Save Big & Save the Planet: Install a Heat Pump HVAC System

Published in

PaloAltoConnect

5 min readNov 19, 2024

Take the next step towards a sustainable future by installing a Heat Pump heating and cooling system with new limited time income-qualified savings available. This update shares who qualifies for the State rebate, steps to apply, the benefits of installing a heat pump heating and cooling (HVAC) system over traditional options, and other tools to save time and money. Installing a heat pump HVAC system is one-way residents can commit to a greener community, saving the planet one home at a time.

Save Big For A Limited Time

Now is the right time to consider upgrading your heating and cooling system.

Installing a Heat Pump HVAC system supports the City’s Sustainability/Climate Action goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2030. A standard heat pump HVAC installation can cost between $10,000–23,000, but with this limited time rebate, save up to $8,000.

Income requirements are as follows:

Less than 80% Area Median Income (AMI) — $8,000
80–150% AMI — $4,000

Use this calculator to determine eligibility. Note that you will need to provide income documentation for all adults in your household.

Savings are available because California set aside $45 million statewide through the Home Electrification and Application Rebates program for low- and moderate-income residents to switch from a gas furnace to a new heat pump HVAC system. Rebates are funded by the Federal Inflation Reduction Act and administered by the existing TECH Clean California initiative. This funding is available on a first come, first serve basis.

Save Even More With an Additional $200

For a limited time only, you can save even more money with an additional $200 discount when you use the City’s Heat Pump Water Heater program. Join nearly 500 of your eco-hero neighbors saving the planet one home at a time by switching through the City’s full-service program for only $2,100. One call does it all and the City will handle everything from permits to installers. Plus, get up to $1500 to help with site upgrades for homes requiring other updates. Call (650) 713–3411 or visit www.cityofpaloalto.org/switch today.

Save Time: POW! Get Your Rebate!

To get the State rebate, work with a TECH Clean California-certified contractor, who can also help you find other rebates to save you even more.

The Switch Is On website is your starting point to saving money and the planet.
From here, click the “Find a Contractor” button to start your heat pump HVAC project with a certified contractor.
They will guide you through the project and apply for the rebate for you.

Save the Planet One Home at A Time

Join nearly 500 of your eco-hero neighbors by installing a heat pump water heater to save money and the planet. Get started and commit to a greener community by making a big impact reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Save money, save time, and save the planet one home at a time: check out this short list to go electric at home:

BOOM — Sustainable Hot Water!

Switch out your old water heater with a heat pump water heater through the City’s full-service program. Let us handle it all — permits, rebates, and installation. One call does it all, even in an emergency.

Call us today: (650) 713–3411

KAPOW — Electrify Your Cooktop!

Borrow a portable induction cooktop from our partners at Acterra as a great way to test out home cooking without the commitment of a full stove to help determine if electric cooking is for you.

WOOSH — Streamlined Solar Panels for the Win!

Harness the power of the sun through the City’s streamlined permitting system, SolarAPP+ to help you reduce your home’s energy consumption and save you money while saving the planet.

VROOM — Buckle Up, Earthlings!

Driving an electric vehicle and installing charging equipment at home is a surefire way to reduce your emissions while getting around town and to your favorite destinations. Don’t own a home and want to go electric? EVs and eScooters are renter-friendly transportation options. Also, try out the City’s Palo Alto Link rideshare service.

Whether you’re switching to a heat pump water heater, heat pump HVAC system, adding solar, driving an EV or installing charging equipment — consider joining your eco-hero neighbors, saving time, money, and the planet.

Find additional resources to electrify your home here: www.cityofpaloalto.org/GoElectric.

Calling All Contractors! Share Rebate Details with Your Clients

For contractors working in Palo Alto, our heat pump water heater program includes a generous rebate for homes with additional site preparation costs. Be sure to mention residents may receive a rebate of up to $3,500.

Additionally, you can take advantage of the State’s new TECH and HEEHRA incentives by becoming a TECH Clean California-certified contractor to help grow your business. Learn more at www.switchison.org/techcleanca.