Kato Electrical 2026 Guide: Is Your Home’s Electrical System Ready for a Heat Pump?
As heat pumps continue to become the most efficient heating and cooling option in 2026, many homeowners are making the switch.
But at Kato Electrical, we see one problem over and over again:
The heat pump is ready — but the home’s electrical system isn’t.
Before you schedule your installation, here’s what you need to know to ensure your panel, circuits, and wiring are fully prepared.
Why Electrical Compatibility Matters
Heat pumps are efficient, quiet, and low-cost to operate — but they still require substantial electrical power to run compressors, fans, and (if included) backup heat strips.
At Kato Electrical, we often see issues such as: Undersized electrical panels; Outdated wiring; No dedicated circuit for the heat pump; No required outdoor disconnect; Insufficient capacity for auxiliary heating elements
A proper electrical assessment prevents surprises and ensures your new system runs safely and efficiently.
⚡ Can Your Electrical Panel Handle a Heat Pump?
A heat pump typically needs 25–60 amps, and if your home already has high-load appliances (EV charger, range, water heater, dryer), your panel may be at its limit.
Typical Compatibility Guide
Panel Size Heat Pump Ready?
60A ❌ No — upgrade required
100A ⚠️ Maybe — depends on load
150A ✔️ Usually compatible
200A ✔️ Fully compatible
Kato Electrical provides full load calculations to determine exactly what your home can handle according to code.
Common Electrical Upgrades for Heat Pump Installs
When we prepare homes for heat pumps, these are the upgrades we perform most often:
✔️ Panel Upgrades (100A → 200A)
Ensures your home can handle new HVAC and future electrical loads.
✔️ Subpanel Installations
Useful if the main panel is full but capacity is adequate.
✔️ Dedicated Heat Pump Circuit
Required by electrical code for safe operation.
✔️ Wiring & Conduit Upgrades
Larger units require heavier gauge wire.
✔️ Outdoor Disconnect
Mandatory for technician safety and maintenance.
Our team handles all electrical work needed before HVAC installers arrive.
Don’t Overlook Backup Heat Strips
Heat pumps sometimes include auxiliary heat strips for extremely cold weather — but these can add 20–80 amps of additional load.
This is where many homes fail inspection. If you want heat strips and have an older panel, an upgrade may be required.
Kato Electrical can help you choose the right heat pump configuration to avoid unnecessary electrical work.
How Kato Electrical Helps Homeowners Prepare
When you schedule a heat pump readiness assessment, we:
Run a full load calculation
Check existing wiring and grounding
Evaluate breaker space and panel age
Identify required upgrades (if any)
Provide a clear fixed quote
You get a complete picture of what’s needed before HVAC work begins — no surprises.
⚡ Why Choose Kato Electrical?
Fully licensed and insured
Experience with heat pump + panel integration
Fast turnaround on panel upgrades
Clean, professional installations
Clear upfront pricing
Expert troubleshooting
Friendly, local service
Whether you’re upgrading an older home or preparing for a modern heat pump system, we ensure your electrical system is safe, compliant, and future-ready.
Final Thoughts
A heat pump is one of the best upgrades you can make in 2026 — but only if your electrical system can fully support it.
Kato Electrical makes the process seamless, handling everything from load calculations to panel upgrades so your installation goes smoothly.