Quick answer
- Heat pump = one system for heating + cooling
- Mild local winters play to a heat pump's strengths
- Heat pumps may qualify for SDG&E rebates
- Furnace can suit homes with existing cheap gas heat
When this applies
Use this when replacing heating or AC
If either your furnace or AC is failing, it's the natural moment to consider consolidating into a single heat pump system.
Your options
Heat pump
Efficient electric heating and cooling in one system, ideal for the mild climate, with possible rebates. Higher upfront cost than a like-for-like AC, offset by efficiency and incentives.
Gas furnace (+ AC)
Familiar, strong heat output, lower equipment cost. Two systems to maintain, and no electrification rebates.
What to watch out for
Undersized or oversized equipment
Either choice fails if it isn't sized with a Manual J load calculation — comfort and efficiency both suffer.
Schedule service
Frequently asked questions
Do heat pumps work in cold weather?
For Southern California's mild winters, absolutely — modern heat pumps deliver efficient heat well within our local temperature range.
Keep exploring
Reviewed by John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating & Air. Reflects local climate, utility rates, and current rebate availability for electrification. Last updated 2026-06-18.