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

Heat pumps in Los Angeles

Winters are mild, so almost any certified heat pump can heat the house; cooling efficiency and quiet running decide the choice. At California prices an efficient heat pump delivers heat for about $39.40 per million Btu, against $22.32 for a high-efficiency gas furnace.

Utility bills and a phone showing a monthly energy-use chart on a kitchen table
Climate Zone 3B 1,214 heating and 720 cooling degree days a year
Heat pump $39.40 per million Btu seasonal COP 2.5 for this climate
Gas furnace (95%) $22.32 per million Btu gas costs less to run here; a heat pump would need a seasonal COP of 4.4 to match it
Heat pump programs 1 of 7 open 1 unconfirmed · Amounts and equipment rules

Climate and sizing

Winters are mild, so almost any certified heat pump can heat the house; cooling efficiency and quiet running decide the choice. 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)
1,214
Cooling degree days (65°F)
720
Weather station
LOS ANGELES INTL AP, CA US
Seasonal COP for planning
2.8 cold-climate · 2.5 standard
Typical home
built around 1965; 36% owner-occupied

Degree days: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. Climate zone: IECC 2021 (PNNL county list). Housing: Census American Community Survey. Seasonal COP: Seasonal COP for a whole heating season, including electric backup heat and defrost, for a heat pump sized for mild to cold weather. Planning values set slightly below modelled results (Dunsky/CCI 2024) because field studies (RDH for FortisBC; Yukon pilot) came in lower. Above 6,000 degree-days the values rest on one partial-season pilot in Whitehorse, so we use the low end of the band from 7,000 degree-days (Yellowknife).

What heat costs to run in Los Angeles

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). A typical older house in a cold climate uses 50 to 100 million Btu of heat a year; a house in the South uses far less. 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 Los Angeles
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)
Cold-climate heat pump $35.18 +58% seasonal COP 2.8 for this climate
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.

Heat pump rebates in Los Angeles

Every heat pump program we found for the Los Angeles 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.

LADWP Consumer Rebate Program: heat pump HVAC

Open · limits apply

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power

Heat pump amountsCentral ducted, split and packaged systems, per ton: $1,000 (>15.2 SEER2, >7.7 HSPF2); $1,050 (>16 / >8); $1,100 (>16.9 / >8.1); $1,150 (>17.8 / >8.1); $1,200 (>18.7 / >8.5); $1,250 (>19.6 / >8.9). Ductless mini-split or multi-split, per ton: $1,500 (>15.2 / >7.8); $1,650 (>16 / >8.1); $1,800 (>16.9 / >8.3); $1,950 (>17.8 / >8.5); $2,100 (>18.7 / >8.7); $2,250 (>19.6 / >8.9); $2,500 (>20.5 / >9.1).

Equipment ruleMinimum '≥7.7 HSPF2 and ≥ 15.2 SEER2', with the tiers as listed. The invoice must show a 'Matching AHRI Certificate Reference Number', and the application needs an 'AHRI Certificate of product rating with matching system components'. A 'Final Approved Building and Safety Permit' is required. PTHPs are excluded, as are new construction and ADUs. No ENERGY STAR, cold-climate or sizing rule is stated.

Other conditionsThe page does not state a licensed-contractor requirement or address DIY; a permit is required.

Statusopen, first-come, first-served. The higher amounts apply to equipment 'purchased and installed on or after November 1, 2025'. Applications must be postmarked within 12 months of purchase.

ladwp.com ↗ · checked October 19, 2026

LADWP HOME LA (wildfire rebuild electrification)

Closed now

LADWP for the City of Los Angeles

Heat pump amountsExpress path: central ducted, split or packaged heat pumps $1,000-$1,250 per ton; ductless mini-split or multi-split $1,500-$2,500 per ton. Whole Home all-electric bundle per unit: $10,000 single-family, $8,000 modular, $7,000 ADU, $5,000 low-rise multifamily, $7,000 manufactured housing.

