Heat Pump Installation

Heat Pump Installation in San Diego County for Heating, Cooling, and Energy Savings

Building a new home? Rethinking your old HVAC setup? Installing a heat pump gives you excellent heating and cooling without the energy waste of a furnace and AC combo. At Guthrie & Sons, we’ll handle the install, help you apply for rebates and tax incentives, and keep your system running strong for years to come. It’s a smart investment with serious benefits—get your free quote today!

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Heat and Cool the Smarter Way With a High-Efficiency Heat Pump System

Heat pumps aren’t like your typical HVAC setup—they don’t create heat, they move it. In cooler months, they pull warmth in; in warmer months, they push it out. That means one system takes care of both heating and cooling, all year long. It’s energy-efficient, space-saving, and perfect for San Diego’s weather. No more juggling a bulky furnace and an air conditioner—just one sleek, efficient unit. Whether you’re building from the ground up or just tired of your old HVAC system, a heat pump is a cleaner, smarter way to heat and cool your home.

At Guthrie & Sons Heating, Air & Solar, we make sure your new heat pump is installed the right way. We’re licensed, insured, and local—installing systems all across San Diego County, plus Temecula and Murrieta, too! We’ll help you choose the right heat pump, size it properly, and even guide you through rebates and tax breaks. Ready to explore a heat pump installation in San Diego? Give us a call or fill out the online form to get a free quote.

Benefits of Installing a Heat Pump

Heat pumps aren’t just showing up in brand-new homes anymore; they’re becoming more common all across San Diego County. We’re seeing more homeowners in places like North Park, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Del Cerro, South Park, Poway, and even older coastal neighborhoods replacing aging gas furnaces and traditional AC systems with high-efficiency heat pumps. Part of that shift comes from California continuing to move away from natural gas in homes, but a lot of it comes down to comfort, efficiency, and simplicity.

Here are a few of the biggest reasons Californians are loving heat pumps right now, and why you probably will too!

A heat pump keeps your home comfortable year-round without needing separate heating and cooling systems. The system uses connected indoor and outdoor units along with refrigerant lines to move heat where it’s needed. During the summer, it removes heat from inside your home to help deliver cool air through your vents.

When temperatures cool down, the heat pump can transfer heat from the outside air back indoors to keep your home warm and comfortable. A part called the reversing valve allows the system to switch between heating and cooling automatically, so everything adjusts smoothly in the background without you having to think about it.

A lot of homeowners are tired of dealing with a bulky AC unit paired with an aging natural gas furnace in the garage or attic. Heat pumps simplify everything by combining heating and cooling into one system. That usually means less additional equipment taking up space around your home and fewer parts to maintain over time. Once your new system is installed, everything works together as one clean, efficient setup.

One of the biggest reasons people switch to heat pumps is efficiency. Instead of burning fuel to create heat, heat pumps move warmth from one place to another using less energy overall. Even when outdoor temperatures dip on cooler San Diego mornings, modern systems can still pull in enough heat to keep your home comfortable. For many homeowners, that can lead to noticeably lower heating and cooling costs throughout the year. Who doesn’t want lower energy bills?

California is continuing to move away from gas-powered home systems, and heat pumps fit right into that shift. Because they run on electricity, they don’t produce combustion fumes inside your home like older gas systems can. That can support healthier indoor air quality while also reducing your home’s environmental impact. For homeowners trying to make smarter long-term upgrades, heat pumps are becoming an easy decision.

Older HVAC systems can be noisy, especially when they start cycling on and off throughout the day. Heat pumps are usually much quieter, smoother, and less disruptive inside the home. Since there are fewer major heating components involved, many homeowners also like the added long-term reliability and reduced maintenance needs. You still want routine tune-ups, but day-to-day operation tends to feel simpler and less stressful.

Heat pumps make a lot of sense in San Diego because our climate stays pretty mild most of the year. We don’t deal with months of freezing cold air or extreme winter storms, which allows heat pumps to operate very efficiently here. Modern systems still have strong heating capacity for chilly mornings and cooler winter nights when you need extra warmth. Whether you live near the coast or farther inland, heat pumps are a great fit for the way San Diegans live.

