If your air conditioner or furnace is near the end of its life, 2026 is a good time to ask a bigger question: keep the classic pair — an AC outside and a gas furnace inside — or switch to a heat pump that does both.
What a heat pump is
A heat pump is an air conditioner that can run in reverse. In summer it moves heat out of the house; in winter it moves heat in. One outdoor unit, one indoor unit, no gas burner.
Why it suits Los Angeles
Heat pumps are most efficient where winters are mild, and LA winters are mild. Most homes here need far more cooling than heating, so the unit you would buy for cooling anyway can cover the heating too.
When AC plus furnace still makes sense
- The furnace is fairly new and only the AC failed.
- The electrical panel has no room for more load and an upgrade isn't in the plan.
- You prefer gas heat — or want dual fuel: a heat pump for most of the year with the furnace as backup on the coldest nights.
What changed in 2026
- New systems use new refrigerants. Since 2025, new residential air conditioners and heat pumps are built for lower-impact A2L refrigerants such as R-454B and R-32, and California requires low-impact refrigerants in new AC equipment.
- The federal tax credit is gone. The 25C credit for heat pumps ended for systems installed after December 31, 2025.
- Local rebates change often. Check your utility's current programs before you decide.
The questions that decide it
- How old are the furnace and the AC?
- Is the ductwork sound and the right size?
- Does the electrical panel have capacity?
- What do you pay for gas and electricity — and do you have solar?
How we quote an installation
The technician looks at the house, the ductwork and the electrical, and gives you a proposal. Our installations carry a 1-year warranty on the installation, on top of the manufacturer's equipment warranty. Refrigerant work is done under EPA 608 Universal certification.