HVAC Questions, Answered Clearly

A higher bill can come from hotter or colder weather, utility-rate changes, longer thermostat schedules, air leakage, dirty filters, duct losses, equipment faults or declining system performance. Compare energy use—not only the dollar amount—with the same period from a prior year when possible. Check the filter and thermostat schedule, then request an evaluation if comfort changed, the equipment runs much longer, or the increase cannot be explained. No contractor can guarantee a specific savings amount without the property and usage data.

Heat pumps provide both cooling and heating by moving heat rather than creating it through electric resistance alone. They are widely used in California and can be a practical fit for the Sacramento region. Performance and operating cost still depend on equipment selection, controls, ductwork, electrical capacity, utility rates, building condition and installation quality. A site evaluation should compare the existing system and home rather than assuming the same result for every property.

Often, yes. A central heat pump can provide cooling and heating, but the conversion must account for electrical capacity, existing ducts, indoor and outdoor equipment locations, condensate, controls, comfort goals and applicable code requirements. Some projects also consider supplemental or backup heat. HECO can review whether an all-electric conversion is practical and identify the scope that must be priced and permitted.