Are Heat Pumps a Good Fit for Sonoma County Homes?
Mild winters and warm summers make Sonoma County a good place for heat pumps. Here's what to know before replacing a furnace and AC with one.
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A heat pump heats in winter and cools in summer, replacing both a furnace and an air conditioner.
Mild winters help
Winter mornings can be chilly, but long hard freezes are uncommon, so heat pumps can usually carry the heating on their own.
Ducted or ductless
Homes with ducts can use a ducted heat pump; older homes without ducts can use ductless heads.
Electrical panel
Older homes may need a panel upgrade or new circuit. Get this checked early in the planning.
Permits and testing
Most installations need a permit, and duct testing is often required when equipment changes.
Running costs
Costs depend on electricity and gas rates and system efficiency. Ask for an estimate for your home.
Comfort
Variable-speed heat pumps run quietly and keep temperatures steadier through the day's swings.
Upkeep
Keep the outdoor unit clear, change filters and book yearly checks.
Get a quote
See heat pumps.
Questions to ask
How will the system handle the coldest mornings? Does the price include duct testing and sealing? Will my panel need work? What warranty comes with the equipment and the installation?
Backup heat
Many heat pumps include small electric heat strips for backup. Ask how often they're likely to run in your home, since they cost more to use than the heat pump itself.
Rebates
State and utility rebates for heat pumps change often. Check what's current before you sign, and ask the contractor whether the model you're quoted qualifies.
Outdoor unit placement
Place the outdoor unit where it has clear airflow, away from bedroom windows and dryer vents, and where dry grass and leaves won't pile up against it in summer and fall.
More heating and cooling guides
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