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Pacific Northwest Electric Portland Metro Electricians

Portland, Oregon · Locally owned · Licensed, bonded & insured

Heat pump & A/C wiring in Portland

Switching to a heat pump or adding air conditioning? We handle the electrical side: the dedicated circuit, the outdoor disconnect, and a panel check so your new system runs without tripping breakers. We work right alongside your HVAC contractor.

Mon–Fri, 7:00 am – 5:30 pm · Emergency service when available

Ducted heat pump outdoor unit beside a home

30+ years

serving Portland-area homes

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and private electrical inspector

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Electrician wiring an outdoor disconnect for a heat pump

What we wire

Every system is wired to its nameplate and the manufacturer's instructions, so it runs efficiently and the warranty stays intact.

  • Dedicated 240-volt circuit sized to the outdoor unit
  • Outdoor disconnect within sight of the unit, with weatherproof conduit
  • Air handler and furnace circuits, including backup heat strips
  • Panel capacity check before the new system goes in
  • Whole-home surge protection to help protect the equipment's electronics
  • Permit pulled and a clear written quote up front

Systems we wire

Ducted heat pump outdoor unit beside a home

Ducted heat pumps

Whole-home heating and cooling through your existing ducts, often replacing an old furnace and A/C.

Ductless mini-split indoor unit on a wall

Ductless mini-splits

Great for homes without ducts, additions, ADUs, garages and shops. Single or multi-zone.

Central air conditioning condenser outside a home

Central A/C

New condensers and replacements, with a fresh disconnect and circuit sized to the new unit.

Before you buy

Is your panel ready for a heat pump?

A heat pump with backup heat strips is one of the largest loads in a home. Many Portland homes with 100-amp panels or fuse boxes don't have the room for it.

We check your panel first and tell you whether it's ready, needs a few changes, or needs a panel upgrade, before your HVAC install is scheduled.

Open Leviton breaker panel with new breakers

Heat pump & A/C FAQ

Have a different question? Call 503-583-8050.

Does a heat pump need its own circuit?

Yes. The outdoor unit needs a dedicated 240-volt circuit and a disconnect, and the indoor air handler often needs its own circuit too.

Do you install the heat pump itself?

We handle the electrical work and coordinate with your HVAC contractor, who sets and connects the equipment.

Can I reuse my old A/C circuit?

Sometimes, if it matches the new unit's requirements. We check the nameplate and the existing wire and breaker, and replace them if they don't match.

Can you wire a mini-split in an ADU, garage or shop?

Yes. We often add a circuit or subpanel for mini-splits in ADUs, garages and detached shops.

Switching to a heat pump?

Send a photo of your panel and the new unit's spec sheet, and we'll let you know what it needs.