Heat pumps by metro · California · checked October 19, 2026

Heat pumps in Riverside

Winters are mild and summers are hot, so cooling efficiency matters most; almost any certified heat pump can heat the house. A typical 1,600 sq ft house here uses about 2,500 kWh a year for air conditioning, about $826 at California prices; an 18 SEER2 heat pump would cut that to about $566.

Utility bills and a phone showing a monthly energy-use chart on a kitchen table
Climate Zone 3B 1,386 heating and 1,854 cooling degree days a year
Cooling a typical house $826 a year about 2,500 kWh with today's typical system, 1,600 sq ft
With an 18 SEER2 heat pump $566 a year about $261 a year less to cool · how we worked it out
Heat pump programs 1 of 5 open 1 without a posted status · Amounts and equipment rules

What this means for your house: Cooling needs outweigh heating here, so summer comfort and AC efficiency come first, with a short heating season.

Climate and sizing

Winters are mild and summers are hot, so cooling efficiency matters most; almost any certified heat pump can heat the house. This is a dry climate: look at EER2, the efficiency on the hottest afternoons, as well as SEER2. Whatever the climate, the system should be sized from a room-by-room load calculation (ACCA Manual J), not from the size of the old air conditioner or furnace: an oversized heat pump short-cycles, dehumidifies poorly and costs more.

IECC 2021 climate zone
3B
Heating degree days (65°F)
1,386
Cooling degree days (65°F)
1,854
Weather station
RIVERSIDE MUNI AP, CA US
Cooling a typical 1,600 sq ft house
about 2,500 kWh a year
Typical home
built around 1976; 57% owner-occupied

Degree days: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. Climate zone: IECC 2021 (PNNL county list). Housing: Census American Community Survey.

Hot and dry Desert Southwest and inland valleys

Choosing equipment for Riverside’s climate

Months of extreme heat make AC your biggest bill and a safety system, too.

Cooling is your biggest bill, and in extreme heat your AC is also a safety system. Ducts and air handlers often sit in the attic, the hottest place in the house, so leaks there waste a lot of cooling. A good audit checks the AC's health and size, tests and seals the ducts, and cuts attic and window heat.

What to look for in this climate

  • Southwest rules: most new split ACs need at least 14.3 SEER2 and 11.7 EER2 (9.8 EER2 if rated 15.2 SEER2 or higher). Packaged ACs need at least 10.6 EER2.
  • Heat pumps suit this climate: heating loads are small, and about a third of Phoenix-area homes already heat with one.
  • Direct evaporative coolers drop supply air 15–40°F but add humidity. Indirect and indirect/direct units cool without adding moisture.
  • Size with a Manual J load calculation; oversized units short-cycle.

Do these alongside the new system

  • Attic insulation plus a roof-deck radiant barrier. A radiant barrier cuts heat flow from the attic into the house by about 40%, typically 8–12% of cooling costs, and keeps attic ducts cooler.
  • High-EER2 AC or heat pump. EER2 measures efficiency at peak heat, which is why Southwest rules set an EER2 minimum. A heat pump also covers your small heating load.
  • Evaporative or two-stage cooling, where it fits. An evaporative cooler can use about a quarter of the energy of central AC. It works less well as humidity rises, such as during the monsoon.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Buying an AC on SEER2 alone. EER2 shows efficiency at peak heat, and Southwest rules set a minimum for it.
  • An oversized AC. Bigger isn't better: oversized units short-cycle and run less efficiently.

What else homes in Riverside need →

Sources for this climate guide · checked October 26, 2026

What cooling costs in Riverside

Air conditioning for a typical 1,600 sq ft single-family house with central air, at California's average residential electricity price (33.6¢ per kWh, EIA, July 2026). In this dry climate, check EER2 as well as SEER2: EER2 rates efficiency on the hottest afternoons, when your bill and the power grid peak.

Yearly cooling electricity and cost by system efficiency in Riverside
System Rated efficiency Electricity a year Cost a year Notes
Typical system in homes like this today about 12.9 SEER 2,500 kWh $826 about 12.9 SEER, the average of systems now installed in this climate
New heat pump at the federal minimum 14.3 SEER2 2,100 kWh $712 the lowest efficiency a new split heat pump can be sold at since 2023
High-efficiency system (often two-stage) 18.0 SEER2 1,700 kWh $566 rated 18 SEER2
Top-tier variable-speed system 22.0 SEER2 1,400 kWh $463 rated 22 SEER2; real-world savings usually come in a little below the rating

How to read this: SEER2 is the season-long cooling efficiency on the yellow EnergyGuide label; a higher number means less electricity for the same cooling. A real house can use about 30% less to 35% more than the typical figure, depending on its size, insulation, ducts, thermostat setting and how long the AC runs. The cheapest cooling is the heat you keep out: sealed and insulated attic ducts, attic insulation and shade on sun-facing windows often cut more than a new system does.

