Dover NH Heat Pump Installer: How to Choose One

Estimated Read Time: 9 minutes

Choosing the right professional for a heat pump install is the difference between quiet, efficient comfort and costly callbacks. If you’re searching for a heat pump installer near me in Southern NH, use this guide to compare credentials, pricing, and warranties with confidence. We’ll highlight what matters, common red flags, and how to protect your investment. Bonus: limited‑time savings on installs inside.

Why the installer matters more than the box

A heat pump’s performance depends on design, installation quality, and setup. A poorly sized or commissioned system wastes energy, runs loud, and shortens equipment life. In Southern NH, where winter lows bite and summers spike humidity, you need a system that’s selected and tuned for our climate and your home’s envelope.

A competent installer will evaluate your insulation, windows, doors, and ducts before recommending equipment. They will document the math, pull permits, and verify performance after startup. That diligence is what delivers year‑round comfort and steady utility bills.

“Paul the Plumber installed our AC mini split system two years ago and we have been very happy with every aspect of the job.”
–Homeowner review

10 criteria to evaluate any heat pump installer

1. Licensing and insurance
2. • Active state licensing, liability, and workers’ comp. Ask for proof.
2. Load calculation and design
3. • Demand a room‑by‑room Manual J load calculation and duct design (if applicable). No square‑footage guesses.
3. Brand breadth and match
4. • Multiple trusted brands and models so your home gets the right fit, not the only one they carry.
4. Transparent, written proposal
5. • Itemized scope, model numbers, accessories, permit fees, and any electrical upgrades.
5. Commissioning process
6. • Startup checklist, refrigerant charge verification, airflow measurement, and control programming.
6. Warranty clarity
7. • Parts and labor terms in writing. Know who handles warranty claims and response times.
7. References and reviews
8. • Recent local installs you can verify. Look for consistent praise on communication and cleanliness.
8. Maintenance and support
9. • Tune‑up plans, filter schedules, and service response time in peak season.
9. Safety and cleanliness
10. • Shoe covers, drop cloths, and background‑checked techs. Respect for your home signals respect for the craft.
10. Price‑value balance
11. • Lowest bid often cuts corners. Compare scope, warranty, and aftercare, not price alone.

“Technicians don’t enter your home without first putting on plastic booties… First class company.”
–Homeowner review

Licensing, permits, and code compliance in New Hampshire

Legitimate contractors handle permit applications with your city or town and schedule inspections when required. Expect them to follow manufacturer specs and local mechanical and electrical codes. Ask who is named on the permit and when inspection is scheduled. If the installer asks you to pull the permit or suggests skipping it, walk away.

In cities like Manchester, Nashua, Dover, and Portsmouth, inspections verify safe electrical work, proper clearances, and correct refrigerant handling. A competent installer will welcome this step and include fees in your proposal.

Proper sizing: the Manual J non‑negotiable

Right‑sizing prevents cold spots and short cycling. Your installer should:

• Measure windows, orientation, insulation levels, and air leakage factors.
• Run a room‑by‑room Manual J load calculation.
• Size ductwork or select head units based on airflow and static pressure, not square footage alone.

They should explain why a certain tonnage or indoor head layout was chosen and provide documentation. If you never see the math, assume it was never done.

Ducted vs. ductless vs. hybrid: choosing the right approach

• Ductless mini‑splits
• • Ideal for additions, homes without ducts, or targeted zoning. Quiet, efficient, and flexible.
• Ducted air handlers
• • Best when you already have quality ducts or want a whole‑home solution behind the scenes.
• Hybrid solutions
• • Mix ducted for main areas with ductless heads for problem rooms or finished basements.

A competent installer will show you two or three design options with pros, cons, and cost differences, then steer you to the best fit for your home and budget.

“They installed a four unit mini‑split system… professional, friendly, and helpful.”
–Homeowner review

What a professional proposal should include

Expect a clear, no‑surprises document:

• Exact equipment: brand, model numbers, efficiency ratings.
• Scope of work: line‑sets, pad, snow stands, drain, wall penetrations, condensate pump, and electrical.
• Comfort controls: smart thermostat, zoning, set‑back strategy.
• Permits and inspections: who files and pays.
• Warranty terms: parts and labor duration, exclusions.
• Timeline: start date, duration, and cleanup standards.
• Price: upfront, with financing options if available.

Paul The Plumber provides upfront pricing so you know the total before work begins. Transparent proposals reduce change orders and keep projects on schedule.

Commissioning: the day‑one performance checklist

Quality installers verify the following at startup:

• Refrigerant charge and subcool/superheat within manufacturer specs.
• Airflow set for each zone or head, static pressure validated on ducted systems.
• Controls and thermostat configuration for heat pump logic, lockouts, and defrost.
• Leak check, vacuum levels, and line‑set integrity.
• Owner orientation on filter changes, set points, and maintenance schedules.