Equipment ruleThe Whole Home bundle 'must include electric only space heating and cooling (HVAC), water heating, cooking and clothes drying' ('no natural gas'). The page states no SEER2/HSPF2 requirement.

Other conditionsNot stated. LADWP approval is required before construction or installation begins.

Statuspilot; open only to owners rebuilding homes substantially damaged or destroyed by the January 2025 Palisades, Hurst, Kenneth, Archer and Sunset fires; first-come, first-served until funds are exhausted

ladwp.com ↗ · 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 in our October 12 check.

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

TECH Clean California San Fernando Valley (Aliso Canyon) incentives

Not open yet

TECH Clean California

Heat pump amountsNot published.

Equipment ruleThe Qualified Products list is marked 'coming soon'.

Other conditionsContractors must complete TECH's new training courses and sign the new participation agreement; additional certifications unlock incentives for income-qualified residents.

StatusNot launched as of October 19, 2026. The page still says 'Beginning in late summer 2026' and marks contractor enrollment 'coming soon'. Eligibility covers 39 priority-community ZIP codes.

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 Los Angeles guide.

Systems that suit Los Angeles

The certified systems that heat most efficiently at 5°F, and those that cool most efficiently, on current refrigerants, from ENERGY STAR's US listings. Rebadged twins with identical ratings are folded into one row.

Central systems that cool most efficiently

Central systems that cool most efficiently for Los Angeles
Brand Outdoor / indoor model Size SEER2 EER2 HSPF2 COP at 5°F 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 2.06 R-454B ENERGY STAR Cold Climate 217624611
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 1.98 R-454B ENERGY STAR Cold Climate 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 2.06 R-454B ENERGY STAR Cold Climate 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 2.04 R-454B ENERGY STAR Cold Climate 218411807
York LX SERIES YH960E2C11 CTM60C5CGS1+JMC17C2SN1+CC Same ratings also listed as Coleman and Luxaire, Kenmore 48,000 BTU/h 4-ton 22.0 12.0 9.0 2.00 R-454B ENERGY STAR Cold Climate 218026792
Mitsubishi Electric P series 5HCL9036A1000A* 5TEM9D04AC31SA* 40,000 BTU/h 3-ton 21.2 12.1 9.2 2.10 R-454B ENERGY STAR Cold Climate 217497618
Lennox DAVE LENNOX SIGNATURE SL22KLV SERIES SL22KLV-060-230A** CK40[C,U]T-60C-**+TDR 51,000 BTU/h 4.5-ton 21.1 11.7 9.0 1.96 R-454B ENERGY STAR Cold Climate 216776120
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 1.90 R-454B ENERGY STAR Cold Climate 218745112

Central systems that heat best in the cold (2 tons and up)

Central systems that heat best in the cold (2 tons and up) for Los Angeles
Brand Outdoor / indoor model Size Heat at 5°F COP at 5°F HSPF2 SEER2 Refrigerant AHRI #
Samsung Hylex AC060FCUPCG FEMUU1A60S001R 56,000 BTU/h 4.5-ton 43,000 BTU/h 77% of rated 2.58 9.0 17.0 R-454B ENERGY STAR Cold Climate 217734250
Samsung Hylex AC048FCUPCG FEMTT7A60S001R 48,000 BTU/h 4-ton 40,500 BTU/h 84% of rated 2.52 8.5 16.5 R-454B ENERGY STAR Cold Climate 217734248
Hisense Hi-PRO HD AUWR-60U3TH5 AUH-48UX3TEH3 Same ratings also listed as Multi MFG 48,000 BTU/h 4-ton 37,000 BTU/h 77% of rated 2.52 9.0 19.0 R-454B ENERGY STAR Cold Climate 215270433
Lennox Elite EL21KLV SERIES EL21KLV-036-230A** CK40HT-30B-**+TDR 30,800 BTU/h 3-ton 22,600 BTU/h 73% of rated 2.48 9.0 18.5 R-454B ENERGY STAR Cold Climate 217443282
Midea MVB Series MOE30-36HFN10-M3X MVBDM-36HWFN10-WC3 36,000 BTU/h 3-ton 36,000 BTU/h 100% of rated 2.46 10.0 18.0 R-454B ENERGY STAR Cold Climate 216967947
Hisense Hi-PRO HD AUWR-6024P AUH-6024 Same ratings also listed as Multi MFG 57,000 BTU/h 5-ton 42,000 BTU/h 74% of rated 2.46 9.0 19.0 R-454B ENERGY STAR Cold Climate 214855379
Armstrong Air, AirEase, Ducane and Concord A7CP21V Series A7CP21V36P-**A 7EH30BX-**+TDR Same ratings also listed as AC PRO 30,600 BTU/h 3-ton 22,400 BTU/h 73% of rated 2.46 9.0 19.0 R-454B ENERGY STAR Cold Climate 217446281
GE Appliances and Haier NS21H Series NS21H36MA5-**A NCHC30BT5*-**+TDR 30,600 BTU/h 3-ton 22,400 BTU/h 73% of rated 2.46 9.0 17.0 R-454B ENERGY STAR Cold Climate 217642661