Estimate from EIA RECS 2020 survey cell CA 3B (IECC 2012 code in RECS): single-family homes with central air, indoor fan included, rescaled to Riverside's 1991–2020 normal cooling degree days. Sources: EIA: 2020 Residential Energy Consumption Survey (public microdata) · NOAA: 1991–2020 U.S. climate normals · EIA: average residential electricity price by state.

What heat costs to run in Riverside

Heating is a small part of the bill here: with about 1,386 heating degree days a year, a house needs only a fraction of the heat a northern house does, so the cooling costs above matter more. Cost per million Btu of heat delivered into the house, at California's average residential prices from the EIA (electricity for July 2026, gas as an annual average). Here a heat pump needs a seasonal COP above 4.4 to beat a 95% gas furnace, so at these prices gas stays cheaper to run; the case for a heat pump rests on replacing the air conditioner, cutting emissions or a time-of-use rate.

Delivered heat cost by fuel in Riverside
Heating system Cost per million Btu of heat vs cheapest Based on
Natural gas furnace (95%) $22.32 cheapest $2.12 per therm (2025 average)
Standard heat pump $39.40 +77% seasonal COP 2.5
Electric furnace or baseboards $98.50 +341% 33.6¢ per kWh (July 2026)

Against electric resistance heat (baseboards or an electric furnace), even a standard heat pump cuts the heating bill by about 60%.

Prices: EIA electricity · EIA natural gas. Your own rate plan may differ, especially on a time-of-use or heat pump rate.

Seasonal COP: Seasonal COP is the heat delivered over a whole heating season, including electric backup heat and defrost, for a heat pump sized for the house. We pick the planning value by how cold the winter is (heating degree days) and set it slightly below modelled results (Dunsky/CCI 2024), because measured field performance tends to come in lower. For your own house, the HSPF2 rating of the system you choose and your installer's Manual J load calculation are the better guide.

Heat pump rebates in Riverside

Every heat pump program we found for the Riverside area, with the equipment rule that decides which models qualify. Checked against each program's own page on October 19, 2026. Most utility programs need an AHRI-matched system; check the exact pairing in the AHRI directory before you sign.

Riverside Public Utilities Residential Heating and Cooling Rebate: electric heat pump

Open · limits apply

Riverside Public Utilities

Heat pump amounts'Electric Heat Pump Air Conditioner SEER rating of 15.2 and above are rebated at $750 per ton.'

Equipment rule'The SEER rating must be equal to or greater than 15.2 SEER'; the page uses SEER, not SEER2. 'A matching condenser and evaporator coil must be installed', and model numbers 'must be listed in combination on the AHRI Directory'. No HSPF or ENERGY STAR rule is stated.

Other conditionsNot stated; the page has no licensed-contractor or permit rule.

Statusopen, 'subject to fund availability and may be cancelled at any time'; apply within 90 days of purchase

riversideca.gov ↗ · checked October 19, 2026

SCE Home Performance Plus heat pump rebates

Unconfirmed

CLEAResult for Southern California Edison

Heat pump amountsDucted central heat pump $667 per ton. Ductless mini-split $1,144.80 per ton when replacing a gas wall furnace and window A/C, or $600 per ton when replacing a gas wall furnace only. Limit one HVAC rebate per home, up to 5 tons.

Equipment rule'Must be rated 16 SEER2 or higher.' A ducted heat pump must replace a central A/C rated '13 SEER (12.4 SEER2) or lower' and a natural gas furnace rated '80% AFUE or lower'. A ductless heat pump must replace a gas wall furnace with no blower fan, 'rated 67% AFUE or lower'. The page states no ENERGY STAR, AHRI or refrigerant rule.

Other conditionsUse a Home Performance Plus Trade Ally (approved contractor list). CLEAResult administers the program. DIY is not addressed.

StatusNo status or end date is stated, and the page's canonical link points to a pre-production domain. The rebates page as read on October 19, 2026 does not mention the Disadvantaged/Low-Income community restriction as of October 12.

homeperformanceplusca.com ↗ · checked October 19, 2026

South Coast AQMD GO ZERO heat pump incentives (single-family)

Closed now

South Coast Air Quality Management District (single-family implemented by EGIA)

Heat pump amountsPer AQMD's Aug. 28, 2026 release: single-family 'standard rebates ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 per unit' and 'up to $3,000 for properties in overburdened communities'. The release does not split space-heating heat pumps from heat pump water heaters.

