How Long Do Heat Pump Installations Take?

Heat pump installation timelines can vary significantly, extending far beyond the actual onsite work. While many consider only the physical installation period, other factors such as permitting processes, equipment availability, and shipping delays often contribute to prolonged project durations. These offsite elements can add weeks or even months to the overall timeline, especially in commercial and multifamily building contexts where data remains limited. Insights from TECH Clean California’s database reveal that installation durations range widely, from as little as one day to nearly a year. However, the data lacks clarity on what precisely defines the installation period, as contractors typically report only the start and end dates without detailing the causes of delays. This ambiguity makes it difficult to pinpoint whether extended timelines result from logistical challenges, regulatory hurdles, or other factors. To address this knowledge gap, the New Buildings Institute is conducting a survey aimed at gathering more detailed information on heat pump installation experiences. The survey targets those involved with installing various systems such as mini splits, rooftop units, window units, and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems. The results, expected in the coming weeks, will provide a clearer understanding of installation timelines and help identify common bottlenecks. This initiative highlights the growing need for comprehensive data to improve planning and execution in the heat pump sector. With the increasing adoption of electric heating solutions, understanding the full scope of installation challenges is crucial for accelerating deployment and ensuring smoother transitions to cleaner energy systems. Stakeholders and contractors are encouraged to contribute their experiences to support this effort.