Energy Efficiency Central Heat Pumps

Effective Winter and Summer

Did you know a high- efficiency electric heat pump costs about half as much to run as an ordinary gas furnace? Because when the weather is warm, it can keep your home cool and comfortable. When it's cold out, it circulates warm air evenly throughout the house.

Although PG&E does not offer a rebate for central heat pumps, we want our customers to be smart consumers when it comes to buying the right heat pump for their homes.

Start With Duct Testing

Have your ducts tested anytime you install a heating, ventilation or air conditioning (HVAC) product and during your annual HVAC service.

You could be wasting anywhere from 10 to 30 percent of the heated and cooled air in your home because of leaky ducts. That means you're paying to heat a basement or crawl space instead of your living space. Properly sized, installed, and sealed ductwork will make your HVAC system significantly more efficient, and your home more comfortable. See Why is Duct Testing Important? (PDF, 413 KB)

Buyer's Guide

Selecting a Contractor

Always use a qualified C-20 contractor or technician to install and service your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment.
Be sure that your contractor applies for and receives a final inspection on your HVAC installation permits.
Some new HVAC systems may be subject to mandatory duct sealing requirements under the October 2005 Title 24 California Building Code provisions in certain climate zones. A licensed C20 contractor can help determine if your system falls under this code requirement.

Smart Consumer's Tip
Consult a few contractors and get a few proposals for your central heat pump project. Call the Contractors State License Board at 1-800-321-CSLB or visit www.cslb.ca.gov to confirm your contractor's license status or for a licensed contractor in your area.

Refrigerant Check-Up

A system refrigerant check up is a recommended service that should be performed when the equipment is first installed and during annual system check-ups.

Smart Consumer's Tip
A refrigerant tune up should be conducted if the system check indicates that one is needed. Once the system has been properly charged with refrigerant and has good airflow across the indoor coil, and assuming there is no damage to the duct system, only basic service such as changing filters and cleaning the outdoor unit annually should be needed to maintain the system operation at peak performance levels.

The table below can help you and your contractor to determine which product is best suited for your home or business:

Tier	SEER	EER	HSPF	RATING	TXV
ENERGY STAR	14.5 Split 14 Package	12 Split 11 Package	8.2 Split 8 Package	Good	Required in CA
CEE Tier 1	14.5 Split 14 Package	12 Split 11 Package	8.5 Split 8 Package	Good	Required in CA
CEE Tier 2	15 or higher Split 14 or higher Package	12.5 or higher Split 12 or higher Package	8.5 or higher Split 8 or higher Package	Best	Required in CA
CEE Tier 2	15 or higher	13 or higher	9 or higher	Qualifies for Federal Tax Credit	Required in CA
Geothermal	—	EER- 13.0 COP-4.0	—	Best Qualifies for Federal Tax Credit	Required in CA

SEER: Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio
EER: Energy Efficiency Ratio
HSPF: Heating Season Performance Factor
TXV: Thermal Expansion Valve
COP: Coefficient of Performance

For assistance, call our Smarter Energy Line (SEL) at 1-800-933-9555

Get More Information

A Guide to Energy Efficient Cooling and Heating
Air Conditioner Refrigerant Charge and Airflow (PDF, 193 KB) —Technical Sheet
DIY Guide to Home Sealing
Duct Testing: Why is it Important? (PDF, 413 KB) —Technical Sheet
Ten Tips for Keeping Cool: consumer tips for keeping cool while saving energy, money and the environment
Tips for Selecting a Cooling Contractor
What is HVAC System Sizing? (PDF, 164 KB)

Pacific Gas & Electric - PG&E