How they work
A gas furnace burns natural gas to make heat and blows it through your ducts. It heats only, so cooling needs a separate air conditioner.
A heat pump moves heat instead of burning fuel. In winter it pulls heat from the outdoor air and brings it inside. In summer it runs in reverse and works as an air conditioner. One system heats and cools.
Heat pump vs. furnace at a glance
| Heat pump | Gas furnace | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating | Yes | Yes |
| Cooling | Yes, same system | No, needs a separate AC |
| Energy source | Electricity | Natural gas, plus electricity for the fan |
| Ducts | Ducted or ductless | Ducted |
| Outdoor equipment | Yes | None for heating alone |
| Electrical panel | May need more capacity | Rarely changes |
Why heat pumps suit the Peninsula
Heat pumps work best where winters are mild, and the Peninsula’s climate is well suited to them. They can be a strong fit when both your furnace and your air conditioner are aging, when you want cooling in a home that has only ever had heat, or when you are adding space such as an addition or ADU.
When a furnace may still make sense
If your furnace is fairly new and working well, or if your electrical panel would need major work, keeping or replacing the furnace can be the practical choice. Some homes pair a heat pump with a gas furnace, so the heat pump handles most of the year and the furnace backs it up.
Thinking about moving away from gas?
Many homeowners are moving away from gas heating as part of a remodel or electrification plan. Before you switch, check three things: whether your existing ducts can carry the airflow a heat pump needs, whether your electrical panel has room for the new circuit, and where the outdoor unit can go.
Jordan checks the ducts, panel and equipment locations on site, then gives you written options for both paths so you can compare them side by side. See heat pump installation and furnace replacement.
Talk it through with Jordan
Jordan personally handles every call and every quote. Tell him what is going on, and he will tell you plainly what it needs.
Call (650) 650-2653 — that’s 650-650-COLD. Monday–Friday, 7am–5pm.