Heat Pump Installation & Repair in Rockford, IL | Gilley's Heating Experts
Gilley's Heating & Air Conditioning provides professional heat pump installation and repair services in Rockford, IL. If you need energy-efficient heating and cooling, cold-climate heat pump systems, or expert repair service, our licensed HVAC technicians deliver quality workmanship and reliable performance. Call today for a free estimate.
Expert Heat Pump Services in Rockford
If you're upgrading to energy-efficient heating and cooling or need reliable heat pump repairs, Gilley's Heating & Air Conditioning provides complete heat pump services throughout the Rockford area. Our licensed HVAC technicians have over 40 years of experience installing and repairing all types of heat pump systems—from standard air-source models to cold-climate systems and ductless mini-splits.
We've installed over 600 heat pump systems since 1985, helping Rockford homeowners save 30-40% on annual heating and cooling costs with one efficient system that works year-round.
What Heat Pump Services Do We Offer?
Our Rockford HVAC team provides complete heat pump installation and repair services, including:
Standard Air-Source Heat Pump Installation: We install 14-20 SEER heat pumps that provide both heating and cooling from one efficient system. These systems work well in Rockford's climate for most of the year, delivering exceptional efficiency and comfort while qualifying for substantial energy rebates.
Cold-Climate Heat Pump Installation: Modern cold-climate heat pumps maintain full heating capacity down to -5°F and continue operating to -15°F, handling all but the coldest 3-5 days of Winnebago County winters. These advanced systems feature variable-speed compressors and enhanced low-temperature performance for reliable Northern Illinois heating.
Ductless Mini-Split Installation: No ductwork required—perfect for home additions, garages, finished basements, or homes where duct installation is impractical. Single-zone systems start at $3,500, while multi-zone installations provide customized comfort throughout your home.
Dual-Fuel Hybrid Systems: Combines heat pump efficiency with gas furnace reliability. The system automatically switches between heat pump and furnace based on outdoor temperature, giving you maximum efficiency during mild weather and powerful gas heat during extreme cold.
Heat Pump Repair Services: Our technicians repair all heat pump issues including systems that won't heat or cool, refrigerant leaks, frozen outdoor units, compressor failures, thermostat problems, and defrost cycle malfunctions. We arrive with fully-stocked trucks to restore comfort quickly.
Heat Pump Maintenance: Annual maintenance keeps your heat pump running efficiently year-round. We inspect both heating and cooling components, clean coils, check refrigerant levels, test electrical connections, and verify defrost operation to prevent breakdowns.
When Should I Install a Heat Pump?
Install a heat pump when you want one system providing both heating and cooling, prioritize energy efficiency and lower environmental impact, can benefit from substantial federal and utility rebates totaling $1,000-$3,400, need to replace aging furnace and AC separately, or are building a new home or addition.
Clear signs it's time for heat pump installation:
Replacing Both Furnace and AC: If both systems are 10+ years old or one has failed, installing a heat pump instead of two separate systems makes financial sense and provides better efficiency.
High Energy Bills: Current heating and cooling costs exceed $1,500 annually and you want to reduce expenses by 30-40% with a single efficient system.
Environmental Priorities: You want to reduce your carbon footprint by 40-50% compared to gas furnace heating while still staying comfortable.
No Natural Gas Service: Your Rockford home lacks gas connection, making a heat pump more efficient than electric resistance heating or expensive propane.
Rebate Availability: Federal tax credits up to $2,000 make heat pumps more affordable than ever, especially when combined with utility rebates and manufacturer promotions.
New Construction or Addition: Building new space without existing HVAC provides the perfect opportunity for efficient heat pump installation.
Other Heat Pump Services
How Our Heat Pump Installation Process Works
Step 1: Free Home Assessment & System Recommendation (60-90 min)
Call (815) 962-1927 or request service online. Our licensed technician visits your home to inspect your current HVAC system, measure your home and assess layout, evaluate insulation and existing ductwork, review electrical service capacity (heat pumps need 30-60 amp circuits), perform Manual J load calculation for proper sizing, discuss your comfort goals and energy priorities, explain heat pump technology and cold-climate performance, and provide honest recommendations.
Step 2: Custom Written Quote with Options (Same/Next Day)
We provide detailed estimates including multiple efficiency options (14-20 SEER ratings), air-source vs. ductless mini-split comparison, cold-climate model recommendations for Northern Illinois, dual-fuel hybrid system option if you have gas service, complete installation scope including electrical and ductwork, energy rebate breakdown (federal $2,000, utility $300-$600, manufacturer $300-$800), financing terms with approved credit, warranty details, and installation timeline.
Step 3: Professional Installation (1-2 Days)
We schedule at your convenience, obtain building permits, protect your workspace, remove and dispose of old equipment, install outdoor heat pump unit on concrete pad, install indoor air handler (or wall units for mini-splits), run refrigerant lines with proper insulation, make electrical connections and circuit upgrades if needed, modify or seal ductwork as necessary, install condensate drain with proper slope, set up your thermostat, and complete thorough cleanup.
Step 4: System Testing, Training & Warranty Registration (2-3 Hours
We verify refrigerant charge using proper methods, test heating and cooling cycles in both modes, measure and balance airflow at all registers, verify electrical operation, calibrate and program your thermostat, test defrost cycle for cold-weather readiness, coordinate building inspection and approval, register manufacturer warranty, train you on system operation, and provide complete written documentation.
Why Choose Gilley's for Heat Pump Services in Rockford?
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Family-Owned & Operated Since 1985
Over 40 years installing and repairing heating systems across Northern Illinois. We've installed thousands of heat pumps in Rockford, Loves Park, and Machesney Park homes, earning our reputation one satisfied customer at a time.