Equipment rule'Newly installed heat pumps must replace existing gas or propane equipment' (Aug. 28, 2026 release). No ENERGY STAR or refrigerant rule is stated.

Other conditionsNot stated on the pages read.

StatusClosed to new single-family and multifamily applications: 'Single Family and Multifamily Application Portal relaunch is forthcoming.' The Governing Board approved Phase 2 on Oct. 2, 2026 for up to $60.2 million, but no relaunch date is given.

aqmd.gov ↗ · checked October 19, 2026

TECH Clean California single-family heat pump HVAC incentives

Closed now

TECH Clean California (Energy Solutions, for California utilities under CPUC oversight)

Heat pump amountsNo amounts listed; the incentives are fully reserved.

Equipment ruleNot stated on the page.

Other conditionsParticipating (TECH-enrolled) contractors only.

StatusFully reserved: 'As of November 14, 2025, TECH Clean California single-family heat pump water heater and heat pump HVAC incentives are reserved statewide.' No reopening date.

techcleanca.com ↗ · checked October 19, 2026

California HEEHRA Phase I (IRA Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates)

Closed now

California Energy Commission, delivered through TECH Clean California

Heat pump amountsSingle-family heat pump HVAC: up to $8,000 (household income under 80% AMI) or up to $4,000 (80-150% AMI). Low-income multifamily: $7,500 for two-speed and $8,000 for variable-speed heat pumps. Moderate-income multifamily: up to 50% of eligible costs, max $14,000 per unit.

Equipment rule'Two-speed or variable-speed ENERGY STAR certified heat pump for space heating and cooling.' Single-family installs must replace an existing non-heat-pump source of space heating. From Jan. 1, 2026, systems 'must only contain refrigerants with a global warming potential (GWP) of 700 or lower'.

Other conditionsA TECH Clean California-certified, HEEHRA-trained contractor is required, and the reservation must be approved before installation. Since July 15, 2025, a project cannot receive both a TECH incentive and a HEEHRA rebate.

StatusClosed to new reservations. Single-family has been fully reserved statewide since Feb. 24, 2026, with unapproved requests waitlisted. Multifamily has been fully reserved since Sept. 1, 2026.

techcleanca.com ↗ · checked October 19, 2026

Federal

Federal tax credit (25C)

Ended

No 25C credit for a heat pump placed in service after December 31, 2025. Heat pumps installed in 2025 are claimed on 2025 returns.

irs.gov ↗

High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebates

The federal rebate (formerly HEAR) pays up to $8,000 toward an ENERGY STAR certified heat pump for income-qualified households, through the state. Since May 29, 2026 it covers only upgrades from existing electric equipment, and the installer must be on the state's contractor list. California's status is in the program list above.

Program rules ↗

Audit programs, other rebates and help for lower-income homes: our Riverside guide.

Systems that suit Riverside

Winters here don't call for cold-weather ratings, so these are the certified systems with the highest EER2 (efficiency on the hottest afternoons) and SEER2, on current refrigerants, from ENERGY STAR's US listings. Rebadged twins with identical ratings are folded into one row.

How to read the tables: SEER2 is cooling efficiency over a season and EER2 on the hottest afternoons; HSPF2 is heating efficiency over a season. Size is the rated output in BTU/h (12,000 BTU/h is one ton). The AHRI number identifies the exact certified pairing for rebates. Full definitions: how to read the numbers.

