AC vs Heat Pump: Which is Best for San Jose Homes?

Understanding Your Options

When it's time for a new cooling system, San Jose homeowners face an important choice: traditional air conditioning or a heat pump? Here's what you need to know.

How They Work

Air Conditioning

• Cools your home by removing heat and expelling it outside
• Requires a separate heating system (furnace)
• Uses refrigerant in a one-directional cycle

Heat Pump

• Can both heat AND cool your home
• Reverses the refrigerant cycle for heating
• One system replaces both AC and furnace

Why Heat Pumps Excel in San Jose

San Jose's climate is nearly perfect for heat pumps:

• Mild winters: Heat pumps are most efficient above 30°F (San Jose rarely goes below 40°F)
• Moderate summers: Less extreme cooling demands
• High electricity costs: Heat pump efficiency reduces bills
• Rebates available: PG&E and federal incentives for heat pumps

Cost Comparison

FactorCentral AC + FurnaceHeat Pump

Equipment Cost$7,000-$15,000$5,000-$18,000 InstallationSimilarSimilar Operating CostHigher30-50% lower Lifespan15-20 years15-20 years

When to Choose AC + Furnace

• You already have a newer gas furnace
• Your home has gas service and you prefer gas heat
• You want the fastest heating in occasional cold snaps

When to Choose a Heat Pump

• You need both heating and cooling replaced
• You want to reduce your carbon footprint
• You want lower operating costs
• You qualify for rebates

Making the Decision

Our technicians can perform a load calculation and energy analysis to show you exactly what each option would cost to install and operate in your specific home.