Getting the most from your heat pump all comes down to how it’s installed. Even the best equipment won’t run like it should and save you what it should if it’s not sized, placed, and connected correctly. At Guthrie & Sons, we don’t rush the job. We do the prep work, double-check the details, and make sure everything’s set up to last. Contact us for a reliable heat pump installation that supports real comfort and real savings!

How Much Does a Heat Pump Installation Cost?

The cost of heat pump installations depends on a few key things: your home’s size, layout, existing ductwork, and the type of system you choose. Labor, permits, electrical upgrades, and other installation requirements can also affect the final number.

Get Year-Round Comfort With Affordable Financing

Yes, a new heat pump is an investment, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be within reach. We offer seasonal specials and financing options to help you spread the upfront cost into monthly payments. Get the comfort you need now, and pay at a pace that better fits your budget.

Rebates and Tax Credits for San Diego Homeowners

Installing a heat pump in San Diego can qualify you for generous local rebates, California state incentives, and federal tax credits—sometimes totaling thousands in savings. We keep up with programs like TECH Clean California, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) rebates, and the Federal Energy Efficiency Tax Credit.

You can also explore our pricing page and use our free online quoting tool to see your options and get a quick, no-pressure estimate for your heat pump installation.

See Tax Credits & Rebates

We Install the Best Heat Pumps for Your Home and Budget

If you’ve started researching heat pumps, you already know—there’s a lot out there. You might be reading buying guides, comparing heat pump brands, or wondering which system works best with your existing HVAC. The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out alone. We’ve installed hundreds of systems across San Diego County and know what works and what doesn’t.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what to consider before your San Diego heat pump installation—don’t worry, we’ll go over all this (and more) during your consultation!

When comparing modern heat pumps, you’ll probably see SEER and HSPF ratings listed on the equipment. These numbers help explain how efficiently the system heats and cools your home throughout the year. SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, measures how efficiently the system runs in cooling mode. For San Diego homes, a SEER rating between 15 and 18 is usually a great balance of comfort, performance, and energy savings without overpaying for features you may never use.

HSPF, or Heating Seasonal Performance Factor, measures heating efficiency during cooler weather. In San Diego’s mild winters, an HSPF rating between 8.5 and 10 is often ideal. Higher ratings can help lower monthly utility bills while still keeping your home consistently comfortable year-round.

One of the most important parts of professional heat pump installation is making sure the system is properly sized for your home. It’s not just about the square footage of your home or the physical size of the unit—it’s about making sure the system has the right amount of heating and cooling power for your space. A system that’s too small may run constantly and struggle to keep up, while an oversized system can short-cycle, waste energy, and wear down faster over time.

Home size plays a big role, but it’s not the only factor. A 1,500-square-foot home in San Diego may need a completely different setup than another house the exact same size depending on insulation, windows, ceiling height, sun exposure, and airflow. That’s why we perform a Manual J load calculation to match the system accurately to your home.

Today’s heat pumps are built with convenience in mind, not just heating and cooling. Many systems include Wi-Fi thermostats, programmable schedules, zoning controls, and app-based settings you can manage right from your phone. These features help your system adjust automatically throughout the day, whether you’re home, asleep, or away at work.

A lot of homeowners also like how simple these systems feel to use once everything is set up. You can fine-tune temperatures in different areas of the house, improve comfort from room to room, and cut back on wasted energy without constantly adjusting the thermostat.

There are a few different types of heat pump systems available, and the best option depends on how your home is built. Many homeowners choose ducted air source systems because they work well for whole-home heating and cooling while using the home’s existing ductwork.

These systems are especially popular in homes that already have central HVAC or in new construction projects where ductwork is being added from the beginning.

If your home doesn’t have ductwork—or you only want to heat and cool certain areas—a ductless system can be a great solution. Instead of pushing air through vents, a ductless mini split uses compact wall-mounted units to control the temperature in individual rooms or zones.

They’re especially popular in older homes, additions, garages, guest houses, sunrooms, and converted spaces where adding ducts would be difficult or expensive. And if you want to keep your existing furnace but get better air conditioning, a ductless mini split air conditioner lets you do just that; no major remodel required.

