Heat Pump (HVAC)
Also known as: Air-source heat pumpASHPmini-splitducted heat pumpheat pump HVAC
A heat pump is an electric heating + cooling system that moves heat instead of generating it. In cooling mode it works like an air conditioner (move heat out of the house). In heating mode it reverses (move heat from outside air into the house). Modern cold-climate heat pumps work efficiently down to ~5°F, well below anything Santa Cruz County sees.
Efficiency is measured by SEER2 (cooling) and HSPF2 (heating). A typical 2026 cold-climate heat pump runs SEER2 16-22 and HSPF2 9-12, meaning 2-4 units of heat moved per unit of electricity consumed. Compare to electric resistance heating (1:1 ratio) or natural gas furnace (~95% efficient, but in different units).
Replacing a gas furnace with a heat pump is the single biggest electrification move most homes can make. Santa Cruz's mild climate is ideal — heat pumps run efficiently year-round, and the cooling capability is a bonus, since most older homes here don't have AC. The federal Section 25C credit that used to help with the cost ended for work placed in service after December 31, 2025, so what's left is utility and state rebates rather than a tax credit.
Heat pump installs are HVAC work (C-20 license); Sunrise is C-10 (electrical) only. We handle the electrical side — circuit sizing, panel capacity check via the dwelling load calculation, dedicated breaker, disconnect at the outdoor unit, electrical permit + inspection. The HVAC contractor handles the heat pump itself + provides the equipment documentation (AHRI cert, SEER2/HSPF2 ratings) you need for Section 25C. If you're planning a heat pump install, talk to us about whether your panel supports it before scheduling the HVAC install — the panel-capacity check often determines whether the project includes a panel upgrade.
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