Are you considering installing a heat pump in your Bay Area home? Great choice! A heat pump offers significant benefits, including energy efficiency and tax incentives. Like any big appliance purchase, there are always important factors to consider. We’ve compiled a summary of benefits, considerations, and what to expect with your heat pump installation to help you feel confident in your choice. Read on to learn more.
Benefits of Installing a Heat Pump in California
Heat pumps offer many benefits to California homeowners because of the Mediterranean-type climate, which rarely sees below-freezing temperatures.
Dual duty operation
Heat pumps cool and heat depending on the time of year and your needs, so you only need one system instead of a furnace and an AC system.
Reduced energy costs
Heat pumps are energy efficient and can help save you money on utility bills. Look for a model with a SEER of 18 or higher to enjoy the benefits of a high-efficiency machine. The minimum rating in California is 15.
Lower maintenance costs
With only one system to maintain and repair, you’ll save on service costs. With regular maintenance, your system can last up to 15 years.
Improved air quality
Heat pumps use a filter to clean the air before circulating it through your home, improving the overall air quality. Change your filter about every three months to enjoy fresher, cleaner air.
Considerations Before Installing a Heat Pump
While a heat pump is an energy-efficient option for many South Bay homes, it’s important to understand whether it’s a good option for yours. Before installing a heat pump, consider these factors.
Maintenance costs
Heat pumps are energy efficient but require regular maintenance to ensure optimum performance. With seasonal maintenance, you can enjoy year-round energy efficiency climate control.
Ductwork and vents
A whole-house heat pump relies on ductwork and vents to distribute the warm and cool air throughout your home. In many cases, if you already have ductwork, it can be a simple switch or may require retrofitting and a few upgrades. If you don’t have existing ductwork, you’ll need it installed. That can add to the overall installation cost and you may lose ceiling height during the installation.
Zoning and smart thermostats
With a smart thermostat, you can establish zones to maximize efficiency, pushing more or less air to specific locations in your home. Without set zones, the air temperature can change by the time it reaches the farthest areas of the duct system.
Heat Pump Installation Process
The heat pump installation process at Calvey Heating and Air includes an assessment of your home and current unit. Our designs consider layout, ductwork, and insulation. Your system may require new ductwork or a retrofit solution to ensure even air distribution. We can also provide duct cleaning services using our Rotobrush system if required. Duct cleaning removes dust, pollen, hair, and other allergens, improving indoor air quality.
We know home system improvements can be disruptive to your daily life. The certified and insured HVAC technicians at Calvey Heating and Air work quickly and efficiently to install the new system. We treat you and your home like family and can even help with the permit process, if one is needed. Once installed, we’ll test and calibrate the system to meet your home’s needs. We’ll clean up after the installation and safely dispose of the old unit.
Heat Pump Rebates Available for California Residents
California residents may qualify for state and utility company heat pump rebates. These include a statewide rebate of up to $1000 and potential utility rebates ranging from $100 to $3000 per household.
Tax Credits for Heat Pump Installation
The federal government is currently offering tax credits for heat pump installations. Until 2032, you can apply tax credits to incentivize energy-efficient home upgrades. You may be entitled to up to $2000 in tax credits for installing a heat pump with a SEER of 15 or higher. Get an additional $1200 for updating your windows, doors, water heater, and insulation.
Selecting the Right Heat Pump for Your Home
The right heat pump for your home will keep up with your climate control needs while operating efficiently. Choose between a mini-split for smaller spaces that can’t spare the space for ducts and vents or a central-air heat pump.
In addition to type, the size of the unit makes a big difference in your system’s service life and efficiency. A small unit offers a lower upfront cost but is more likely to overwork to meet your demands, leading to increased costly repairs and a shorter service life. Overcompensating with a large unit can cost you more to operate.
We’ll work with you to select the right heat pump for your home’s needs, and all our work includes an 18-month warranty.
Maintaining Your Heat Pump
With regular maintenance, your heat pump can provide up to 15 years of interior climate control. Our seasonal tune-ups include:
- A complete inspection of your system
- Electrical component testing
- Air filter replacement, if necessary
- Lubrication of moving parts
- Interior and exterior component cleaning
- Drain pan cleaning and inspection
Between tune-ups, help to keep your system operating smoothly by:
- Replacing the air filter: Change the air filter every three months and after periods of prolonged poor air quality, such as wildfire season.
- Clearing the area: Clear the area around the indoor and outdoor unit to prevent dirt and debris build-up, which leads to undue wear.
- Cleaning the condenser fin: Clean the condenser fin using a soft cloth and soapy water. If any fins are bent, gently bend them back into place. Clean fins assist in airflow.
Choose Calvey for Heat Pump Installation in CA
When you need heat pump installation services in California, choose Calvey Heating and Air. Family-owned and operated, we serve San Jose and the greater Bay Area. We pride ourselves on our quality service and honest business practices. Contact us today for more information about our heat pump installation process or to schedule service.