More About Our Friendly, Helpful Heat Pump Installers

At Guthrie & Sons Heating, Air & Solar, we’ve been helping San Diego homeowners stay comfortable since 2005 with honest, high-quality HVAC service. As a family-owned and operated company, we focus on long-term comfort solutions instead of pushy sales tactics or quick fixes. Our background-checked, NATE-certified technicians provide professional workmanship, upfront pricing, and respectful service from start to finish.

Whether you’re replacing an older system or exploring heat pumps for the first time, we’re here to answer questions, explain your options clearly, and help you find the right fit for your home.

Maintenance and Repairs That Keep Your Heat Pump Performing for Years

A new heat pump can last 10 to 15 years—or even longer—but like any system that runs year-round, it needs proper maintenance to stay efficient and reliable. Regular tune-ups help protect system performance, catch small issues early, and reduce the chances of costly repairs down the road.

At Guthrie & Sons, we provide heat pump maintenance, repair, and replacement services to help homeowners get the most life and comfort out of their systems. Whether your unit needs seasonal service, a repair visit, or eventually a full upgrade, our team is here to keep everything running smoothly year after year.

Schedule Heat Pump Maintenance Twice a Year

We recommend having your heat pump system serviced twice a year; once in spring before cooling season, and again in fall before heating season. During these tune-ups, our licensed technicians check refrigerant levels, inspect electrical lines, clean indoor and outdoor coils, test airflow and temperature control, and look for early signs of wear. We’ll also make sure your air handler, outdoor unit, and thermostat are all working together like they should.

Enjoy Exclusive Savings With Our USA Membership Plan

Want to save money and make things easier on yourself? Our USA Membership Plan is made for folks like you. When you sign up, you’ll get two tune-ups per year, priority scheduling, and discounts on repairs if something goes wrong. You’ll also get reminders when it’s time for service so you don’t have to keep track of it yourself. It’s a great way to stay ahead of issues, avoid costly breakdowns, and make sure your HVAC system stays strong for the long haul. You can learn more online or talk to our team about signing up!

See Maintenance Plan

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes—San Diego is actually one of the best climates for heat pumps to perform efficiently year-round. Most winter days here stay between the mid-60s and low 70s, and even overnight temperatures in areas like Chula Vista, La Mesa, Encinitas, and Poway rarely stay below freezing for long. That’s important because heat pumps work best in climates without long stretches of severe cold. During summer, they also handle San Diego’s dry inland heat and warmer coastal afternoons extremely well without using excessive energy.

Because a heat pump transfers heat instead of creating it through combustion, it can keep homes comfortable very efficiently in Southern California weather. That’s one of the biggest reasons the vast majority of Californians are moving toward heat pumps.

Heat pumps are built to handle year-round use, but regular maintenance is especially important near the coast, where salt air, moisture, and marine layer conditions can slowly wear down outdoor equipment. During tune-ups, our technicians clean coils, inspect electrical connections, test refrigerant levels, and look for common signs of wear before they become bigger problems.

Keeping up with service helps improve efficiency, reduce breakdown risks, and support stronger long-term reliability over the life of the system. A little maintenance now usually prevents a lot of frustration later.

Yes, it can replace both. A heat pump gives you heating and cooling from one system instead of relying on separate equipment for each job. It cools your home during warmer weather just like a traditional AC system, then automatically switches into heating mode when temperatures drop outside.

In San Diego, where winters are generally cool instead of freezing, heat pumps stay well within their capabilities and keep homes comfortable without needing a separate furnace in most situations.

Your installation starts with making sure the system is properly sized for your home, because that plays a huge role in comfort, efficiency, and long-term performance. When it comes to installing heat pumps, your HVAC contractor handles everything from electrical work and refrigerant lines to setting the indoor and outdoor equipment and testing the full system before startup.

We’ll also show you how everything works, explain maintenance recommendations, and help you understand available rebates and financial incentives that may help lower installation costs.

INSTALLATION

Up to $1,500 Off a New System

Receive up to $750 in manufacturer rebates and up to $750 discount from Guthrie. Valid on select systems. Must mention promotion at time of estimate appointment. Not valid on prior sales. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Restrictions apply. See dealer for details. Offer expires 7/31/2026.