Ask for a commissioning sheet signed by the lead tech. It is your proof the system was tuned, not just powered on.

Warranties and protection you should expect

Two questions matter: how long and who stands behind it. With Paul The Plumber, all heat pump installations include a 2‑year parts and labor warranty, with a 3‑year parts and labor warranty for club members through Paul’s Promise Plan. Strong coverage is a sign the installer uses high‑quality parts and stands by their work.

Also ask how warranty calls are prioritized. Members typically receive priority scheduling, which is critical during a cold snap when demand surges.

Maintenance plans and long‑term care

Heat pumps are reliable when maintained. A strong plan should include:

• Thorough inspection for emerging issues.
• Cleaning and lubrication of moving parts.
• Electrical checks and refrigerant level testing.
• Filter replacement and IAQ recommendations.
• Personalized guidance to optimize performance.

Paul The Plumber’s maintenance program delivers priority scheduling, discounted repairs, and peace of mind that licensed pros are watching over your system.

“Wonderful experience… helpful tips on maintaining your system. Appointment texts and updates were immediate.”
–Homeowner review

Red flags to avoid

• No Manual J or site visit before quoting.
• Vague proposal without model numbers or scope details.
• Requests for cash or large deposits with no written contract.
• Reluctance to discuss permits or inspection.
• One‑brand pressure without alternatives.
• No labor warranty or only manufacturer parts warranty.

If you see two or more of these, keep shopping.

Local proof that matters in Southern NH

Experience in our region means smarter system selection and winter‑ready installations. Paul The Plumber is family‑owned and has served Southern NH, the Seacoast, and the Greater Concord area for over 22 years. We are BBB A+ rated with thousands of verified 5‑star reviews. Our licensed and background‑checked technicians use modern tools and high‑quality replacement parts to ensure lasting repairs and reliable installs.

We regularly serve homeowners in Manchester, Nashua, Concord, Derry, Salem, Merrimack, Londonderry, Hudson, Portsmouth, and Dover.

How Paul The Plumber approaches heat pump installs

• Options first
• • We offer a range of high‑quality heat pumps from trusted brands to match your goals and budget.
• Expert installation
• • Skilled, licensed techs follow manufacturer specs and local codes. Clean, respectful work with shoe covers and daily updates.
• Upfront pricing
• • Transparent, all‑in proposals with financing options.
• Protection and perks
• • 2‑year parts and labor warranty on installs, extended to 3 years for club members. Paul’s Promise Plan adds priority service and exclusive savings.
• Full lifecycle care
• • Repair, diagnostics, and maintenance to keep your system efficient for years.

When you compare on design, commissioning, warranty, and service, you can choose with confidence.

Special Offer: Save $100 on Heat Pump Installs

Save $100 on your new heat pump installation. Valid on standard pricing only. Not combinable with other offers. Limit one per household. Must be mentioned at booking and presented before work begins. Expires 2026-02-04.

Call (603) 541-7986 or schedule at https://www.paultheplumbernh.com/ to lock in your savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need multiple quotes before choosing an installer?

Two or three quotes help you compare scope, warranty, and commissioning. Focus on documented design and startup steps, not just the lowest price.

What efficiency ratings should I look for?

Compare SEER2 for cooling and HSPF2 for heating. Higher numbers mean better efficiency. Match ratings to your climate, budget, and comfort goals.

Do I need a permit for a heat pump in Southern NH?

In many cities like Manchester and Nashua, permits and inspections are required. Your installer should handle filings and schedule inspections.

How long does a heat pump installation take?

Most single‑zone ductless installs take a day. Multi‑zone or ducted systems typically take 1 to 3 days, depending on electrical and ductwork.

How long will my heat pump last?

With proper sizing and maintenance, many systems last 12 to 15 years. Harsh conditions or poor installation can shorten lifespan.

Bottom line

The right installer designs, commissions, and stands behind the work. Prioritize documented load calculations, clear proposals, and strong labor warranties. If you are comparing a heat pump installer near me in Southern NH, choose a partner with proven reviews, BBB A+ accreditation, and local permitting know‑how.

Ready for comfort done right?

Call Paul The Plumber at (603) 541-7986 or schedule at https://www.paultheplumbernh.com/. Mention $100 OFF HEAT PUMP INSTALLS before 2026-02-04 to save on your project. Get upfront pricing, a 2‑year parts and labor warranty, and priority service with Paul’s Promise Plan.

About Paul The Plumber

For 22+ years, Paul The Plumber has helped Southern NH, the Seacoast, and Greater Concord stay comfortable with honest advice and upfront pricing. We’re BBB A+ rated and backed by thousands of verified 5‑star reviews. Our licensed, background‑checked technicians install and service leading heat pump brands. Every heat pump install includes a 2‑year parts and labor warranty, or 3 years for club members through Paul’s Promise Plan. Expect modern tools, high‑quality parts, and a job done right the first time.