Mini-splits that cool most efficiently

Mini-splits that cool most efficiently for Los Angeles
Brand Outdoor / indoor model Size SEER2 EER2 HSPF2 COP at 5°F Refrigerant AHRI #
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 2.00 R-454B ENERGY STAR Cold Climate 215413141
Mitsubishi Electric M-Series MUZ-FX06NLHZ*** MSZ-FX06NL*** 9,000 BTU/h 0.5-ton 35.0 21.5 13.0 2.38 R-454B ENERGY STAR Cold Climate 215611124
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 2.00 R-454B ENERGY STAR Cold Climate 215471385
Fujitsu AIRSTAGE H-Series AOUH09KTAP1 ASUH09KTAS 12,000 BTU/h 1-ton 33.5 19.1 14.0 2.48 R-32 ENERGY STAR Cold Climate 216018255
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 2.00 R-454B ENERGY STAR Cold Climate 215413142
Midea MSE Series MO1SS-H09B-2A MSESU-H09B-2A Same ratings also listed as Senville, Comfort-Aire and Century, Blueridge, AI AIR CONDITIONING, CanAir, KEEN Home, Mainline, Novair 12,000 BTU/h 1-ton 33.3 17.0 14.6 2.00 R-454B ENERGY STAR Cold Climate 215471386
Fujitsu AIRSTAGE H-Series AOUH09KZAH1 ASUH09KZAS 12,000 BTU/h 1-ton 33.1 18.8 13.3 2.26 R-32 ENERGY STAR Cold Climate 214888800
Mitsubishi Electric M-Series MUZ-FX09NLHZ*** MSZ-FX09NL*** 12,000 BTU/h 1-ton 33.1 18.4 13.3 2.20 R-454B ENERGY STAR Cold Climate 215611125

Brands with the most cold-climate models

Outdoor models that meet ENERGY STAR Cold Climate, by brand. Each brand page has the warranty, product lines and best models.

Heat pump brands for Los Angeles
Brand ENERGY STAR Cold Climate Best COP at 5°F All certified models Price tier
Midea 523 2.89 629 Mid-range
Gree 368 2.40 406 Mid-range
Mitsubishi Electric 241 3.28 369 Premium
Innovair, Stelpro, Dettson and Ouellet 209 2.80 220 Mid-range
Innova (formerly Ephoca) 191 2.30 191 Premium
TCL 166 2.25 176 Not rated
Blueridge 161 2.54 202 Budget
Heil, Tempstar, Comfortmaker, KeepRite and other ICP brands 146 2.89 275 Budget to premium
Moovair 136 2.89 152 Mid-range
Bryant 123 2.89 219 Budget to premium
Carrier 123 2.89 201 Budget to premium
Comfort-Aire and Century 123 2.44 151 Mid-range

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

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