Heat Pumps Heating + Cooling, One System
Heat pumps have changed in the last decade. The cold-climate models we install today produce useful heat down to single-digit temperatures — well below anything Nevada County sees. For homes considering an upgrade, a high-efficiency heat pump replaces both your AC and your furnace with one system, often at lower lifetime operating cost than a gas furnace + AC pairing.
What we handle
- In-home assessment — does a heat pump make sense for your home, your insulation, your electrical service?
- Carrier and other major-brand heat pump installation, including cold-climate variable-capacity models
- Electrical panel upgrade if needed (we coordinate with a licensed electrician)
- Ductwork inspection and sealing — heat pumps work best on tight, well-sealed ducts
- Smart thermostat with heat-pump-aware staging logic
- Rebate paperwork — federal tax credits and PG&E rebates are available for qualifying installs
Common signs you might need this
- Your AC and furnace are both 12+ years old (replacement timing aligns)
- You want to reduce reliance on gas
- Energy bills are uncomfortable and you want a more efficient system
- You are remodeling or building
- You are interested in federal tax credits or local rebates currently available
Why Brewer
Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer. NATE-certified technicians. Family-owned in Grass Valley since 1980. Licensed (CSLB #608848) and insured. We service every major brand, not just systems we install.
Need help deciding? Compare AC repair vs replace, heat pump vs furnace, or browse the HVAC guides before you book.
Frequently asked
Will a heat pump actually keep my house warm in winter?
Yes — modern cold-climate heat pumps produce full-rated capacity well below freezing. Nevada County rarely sees temperatures cold enough to challenge a properly-sized heat pump. We size conservatively and add backup heat strips when the math calls for it.
How does the cost compare to gas furnace + AC?
Up-front, heat pump systems are typically slightly more than a gas + AC pairing, especially when an electrical upgrade is needed. Operating cost is often lower, especially with current PG&E TOU rate plans. Federal tax credits ($2,000) and rebates can close most of the gap.
Are there rebates or tax credits available?
Yes — and they stack. The federal 25C tax credit covers 30% of installation cost up to $2,000 per year for qualifying heat pumps. PG&E offers direct rebates up to $3,000 for qualifying heat pump installs in their territory. GoGreen Home Energy Financing is available at 3.98% APR for the remainder. Combined, a qualifying heat pump install can be $4,000-$5,000 cheaper in net cost than the sticker price. We handle the rebate paperwork and walk you through the tax credit documentation.
What is the difference between a heat pump and a mini split?
A mini split is a type of heat pump — the term just refers to a ductless system with wall-mounted indoor units. When most people say "heat pump" in Nevada County they mean a ducted central system that replaces both a furnace and an AC. Mini splits do the same job without ductwork, one or more zones at a time. Which one fits your home depends on whether you have ductwork and how many zones you need — we cover both.
Can I add a heat pump to my existing furnace?
Yes — this is called a dual-fuel or hybrid setup. The heat pump handles most of the year and the furnace kicks in for the coldest snaps. Often the most cost-effective option for homes with existing functional gas furnaces.
Where we provide this service
We serve Nevada County and the surrounding foothills. Select your area for local details.