Mitsubishi Ducted Heat Pump/Air Handler Case Study

Project Summary

Project Type

Ducted Heat Pump/Air Handler Install

Location

Novato, California

Duration

3 days install completed by 2 HVAC installers and 1 electrician.

Services Provided

Ducted Heat Pump and Air Handler Install
Gas Furnace Removal
Refurbished Ducts in Crawl Space
Cut Additional Supply Duct

The Challenge

The pool house in Novato was heated by an aging gas furnace that needed replacement. The homeowner wanted to transition to a modern, energy-efficient electric heating and cooling solution in Marin County that would provide year-round comfort while eliminating reliance on natural gas.

The Solution

Our team designed and installed a complete Mitsubishi ducted heat pump system, replacing the existing downflow gas furnace with a 2.5-ton electric heat pump and air handler. The project included:

Project Scope & Key Components

Equipement Installed:
- Mitsubishi SUZ-KA30 outdoor heat pump unit
- Mitsubishi SVZ-KP30 ducted air handler
- MHK2 wall-mounted thermostat
- Healthy Climate MERV 11 filter cabinet
Scope of Work:
- Secured mechanical permit for all work
- Removed and recycled existing gas furnace
- Capped gas line safely per code requirements
- Refurbished existing ductwork in crawl space, ensuring proper support and sealing
- Cut in one additional supply duct with wire-flex to kitchen floor, installed new boot and register to match existing hardwood flooring
- Modified and sealed plenum to accommodate new air handler
- Installed new condensate drain line and trap to exterior
- Installed pre-fabricated foam/concrete pad for outdoor unit
- Ran new copper line-set between indoor and outdoor units with channel guard protection
- Performed pressure testing and nitrogen purge of refrigerant lines
- Installed new 240V dedicated electrical circuit with fused disconnect
- Charged system with R410A refrigerant
- Completed full system startup, calibration, and air balance testing

The Results

The three-day installation was completed by a two-person HVAC crew and one licensed electrician. The homeowner now enjoys efficient heating and cooling throughout the pool house with improved air filtration and significantly reduced energy costs. The modern Mitsubishi system provides quiet operation and precise temperature control, while eliminating the need for natural gas service to the building.

Photo Highlights

This Novato pool house required a complete HVAC system conversion from an outdated gas furnace to a modern Mitsubishi ducted heat pump. Our team removed the existing equipment, refurbished the crawl space ductwork, and installed a 2.5-ton Mitsubishi system with both heating and cooling capabilities. The project included running new refrigerant lines, upgrading electrical service to 240V, and adding an additional supply duct to improve airflow in the kitchen. We installed a Healthy Climate MERV 11 filter cabinet for enhanced indoor air quality and a new MHK2 thermostat for precise temperature control. The three-day installation transformed this 1,000 square foot space into an energy-efficient, comfortable environment with year-round climate control.

Side View of Installed Mitsubishi Ducted Heat Pump/Air Handler

Front View of Installed Mitsubishi Ducted Heat Pump/Air Handler

Installed Mitsubishi Electric Air Handler Unit

Installed Mitsubishi Air Handler in Closet

Proposed Ducted Heat Pump/Air Handler Installation Layout

System Benefits & performance Impact

The new Mitsubishi heat pump system delivers significant energy savings compared to the old gas furnace while providing both heating and cooling for year-round comfort in the pool house. The installation eliminates monthly natural gas costs and combustion emissions, creating a cleaner, more environmentally friendly solution that aligns with California’s energy efficiency goals. Enhanced indoor air quality comes from the MERV 11 filtration system and properly sealed ductwork that prevents crawl space contamination. The modern equipment operates quietly and reliably with precise temperature control through the new MHK2 thermostat, while the improved duct design ensures better airflow throughout the space. This upgrade not only reduces operating costs and improves comfort but also increases the property value with future-proof, all-electric infrastructure.

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Staffan Lofgren

Cody was very professional and friendly. Bellows is the best HVAC installer we have encountered.

Cas Ellena

Bellows was great, thank you for coming so fast and fixing the problem!

Bacchus Ridge

Zach did a fantastic and determined job of conquering our leak from under our crawlspace. Bellows sent someone an hour after I called with a leak report, although it was the end of the day. He diagnosed the issue, got cold water working, and was back the next day with the parts for the hot. Great attitude and fabulous service. Thanks, team bellows!

Jason Barraca

I received great service for my water heater. Nate was very professional and thorough.

Tom Larter

Bellows is outstanding. Best communication and the techs are amazing. Polite and always stay until the Job is done. Scottie is our hero. He is so helpful, polite and fixes every thing we need. We have used Bellows for out home for the last 14 years and never had anything other than 6 star service.

Mark Scofield

I give high praise to Bellows for performing three different jobs in succession. First, after being called to have a look, a Bellows troubleshooter recommended we replace our 40-year-old central furnace. We opted to respect his professional judgement. A two-man crew came and got the job done efficiently and with little disturbance. We asked for someone to have a look at our equally old shower valve. A man came to estimate the job then returned to replace it another day. Perfect! We love that we no longer wrestle with the old valve. Last, we asked that someone come to look at our home lighting. A man came to help us formulate a plan. Another two-man crew came and began work. We discussed our needs and minor changes were made to improve our environment further. In every case, we were treated courteously. When they requested permission to make changes, they were forthright and benefitted our environment. A sticking point to me, a retired craftsman, is cleanliness. Every person entering our home was professionally neat and left not the slightest dust for us after they left. I am impressed. Overall, my wife and I spoke with many people from Bellows both in person and on the phone. We would like to stress our perception that in every case, we felt we were working with a family business. That is, we were addressed courteously, and as friends, not simply clients. A few weeks on and we still marvel that we waited so long to do this work. As you see, we're glad we chose Bellows. Thanks!