Replacing your furnace or AC: is a heat pump right for you?
Updated 2026-10-20
Silicon Valley's mild climate is a good fit for heat pumps, which heat and cool with one system. Whatever you choose, insist on proper sizing, a permit and the required testing.
Repair or replace?
- Repair: the system is under 10–12 years old and the fix is a fraction of a new system.
- Replace: frequent breakdowns, an old AC, uneven temperatures or rising bills.
- If your AC is very old and your furnace is near the end too, replacing both with a heat pump can make sense.
Sizing matters
Bigger isn't better. An oversized system turns on and off constantly, wastes energy and leaves rooms uneven. Ask for a load calculation (often called a Manual J) based on your home, not just the size of the old unit.
Permits and California's energy code
Replacing heating or AC equipment needs a permit. California's energy code (Title 24) often requires duct testing and third-party verification when systems are changed. A contractor who skips the permit is a red flag.
Questions to ask
- Did you do a load calculation?
- Is the permit and any required testing in the price?
- What efficiency ratings and warranty come with this system?
- Are there heat pump rebates I qualify for right now?
- Do my ducts need sealing or replacement?
Ready for a heating and AC contractor?
Send one request with photos. A person at SVHN reads it and sends it to one local pro. Free for homeowners.
Questions
Do heat pumps work in Silicon Valley winters?
Yes. Modern heat pumps heat efficiently well below the temperatures the South Bay usually sees.
I smell gas near my furnace.
Leave the home and call PG&E or 911 from outside. Don't switch lights or appliances on or off.
Sources
- Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
- California Energy Commission — Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24)
General information, not legal advice. Rules change; check with your city or the agency linked above.