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Certified Heat Pump Specialists
Factory-trained technicians with expertise in cold-climate models from Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Mitsubishi, and other leading brands. We understand heat pump technology and Northern Illinois winter requirements.
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Free, No-Pressure Estimates
We provide thorough home assessments, multiple system options at different efficiency levels, honest recommendations about whether heat pumps suit your situation, and complete rebate and financing explanations. The choice is always yours.
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Licensed & Insured Professionals
Every technician carries Illinois HVAC contractor licensing, EPA 608 certification for refrigerant handling, factory training credentials, and $2M liability insurance protecting your home and investment.
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Maximum Rebate Assistance
We help you apply for federal tax credits ($2,000), utility rebates ($200-$600), and manufacturer promotions ($300-$800). Our assistance has saved Rockford homeowners thousands in available incentives.
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Proper Sizing Guaranteed
Manual J load calculations ensure your heat pump is correctly sized for both heating and cooling needs—not oversized or undersized like square footage guesses. Proper sizing maximizes efficiency and comfort.
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Same-Day Repair Service
When your heat pump fails, we respond quickly. Emergency service available with most repairs completed the same day using quality parts we stock on our trucks.
How Much Does Heat Pump Installation Cost in Rockford, IL?
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Heat pump installation in Rockford typically costs $5,500 to $10,000 for complete installation, depending on system size, efficiency rating, and type. Most Winnebago County homeowners choose high-efficiency air-source heat pumps (18 SEER) in the $7,500-$8,500 range. After federal and utility rebates, net cost drops to $5,500-$6,500 for a system providing both heating and cooling.
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Standard air-source heat pumps (14-16 SEER) cost $5,500-$7,500. High-efficiency models (18-20 SEER) run $7,000-$9,500. Cold-climate heat pumps designed for extreme cold cost $7,500-$10,000. Ductless mini-splits range from $3,500-$5,500 for single zones to $6,500-$12,000 for multi-zone systems. Dual-fuel hybrid systems combining heat pump and furnace cost $8,000-$12,000.
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System efficiency drives cost—higher SEER and HSPF ratings cost more upfront but deliver $400-$700 in annual savings on heating and cooling bills. Your home size determines required capacity (2-5 ton units). Installation complexity including ductwork modifications, electrical upgrades, or new refrigerant lines increases costs. Cold-climate features like variable-speed compressors add $1,500-$2,500 but ensure reliable heating in Rockford winters.
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High-efficiency heat pumps qualify for federal tax credits up to $2,000, utility rebates of $300-$600, and manufacturer promotions of $300-$800. We help you apply for all available incentives to maximize your savings—our assistance has helped Rockford homeowners save thousands.
Common Questions About Heat Pumps
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Choose a heat pump if you want one system for heating and cooling, prioritize energy efficiency and environmental impact, have adequate electrical service (200 amp panel), and can benefit from $2,000+ in rebates. Choose a gas furnace if natural gas rates are significantly lower than electricity in your area, you need maximum heat during extended sub-zero temperatures, or your electrical panel cannot support a heat pump without expensive upgrades. Many Winnebago County homeowners choose dual-fuel hybrid systems combining both for optimal efficiency and reliability.
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Yes, modern cold-climate heat pumps work excellently in Rockford winters. Systems from Carrier, Mitsubishi, and other manufacturers maintain full heating capacity down to -5°F and continue operating to -15°F, handling all but the coldest 3-5 days of the year. For those extremely cold days, backup electric resistance heat or a dual-fuel system with gas furnace ensures continuous comfort.
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Most Rockford homeowners save 30-40% on annual heating and cooling costs compared to separate furnace and air conditioner systems. A typical 1,800 sq ft home spending $1,800 annually on heating and cooling could save $540-$720 per year with a high-efficiency heat pump. Over the system's 15-20 year lifespan, that's $8,100-$14,400 in energy savings.
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Heat pump size depends on square footage, insulation quality, ductwork condition, ceiling height, window count, and climate design temperature. We perform Manual J load calculations for accurate sizing. General guidelines for Rockford: 1,000-1,400 sq ft needs 2-2.5 ton; 1,800-2,400 sq ft needs 3-4 ton; 2,400-3,000 sq ft needs 4-5 ton. Proper sizing prevents short-cycling and ensures efficiency.
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Most heat pump installations take 8-12 hours (1-2 days) for complete installation where ductwork exists. Ductless mini-split installations take 4-8 hours depending on number of zones. Timeline includes removing old system, installing indoor and outdoor units, running refrigerant lines, making electrical connections, and complete system testing.
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Heat pumps should receive professional maintenance twice annually—spring before cooling season and fall before heating season—since they work year-round. We inspect both heating and cooling components, clean coils, check refrigerant levels, test electrical connections, and verify defrost operation. Regular maintenance prevents breakdowns and maintains efficiency.
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We're factory-certified dealers for all major heat pump brands including Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Bryant, Rheem, Mitsubishi, and Fujitsu. For Rockford's climate, we typically recommend Carrier Infinity or Mitsubishi Hyper-Heat for proven cold-weather performance down to -15°F. We'll help you choose the right brand and model for your specific needs and budget.
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Yes, dual-fuel hybrid systems combine your existing gas furnace with a new heat pump. The system automatically switches between heat pump (mild weather) and furnace (extreme cold) for maximum efficiency and reliability. This option costs $5,000-$7,000 for the heat pump addition and provides the best performance for Rockford's temperature extremes.
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Schedule Heat Pump Service in Rockford Today
Ready to upgrade to energy-efficient heating and cooling? Need heat pump repair? Contact Gilley's Heating & Air Conditioning today for expert heat pump services in Rockford, IL.
Call (815) 962-1927 or use the form below to schedule service or request a free estimate.
Schedule your FREE Estimate Today!