Which equipment data matters?
Give the electrician the outdoor unit, indoor equipment, auxiliary heating and water-heating model information relevant to your project. Ask the HVAC contractor to identify the electrical requirements in the proposal.
- Different system configurations can produce different electrical demands even in similar homes.
Who coordinates HVAC and electrical scope?
Agree who supplies the equipment data, who installs the circuits and disconnects, and who obtains each applicable permit. The electrical contractor should document whether existing capacity is adequate and whether panel distribution changes or a utility service upgrade are needed.
- Do not leave the electrical allowance as an undefined line in a larger HVAC quote.
Could another planned appliance affect the answer?
Include an EV charger, induction range or electric water heater planned soon. PSE’s engineering intake specifically asks about appliances such as heat pumps and water heaters.
- A combined load review is more useful than separate sales conversations that each assume the other loads will remain unchanged.
How should programs and incentives be treated?
Verify current eligibility directly with the program administrator using the selected equipment and address. Do not count an unconfirmed rebate as a fixed reduction in the electrical contract.
- This site does not publish a universal incentive amount or promise that a heat pump always avoids or always requires a service upgrade.
What should the final handoff confirm?
Keep the selected HVAC equipment requirements with the electrical scope and final inspection record. Confirm which circuits and disconnects were installed and whether any planned later appliances were included in the capacity assessment.
- If the HVAC contractor substitutes equipment, have the electrical requirements checked before installation.
- An electrical design based on one heater or auxiliary-heat configuration cannot simply be assumed to cover a different system because both are sold under the heat-pump label.
Sources and scope
Primary-source research reviewed October 17, 2026 for heat pump electrical service: what to ask before installation. Code, utility standards and administrative guidance have different roles. Confirm current requirements for the project address.