Heat Pumps in Berkeley & the East Bay
Installation and repair for residential and commercial heat pump systems. Heating and cooling from one unit. CSLB #1146520.
What We Do
Heat Pump Installation & Repair
Aarvaks installs and services residential and commercial heat pump systems throughout Berkeley and the East Bay. Carrier, Bosch, and Mitsubishi installations. All brands repaired.
New Systems
Heat Pump Installation
We assess your home’s layout, existing ductwork, and load requirements before recommending a system.
Repairs
Heat Pump Repair
System not heating or cooling, ice on the outdoor unit, or unusual noises — we diagnose and repair all makes and models. Emergency heat pump service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Systems We Install
Heat Pump Systems for Every Application
We install Carrier, Bosch, and Mitsubishi. We repair any brand.
Ducted Air-Source Heat Pumps
The standard whole-home heat pump solution for homes with existing ductwork. Replaces both your furnace and central AC with a single efficient system. We install Carrier, Bosch, and Mitsubishi ducted systems.
Ductless Heat Pumps
Single-zone and multi-zone ductless mini-split heat pumps for homes without ductwork, room additions, and converted spaces. No duct modification required. We install Carrier, Bosch, and Mitsubishi ductless systems.
Heat Pump Water Heaters
An efficient alternative to traditional tank water heaters. Heat pump water heaters use the same refrigeration technology as air-source heat pumps to move heat rather than generate it — typically two to three times more efficient than electric resistance water heaters.
When to Call
Signs Your Heat Pump Needs Attention
Catching problems early prevents full system failures and extends equipment life.
- Blowing warm air in cooling mode — or cold air in heating mode; often a refrigerant, reversing valve, or airflow issue
- Frost or ice on the outdoor unit — in mild weather this signals a defrost cycle failure or refrigerant problem; shut the system off and call
- System runs constantly but can’t hold temperature — indicates a capacity, refrigerant, or duct issue
- Unusual noises — grinding, rattling, or squealing when the system starts or switches between heating and cooling
- Rising energy bills — heat pumps should be more efficient than gas heating; a sudden increase suggests a performance problem
- Short cycling — the system turns on and off rapidly without reaching the set temperature
- System over 15 years old with frequent repairs — a candidate for replacement
- No heating or cooling at all — call 510-848-5010 for 24/7 emergency service
Why Aarvaks
Nearly a Century of East Bay HVAC Service
Aarvaks has been in Berkeley since 1929. Owner Jason Hanson built his career at one of the East Bay’s most respected HVAC companies before acquiring Aarvaks in 2025, and brought his top technicians with him. Four of six technicians hold EPA 608 Universal certification. All installations include a 10-year limited parts warranty and 3-year labor warranty.
97
Years serving
Berkeley and the East Bay
4.9★
Average Google rating
BBB Accredited
10yr
Limited parts warranty
3yr labor, 5yr with maintenance plan
Transparent Pricing
What Heat Pump Service Costs
No surprise fees. We quote before we work. Diagnostic fee waived if we do the repair.
$17,000
Heat Pump Installation Starting
Single zone, residential
$6,500
Mini-Split Installation Starting
Single zone, ductless
$79
Residential Diagnostic
Waived if we do the repair
Heat pump installation starts at $17,000 for a single zone. Multi-zone systems and ductless configurations are priced based on zone count and scope. Commercial diagnostic is $189. Financing available.
What Customers Say About Aarvaks
★★★★★
“Aarvaks recently installed a Carrier heat pump unit and air handler and by far this has been one of the most professional and best experiences I’ve received from a top HVAC company. From the office to the install team everything was on point and I couldn’t have been any more impressed. Thanks to Jason the CEO and his Aarvaks team my home is so much more comfortable with my new heat pump system and I highly recommend Aarvaks for any HVAC needs.”
★★★★★
“Jason and his crew just completed installing a heat pump/AC system and we couldn’t be happier with the whole process. He was able to communicate all the options and guide us through the pros and cons of each. We got three bids and his was not only the best, but he caught something that the other companies had missed when surveying the job. Workers were friendly, knowledgeable and worked hard to finish the job in only 2 days. We are happy to recommend them and even though they just finished a couple of hours ago we already gave someone their name. Highly recommend.”
