and local climate conditions. An oversized system short-cycles and wears out faster. An undersized one runs constantly and still can’t keep up. Neither is a good outcome, and both are avoidable with the right upfront work.
Once sizing is confirmed, our NATE-certified technicians handle the full installation — setting the equipment, running refrigerant lines, making electrical connections, and calibrating the system before we consider the job done. Every heat pump we install is backed by Big Chief’s for the life of the system, which means our commitment to the job doesn’t end when we pull out of the driveway.
Why Homeowners Across the River Parishes Choose Big Chief's
Installing a heat pump is a long-term decision. Here’s why customers trust Big Chief’s to make it a good one.
Heat Pump Installation & Replacement FAQs
Here are the questions we hear most from homeowners considering a new heat pump system.
For most homes in the River Parishes, yes. Heat pumps thrive in climates with mild winters and long cooling seasons, which describes Louisiana fairly well. They move heat rather than generate it, making them significantly more energy-efficient than traditional heating systems at moderate temperatures.
On the rare occasions when temperatures drop below what a heat pump can handle efficiently on its own, most systems include a backup heat strip that kicks in automatically. For the vast majority of Louisiana winters, though, the heat pump handles it without any help.
Sizing a heat pump correctly requires more than measuring your square footage. A few of the key factors that go into the calculation include:
Our technicians perform a full load calculation before recommending any system, which is the only reliable way to make sure you’re getting a unit that’s properly matched to your home.
A new installation, meaning a home that has never had a heat pump, often involves more work upfront, including running new refrigerant lines, making electrical upgrades, and sometimes modifying or installing ductwork. A replacement typically uses the existing infrastructure, which can simplify the process.
That said, even a straightforward replacement is an opportunity to make sure everything behind the scenes is in good shape. We’ll flag anything that needs attention so your new system has the best possible foundation to work from.
Most heat pump installations are completed in a single day. More complex projects, like new construction, and homes that need electrical or ductwork modifications, can take longer, and your technician will give you a realistic timeline before work begins. Here’s a general idea of what affects the schedule:
We’ll walk you through the timeline during your free estimate so you know what to expect before the day of the install.
Like any HVAC system, a heat pump performs best when it’s serviced regularly. Since heat pumps run in both heating and cooling modes, they tend to accumulate wear more evenly throughout the year, which makes consistent maintenance even more valuable than it is for a single-function system.
Big Chief’s maintenance plans start at $240 per year and include two seasonal tune-ups to keep your heat pump running efficiently in both modes. It’s the most straightforward way to protect your investment and catch small issues before they become larger ones.
Ready to Make the Switch to a Heat Pump?
If you’re thinking about a new installation or are finally ready to replace a system that’s run its course, Big Chief’s is ready to help. Free estimates, no-pressure recommendations, and every installation backed for the life of the system. Give us a call and let’s find the right heat pump for your home.