Licensed HVAC professionals serving West Palm Beach since 1988.

No technology matches the efficiency advantage of a heat pump for heating a South Florida home. Unlike a furnace or electric resistance system that converts electricity to heat at a one-to-one ratio, a heat pump moves heat from the outdoor air into your home, delivering 2 to 3 units of heat energy per unit of electricity. West Palm Beach winter overnight temperatures rarely fall below 40 degrees, keeping heat pumps in their optimal efficiency range all season.

Whether you are replacing an aging system or adding heating to an addition, Hopkins Air Conditioning brings 38 years of Palm Beach County experience, NATE certification, and Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer status to every installation.

Schedule your consultation online.

Why West Palm Beach Homeowners Choose Hopkins Air Conditioning

Installing a new heating system in Palm Beach County requires more than selecting a high SEER2 rating. The Florida Building Code requires a permitted installation and equipment selection based on a Manual J load calculation. Oversizing a heat pump results in short-cycling that drives up humidity and accelerates wear; undersizing means the system runs continuously and still falls short on the coldest nights.

Elizabeth, a West Palm Beach homeowner, had a system replacement with Hopkins Air and found both the sales call and installation experience stood out. She later shared:

"John Johnston was so pleasant and intelligent about his work that we chose his company to do our replacement job. They are also reasonably priced and their technicians were friendly, tidy, and capable."

What Our Heating Installation Process Includes

We follow a structured installation process that meets Florida Building Code requirements at every step and protects the long-term performance of your new system.

• Step 1: Manual J Load Calculation. We perform a Manual J load calculation as required by the Florida Building Code, accounting for square footage, ceiling height, insulation, window area, orientation, and local climate data. Equipment sized to this calculation avoids the comfort and humidity problems caused by oversized or undersized systems.
• Step 2: System Selection. Based on the load calculation, we present system options matched to your home's needs. For most West Palm Beach homes, a heat pump paired with an air handler delivers both heating and cooling from a single system.
• Step 3: Permit Pulling. We pull all required permits before any work begins. Permitted work is inspected by a licensed building official, confirming the installation meets code. Unpermitted HVAC work creates complications at home sale and can affect insurance coverage.
• Step 4: Equipment Placement and Mounting. We position the heat pump with adequate airflow clearance, drainage, and service access, mounted on a leveled, anchored pad. Indoor air handler placement optimizes airflow distribution and condensate drainage.
• Step 5: Refrigerant Line Installation. We install properly sized and insulated refrigerant line sets per manufacturer specifications. Correctly sized, sealed lines maintain rated efficiency and reduce leak risk at connections.
• Step 6: Electrical Connection. We install the disconnect box, connect to the panel at the correct breaker size, and verify all wiring is within code and manufacturer specifications.
• Step 7: Thermostat Programming. We install and program your thermostat, including any smart thermostat features. A thermostat matched to your heat pump's staging and auxiliary heat settings is essential for both comfort and efficiency.
• Step 8: Startup Testing and Performance Verification. We start the system and run it through a complete heating and cooling cycle. All measurements are documented on a written installation report left with you and filed in your account record.

Barry G., a West Palm Beach homeowner, chose Hopkins for an AC replacement and described the full experience. He later shared:

"Can't recommend them enough for the whole process from the sales call to the install to the service and maintenance. From the get-go, they worked to get our business."

Performance Verification

Every heating installation includes a documented performance verification before we consider the job finished. We measure supply air temperature in heating mode and record the temperature rise across the air handler coil against the manufacturer's rated specification. A manifold gauge set verifies the refrigerant charge against factory specifications.

For systems with auxiliary heat strips, a non-contact thermometer confirms each strip is producing its rated output. All measurements are recorded on a written installation report, your baseline record for future maintenance and warranty purposes.

Why Professional Heating Installation Matters

An incorrectly sized or improperly installed heat pump creates problems that compound over time. An oversized system short-cycles and never dehumidifies properly. Elevated indoor humidity in Palm Beach County accelerates mold growth and degrades building materials. An undersized system runs continuously during cold snaps and still falls short of the setpoint.

A system that fails in January requires emergency scheduling, limiting your equipment options for days. The U.S. Department of Energy and ENERGY STAR recognize modern heat pumps as among the highest-efficiency heating technologies available. Our heating repair service covers the diagnostic steps to determine whether your current system still has useful life remaining.

Why Choose Hopkins Air Conditioning

Hopkins Air Conditioning has been installing heating and cooling systems across West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County since 1988.

Our NATE certification and National Comfort Institute certification confirm technicians are tested in both installation and performance measurement.

We are a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer with an A+ BBB rating.

License CAC045866.

Deborah W., a West Palm Beach homeowner on a service contract with Hopkins for about four years, recently had a new AC system installed. She later shared:

"They just installed a new AC system for me, and once again, everything went perfectly. The technicians showed up right on time."

After installation, our maintenance agreement keeps your system on a regular tune-up schedule to protect the warranty. Learn more about our full heating services and how indoor air quality upgrades pair with a new installation.

Schedule Heating Installation in West Palm Beach Today

If your current heating system is aging, underperforming, or has failed, our team is ready to find the right replacement and complete a permitted, professional installation. We serve West Palm Beach and all of Palm Beach County, including Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Jupiter, Lake Worth Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and Wellington. Check our service areas for full coverage.

Schedule your consultation online. We will complete the Manual J load calculation and present system options and pricing before any commitment is made.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of heating system is best for a West Palm Beach home?

For the vast majority of Palm Beach County homes, a heat pump is the right choice. Heat pumps deliver 2 to 3 units of heat energy per unit of electricity, and South Florida's mild winters keep them in their peak efficiency range all season. The same system provides your home's cooling during the other 10 months of the year.

How long does a heating system installation take?

Most single-system replacements are completed in one day. Larger projects involving multi-zone systems or electrical panel upgrades may require additional time. We will give you a realistic timeline during the consultation.

Is a permit required for heating system installation in West Palm Beach?

Yes. Florida Building Code requires permits for all new HVAC installations, including heating system replacements. We pull all required permits before work begins and coordinate the inspection process.

What is a Manual J load calculation and why does it matter?

A Manual J load calculation is a standardized method for determining the exact heating and cooling load of a specific home, accounting for square footage, insulation, window area, orientation, and local climate data. Florida Building Code requires it before equipment can be selected. Skipping this step leads to systems that are too large or too small, causing real problems with comfort, humidity control, and equipment life.

Can I get financing for a new heating system installation?

Yes. We offer flexible financing options for qualifying homeowners, and qualifying systems are currently eligible for $1,500 off installation. Check our financing options and specials for current terms.

How do I know when to replace rather than repair my existing heating system?

Systems under 10 years old that require a single repair are generally worth fixing. Systems 15 years or older, with multiple compressor or refrigerant issues, or a failed compressor, are usually better candidates for replacement. Our technicians will walk you through both options honestly. Check our heating installation services for more on replacement options.