Central systems that cool most efficiently on hot afternoons

Central systems that cool most efficiently on hot afternoons for Riverside
Brand Outdoor / indoor model Size SEER2 EER2 HSPF2 Refrigerant AHRI #
Carrier Infinity 23 VS Heat Pump 27VNA324A*030* CVAMA4421XMA*+UI Same ratings also listed as Bryant, Heil, Tempstar, Comfortmaker, KeepRite and other ICP brands, ACiQ, Kenmore 27,600 BTU/h 2-ton 23.0 14.0 9.5 R-454B 217624611
Lennox Elite EL21KLV SERIES EL21KLV-024-230A** CK40HT-24B-**+TDR Same ratings also listed as Armstrong Air, AirEase, Ducane and Concord 24,000 BTU/h 2-ton 21.0 13.5 8.2 R-454B 218745112
Trane 20 TruComfort Variable Speed Heat Pump 5TWV0X36A1 5PX*D010AS3 Same ratings also listed as American Standard 32,000 BTU/h 3-ton 21.0 13.0 10.0 R-454B 216453109
Rheem PRESTIGE SERIES RP19AY24AJVC RCFY2421HEAAM Same ratings also listed as Ruud 24,000 BTU/h 2-ton 21.0 13.0 10.0 R-454B 216050995
Bryant Evolution 23 VS Heat Pump 293VAN048**AA* FE5BNBD60L*+UI Same ratings also listed as Heil, Tempstar, Comfortmaker, KeepRite and other ICP brands, ACiQ, Kenmore 48,000 BTU/h 4-ton 23.0 12.5 9.5 R-454B 215931505
Carrier Infinity 23 VS Heat Pump 27VNA336A*030* CVAVA6124XMA*+UI Same ratings also listed as Bryant, Heil, Tempstar, Comfortmaker, KeepRite and other ICP brands, ACiQ, Kenmore 37,600 BTU/h 3-ton 22.5 12.5 8.5 R-454B 215936924
Heil, Tempstar, Comfortmaker, KeepRite and other ICP brands SmartSense 23 VS HP B5H3V36*K*AAA* EVM5X61M24A*+WALLCON Same ratings also listed as Kenmore 37,600 BTU/h 3-ton 22.5 12.5 8.5 R-454B 218411807
Mitsubishi Electric P series 5HCL9036A1000A* 5TEM9D04AC31SA* 40,000 BTU/h 3-ton 21.2 12.1 9.2 R-454B 217497618

Mini-splits that cool most efficiently on hot afternoons

Mini-splits that cool most efficiently on hot afternoons for Riverside
Brand Outdoor / indoor model Size SEER2 EER2 HSPF2 Refrigerant AHRI #
Mitsubishi Electric M-Series MUZ-FX06NLHZ*** MSZ-FX06NL*** 9,000 BTU/h 0.5-ton 35.0 21.5 13.0 R-454B 215611124
Fujitsu AIRSTAGE H-Series AOUH09KTAP1 ASUH09KTAS 12,000 BTU/h 1-ton 33.5 19.1 14.0 R-32 216018255
Fujitsu AIRSTAGE H-Series AOUH09KZAH1 ASUH09KZAS 12,000 BTU/h 1-ton 33.1 18.8 13.3 R-32 214888800
Mitsubishi Electric M-Series MUZ-FX09NLHZ*** MSZ-FX09NL*** 12,000 BTU/h 1-ton 33.1 18.4 13.3 R-454B 215611125
Hisense Hi-Pro AS-09UW3TBW00 AS-09UW3TBW**00 12,200 BTU/h 1-ton 32.0 18.4 11.8 R-454B 216739752
Carrier 45M Series 37MPRAQ06AA3 45MPHAQ06XA3 Same ratings also listed as Bryant, Midea, Payne and WeatherMaker 9,000 BTU/h 0.5-ton 35.1 17.5 15.6 R-454B 215413141
Midea MSE Series MO1SS-H06B-2A MSESU-H06B-2A Same ratings also listed as Comfort-Aire and Century, Blueridge, AI AIR CONDITIONING, KEEN Home, Mainline, Novair 9,000 BTU/h 0.5-ton 35.0 17.4 15.6 R-454B 215471385
Carrier 45M Series 37MPRAQ09AA3 45MPHAQ09XA3 Same ratings also listed as Bryant, Midea, Payne and WeatherMaker 12,000 BTU/h 1-ton 33.5 17.0 14.6 R-454B 215413142

Brands with the best hot-afternoon efficiency

Brands by the best EER2 among their certified systems, then SEER2. Each brand page has the warranty, product lines and best models.

Heat pump brands for Riverside
Brand Best SEER2 Best EER2 All certified models Price tier
Mitsubishi Electric 35.0 21.5 369 Premium
Fujitsu 33.5 19.1 130 Budget to premium
Hisense 32.0 18.4 116 Mid-range
Midea 35.1 18.1 629 Mid-range
Bosch 28.1 18.1 72 Premium
Bryant 35.1 18.0 219 Budget to premium
Carrier 35.1 18.0 201 Budget to premium
Payne and WeatherMaker 35.1 18.0 136 Budget
Blueridge 35.0 18.0 202 Budget
Comfort-Aire and Century 35.0 18.0 151 Mid-range
Senville 33.3 18.0 45 Budget
Heil, Tempstar, Comfortmaker, KeepRite and other ICP brands 33.1 18.0 275 Budget to premium

Compare every brand · All 43 brand pages and every certified name

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