★★★★★
“Jason the owner of Aarvaks gave me an amazing estimate I could work with and explained to me how much money I’ll be saving from converting from gas to a full electric system. Jason was professional, punctual, and clearly very knowledgeable and the amazing installers who installed my new Bosch heat pump system were Jose, Rafa, and Orlando. Jose took the time to explain the system, answered all of our questions, and made sure everything was set up perfectly. The installation itself was smooth and efficient, and they left the workspace clean when they were done. Our new heat pump is already making a big improvement in comfort and efficiency. Highly recommend this company if you’re looking for reliable, high-quality HVAC work.”
Where We Work
Heat Pump Service Across the East Bay
Serving residential and commercial customers throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties.
Not sure if we cover your area? Call 510-848-5010.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does heat pump installation cost in Berkeley?
Heat pump installation at Aarvaks starts at $17,000 for a single-zone residential system. Multi-zone and whole-home systems are priced based on zone count, existing ductwork, and any electrical upgrades required. We provide a written quote before any work begins. Call 510-848-5010 or book online for a free estimate.
Do heat pumps work as well as a gas furnace for heating?
Yes, in Berkeley’s climate. A modern heat pump delivers efficient, comfortable heat at outdoor temperatures well below freezing — and the East Bay rarely approaches that threshold. Where gas furnaces have an edge is at sustained sub-20°F temperatures, which Berkeley simply does not see. For most East Bay homes, a heat pump heats just as effectively as a gas furnace while also cooling in summer and running on electricity rather than gas. For a side-by-side comparison, see our Heat Pump vs. Gas Furnace guide.
Do heat pumps work in cold weather?
Modern heat pumps are rated to operate efficiently down to 0°F or below. Berkeley’s coldest nights rarely drop below 40°F. At those temperatures, a cold-climate heat pump runs at full capacity with no loss in efficiency. The concern about heat pumps in cold weather applies to older systems in genuinely cold climates — not to current equipment installed in the Bay Area. For more on the Bay Area climate case, see Are Heat Pumps a Good Fit for the Bay Area?
Are heat pumps a good investment for California homeowners?
It depends on your home and the incentives available when you install. The federal 30% tax credit for heat pumps, up to $2,000, covered improvements made through December 31, 2025, so it does not apply to systems installed in 2026. Some local utilities offer heat pump rebates. MCE, for example, offers up to $400 per 500 square feet in communities it serves, such as El Cerrito and Richmond. We give you the numbers during the estimate. See current East Bay rebates.
Can a heat pump be installed in an apartment or condo?
Condo owners can typically install a ductless mini-split heat pump with HOA approval — no ductwork required. Renters need landlord authorization. Multi-family property owners can install ductless systems on a unit-by-unit basis or replace a central system with a ducted heat pump if the building’s ductwork supports it. Call 510-848-5010 and we can assess what’s feasible for your specific situation.
Can a heat pump fully replace both my furnace and AC?
Yes. A ducted air-source heat pump provides both heating and cooling from a single unit, replacing both your furnace and central AC. In Berkeley’s climate, a modern heat pump handles heating effectively without a backup heat strip in most conditions. For a side-by-side comparison, see our Heat Pump vs. Furnace guide.
What does heat pump repair cost?
The residential diagnostic fee is $79, waived if we do the repair. Repair costs vary by problem — a defrost board or reversing valve replacement costs differently than a refrigerant charge or capacitor. We provide a written quote before any repair work begins. Emergency service is available 24/7 at 510-848-5010. The commercial diagnostic fee is $189.
Do you install heat pump water heaters?
Yes. Heat pump water heaters use the same refrigeration technology as air-source heat pumps and can be two to three times more efficient than conventional electric-resistance water heaters, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Call 510-848-5010 to discuss whether a heat pump water heater is the right fit for your home.
Ready to Schedule Heat Pump Service?
Mon–Fri 8 am–4:30 pm for scheduled service. 24/7 for emergencies. Serving Berkeley and the East Bay since 1929.