Why 2024 Is the Year to Upgrade to a Heat Pump in CA

Heat Pumps

You may only need to upgrade your home heating and cooling system a few times in your lifetime, but with the right timing, you can save money, increase your home’s comfort, and lower your home’s carbon footprint—all at the same time!

Heat pumps bring high-efficiency heating and cooling to homes and buildings throughout California and are a crucial electrification upgrade. If you plan to replace your heating and cooling system in 2024, installing a heat pump is a smart move. 

Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of heat pump installation in California. 

Heat Pumps are Ideal for California’s Climate 

Heat pumps don’t just work well in California—the environment is perfect for them. 

Most of California’s climate is moderate, which is the ideal climate for heat pumps. That’s because heat pumps work by moving heat from one place to another, rather than creating heat the way a furnace does. In the summer, a heat pump will transfer heat out of your home to keep it cool; and, during the winter, it will transfer heat into your home to increase the temperature. 

The more moderate the temperature outside, the easier it is for a heat pump to collect and transfer heat. Although heat pump technology has made significant advancements, heat pumps aren’t as efficient when it gets too cold outside. Since most of California experiences mild winters, heat pumps work extraordinarily well here. 

Benefits of Heat Pump Installation in California 

Heat pumps have many benefits that make them the best type of heating and cooling system for California homes. 

  • Energy Efficiency: Heat pumps are known for their energy efficiency, especially when compared to traditional heating methods like furnaces. This can lead to lower energy usage and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. 
  • Heating and cooling: Heat pumps are not just for heating! They also provide energy efficient air conditioning. This dual functionality makes them a great option for California, where reliable heating and cooling are needed to stay comfortable throughout the year. 
  • Flexible options: There are many types of heat pump HVAC systems available, including ducted heat pump systems and ductless mini split heat pump systems, providing flexibility for different needs and property types.
  • Environmental regulations: California has ambitious carbon reduction goals and will ban the sale of new gas furnaces and water heaters in 2030. Upgrading to a heat pump now will prepare you for the clean energy future California is moving toward. 
  • Heat pump incentives: Heat pumps qualify for tax credits and incentives that make them an affordable option for heating and cooling.

California Heat Pump Incentives for 2024 

Heat pump rebates and incentives are a big reason why heat pumps are worth it in California. There are several incentives for heat pump installation in California in 2024—here are some of the best. 

Federal Heat Pump Tax Credit 

When the Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law in 2022, it increased incentives for homeowners looking to make eco-friendly upgrades to their homes, including the energy efficient home improvement tax credit, aka the heat pump tax credit. The heat pump tax credit is worth 30% of your heat pump installation costs, up to $2,000. 

TECH Clean California Heat Pump Rebates 

TECH Clean California offers generous rebates for heat pump space heating and water heating. With TECH Clean California rebates, you can save $1,000 on a new heat pump HVAC system, with up to two incentivized systems per home for a total of $2,000 when replacing a gas appliance. TECH Clean California also offers heat pump water heater rebates, and you can save up to $5,100 total on space and water heating upgrades with these rebates! 

California Utility Heat Pump Incentives

Many utility companies also offer savings when upgrading to energy-efficient equipment like heat pumps. Incentives range from hundreds of dollars to thousands for heat pump installation. For example, the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power offers an incentive of $100 per ton, SMUD offers up to $3,000 for heat pump HVAC replacement, and Roseville Electric offers a $350 incentive for ductless mini-split installation. Search for incentives by zip code using The Switch Is On rebate finder.

Find A Heat Pump Installer Near You in California With The Clean Energy Connection

If you’re looking for a trusted California heat pump company to help you upgrade to a heat pump heating and cooling system this year, the Clean Energy Connection makes it easy.

Contractors in our directory have passed a thorough vetting process, including license verification and reference checks, and we perform ongoing customer satisfaction surveys. You can sort contractors by name, location, services offered, and even locally available incentives and rebates. Comparing all of the different companies and available incentives in California can be difficult on your own–if not downright overwhelming. So, if you’re looking for an installer for a heat pump HVAC system, turn to the Clean Energy Connection to simplify the process.

Upgrade to a heat pump in 2024!