I’ve done a lot of installations in the Halifax area, and I’ve also been called in after other companies did theirs. There’s a short list of surprises that come up again and again — things customers weren’t told upfront that caused real headaches.
I’d rather just tell you now.
Electrical work is sometimes required. Most ductless heat pumps need a dedicated 240V circuit. In many homes, the panel has capacity and this is a straightforward addition. In others, the panel is full or undersized and needs an upgrade. This isn’t a reason not to get a heat pump — it just needs to be on the table before the quote, not discovered on install day when an electrician shows up hours after the main crew leaves. Any honest company will tell you this upfront after seeing your panel.
Refrigerant line placement matters. The line set runs from your indoor unit to the outdoor compressor. Where it goes on the exterior of your home — and how it’s covered — affects both aesthetics and longevity. Ask your installer where it’s going and how it’ll be protected before work starts.
Condensate drainage needs to go somewhere. Your indoor unit produces condensate (water). It needs a proper drain path. In some installs this is simple; in others it requires a small condensate pump. If this isn’t discussed beforehand, you can end up with a leak showing up months later.
The outdoor unit placement affects performance. It needs airflow, needs to be off the ground or protected from snow load, and shouldn’t be blocked by landscaping. In tight spaces this takes some planning.
None of these are big deals when they’re planned for. They only become problems when nobody talks about them first.
At Hemlock, I do a site visit before quoting every job. These things get addressed before the truck shows up — not after.
