Why Heat Pumps Are a Better Alternative to Ultra-Low NOx Furnaces

February 8, 2024

If you’re in the market for a furnace in your East Bay home, you may have noticed the new regulations that require new furnace installations to be Ultra-Low NOx. Referring to Nitrogen Oxide, NOx-producing furnaces greatly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, which is why California is in the process of banning them.

While it’s possible to still install a Ultra-Low NOx furnace that doesn’t produce as many emissions, the heating experts at Hassler recommend installing a heat pump or ductless mini splits instead. We think these revolutionary heating & cooling systems are a better alternative to Ultra-Low NOx furnaces that could be the best option for your home. Here’s why.

Heat Pumps Are All-Electric

Heat pumps don’t produce emissions because they run on electricity to move heat as opposed to creating it by burning fossil fuel the way furnaces do. Not only does this make them a safer alternative for your home, with an eliminated risk of carbon monoxide leaks that meets your home electrification goals as well.

Heat Pumps Meet Today’s Energy Code—And Tomorrow’s

While Ultra-Low NOx furnaces may comply with current standards, California's impending ban on emission-producing furnaces and water heaters by 2029 necessitates a forward-thinking approach. Ultra-Low NOx furnaces pose complexities and limitations compared to standard models, often requiring extensive modifications to existing infrastructure. Instead of investing in transitional solutions, considering the inevitable transition to heat pumps is prudent. With heat pumps aligning with future energy codes and offering long-term sustainability, they present a viable and efficient alternative for homeowners.

Heat Pumps Can Be Used Year-Round

Heat pumps can move heat either in or out of your home, depending on where it’s needed. This allows them to provide year-round comfort, acting as both a furnace and air conditioner.

Heat Pumps are Energy Efficient

The Department of Energy reports that heat pumps can reduce your electricity usage for heating by up to 65% compared to furnaces and baseboard heaters, making them some of the most energy efficient HVAC systems available today. Installing a heat pump in your home can help you save on your energy bills all year long. Once you make the switch to all-electric appliances, you’ll also want to contact your utility provider and ask about lower rates.

Heat Pumps Come in a Variety of Options

At Hassler, we install air-source heat pumps, which extract heat from the surrounding air. We can install a heat pump that can connect to your home’s existing ductwork with a few modifications to make sure the system has the needed increased airflow for system functionality, or a ductless system that offers room-by-room controls. Our team can help you decide which option is best for your heating and cooling needs.

Heat Pumps are Eligible for Incentives

Because heat pumps are good for your home and the environment, they’re eligible for several incentives. Here are the tax credits and rebates available for heat pump installation today:

25C Federal Heat Pump Tax Credits - Tax credit worth 30% of the total cost of installation, up to $2,000 for eligible heat pump systems.

BayREN Heat Pump Rebates - Up to $500, when converting from fuel-powered heating systems.

TECH Clean California Heat Pump Rebates - $1,000 per outdoor unit in rebates for non-heat pump to heat pump conversions, up to 2 outdoor units for one home for a maximum of $2,000. TECH Clean also offers $3,800+ for heat pump water heater installation.

Call the Heat Pump Experts of the East Bay: Hassler Heating & Air

As an HVAC, plumbing, and general contractor serving Marin, Contra Costa, and Alameda counties, we understand the importance of finding a reliable solution for heating and cooling. From heat pump water heaters and tankless water heaters to heat pump installation, we’re the high-performance home experts in the East Bay. We can also install proper insulation and air seal your home to ensure peak performance of all your home’s HVAC equipment. As a part of the Hassler Difference, we take every aspect of your home and needs into consideration when recommending an HVAC system.