Discover the potential cost-savings with high-efficiency electric heat pumps

High-efficiency electric heat pumps cost about half as much to run as ordinary gas furnaces. When the weather is warm, a heat pump can keep your home cool and comfortable. When it's cold outside, the pump circulates warm air evenly throughout the house.


PG&E doesn’t offer a rebate for central heat pumps. However, we want to provide insight for when you’re selecting the right heat pump for your home.

Follow these steps to select your heat pump

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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.

Leaky ducts can waste from 10 to 30 percent of the heated and cooled air in your home. Properly sized, installed and sealed ductwork can make your HVAC system much more efficient, and help ensure that your home stays comfortable.

Learn more about duct testing. Download Duct Testing (PDF, 423 KB).

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View our buyer's guide

Discover our tips for buying and installing energy-efficient central heat pumps.

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Select a contractor

Use the following guidelines when looking for a contractor:

  • Use a qualified C-20 contractor or technician to install your HVAC equipment.
  • Ensure that your contractor applies for and receives a final inspection on your HVAC installation permits.
  • Meet the mandatory duct sealing requirements for your new HVAC system. The requirements are listed in the October 2005 Title 24 California Building Code provisions by climate zones. A licensed C20 contractor can help determine whether your system must meet the requirements.

PLEASE NOTE: Consult a few contractors and get a few proposals for your central heat pump project. Call the Contractors State License Board at 1-800-321-2752 or consult the Board’s website to confirm your contractor's license status or for a licensed contractor in your area. Visit Contractors State License Board.

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Perform a refrigerant checkup

A system refrigerant checkup is a recommended service that can be performed when the equipment is first installed and during annual system checkups.

NOTE: A refrigerant tune-up can be conducted if the system check indicates that one is needed.

The tune-up can help ensure the following:

  • The system is properly charged with refrigerant.
  • The indoor coil has access to good airflow.
  • The duct system isn’t damaged.

Only basic service needs such as changing filters and cleaning the outdoor unit are required annually to maintain system operation at peak performance levels.

Use the table to determine the best product for you

The table in this section can help you and your contractor to determine which product is best suited for your home or business.

First, learn the basic terms:

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

View the following table with your contractor to decide on the best product for your project:

TierSEEREER HSPF Rating - TXV

ENERGY STAR

14.5 Split
14 Package

12 Split
11 Package

8.2 Split
8 Package

CEE Tier 1

14.5 Split
14 Package

12 Split
11 Package

8.5 Split
* 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

15 or higher

13 or higher

9 or higher

Qualifies for Federal Tax Credit

Geothermal

-

EER – 13.0
COP – 4.0

Best Qualifies for Federal Tax Credit - Required in CA

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