INSTALLATION

0% APR for 24 Months

Get 0% APR financing for 24 months on a new heating or air conditioning installation. 0% interest with 24 equal monthly payments.

Financing subject to credit approval. Valid on select systems only. Valid on residential properties only. Cannot combine with other offers. Must mention promo at time of estimate appointment. Restrictions apply. See dealer for details. Offer valid for an estimate appointment scheduled before 7/31/2026.

REPAIR

Free Diagnostic w/ a Repair

Your diagnostic service call fee will be waived if you proceed with a repair.

Cannot combine with other offers. Restrictions apply. See dealer for details. Offer expires 7/31/2026.

WATER HEATER

Free Estimate on a New Heat Pump Water Heater Installation

Valid for an estimate for a new hybrid heat pump water heater installation or replacement.

Restrictions apply. See dealer for details. Offer expires 7/31/2026.

Real Reviews From Real Customers

We do things differently, and our customers appreciate it. See what some of our thousands of satisfied customers have to say about working with us.

Jim Hainline

3 weeks ago

We had Rob from Guthrie & Sons come out to repair one of our A/C units. Rob was very friendly and professional. Rob resolved the problem quickly.
As far as price goes, I paid a higher flat fee 12 years ago from one of the larger local companies. I'm very impressed with pricing and quality of work.

I highly recommend Guthrie & Sons and Rob.

Amy Graeber

3 weeks ago

Great experience! The company confirmed my appointment and let me know who my technician was via text. They also updated me when he was on his way. The technician was friendly and knowledgeable. I’d recommend Guthrie & Sons to friends and family.

Bobby Orozco

3 months ago

Great experience working with Guthrie & Sons from start to finish. Vlad was awesome. He was incredibly knowledgeable and explained everything in detail. Stark contrast from other companies we received bids for.

Christian and his crew did a great job on the install everything was smooth from start to finish.

I would definitely recommend this company here in Murrieta.

Sharon Troeger

3 months ago

Guthrie & Sons has always been super professional and knowledgeable about our system. They did the install a few years ago and have continued to maintain it for us. This year we noticed that our system wasn't performing as well, so when Wayne came out, he noticed a likely leak and was back 2 days later to find and fix it. He was quick, professional, and just extremely nice! 100% recommend.

Jeff Haight

4 months ago

Called one of the "big guys" in town and the estimate to do what needed to be done to diagnose my problem was nearly 1/2 the cost of the system when I purchased it and had it installed 5.5 years ago, I found Guthrie & Sons and they came out the same day and did the same work for 1/4 the price I was quoted for the same exact work! Daniel was friendly, honest and quickly got my system working as expected. I even purchased the service plan so I don't have future problems. I highly recommend these guys, they were awesome, don't get ripped off call Guthrie & Sons!!!

Rocky

4 months ago

I highly recommend Guthrie & Sons; from setting the appointment to the actual service!! Daniel was prompt, able to take care of our issue at a very reasonable price. I will be using them for all our needs in the future!!!! Thanks Daniel and Mackenzie.....you were great!!

Troy Nabatilan

5 months ago

Matt and Bryan are truly the A-Team! Their teamwork was outstanding and the workmanship was meticulous. The air handler was carefully installed, wiring neatly secured, plenum perfectly fitted, and the condenser precisely positioned and leveled for proper clearance and vibration control. The line set was pressure-tested and vacuumed as well. They also left the work area clean and neat.

Please congratulate them for a job well done!

Johnathan Yang

5 months ago

Guthrie and Sons was very professional and communicative. Matthew and Bryan did incredible work, and followed up with a lot of testing to make sure my new unit was functioning well. They went above and beyond to ensure that things were done correctly. I could tell their standards were extremely high, and I felt relieved seeing how much care they took in their installation. I’m very pleased with the result!

Sunyim Kim

5 months ago

I called to estimate to install central air conditioner on our second floor condo. Manager came the next day very punctual and knowledgeable about the process. He listened carefully our concerns and let us to make a decision. We truly appreciate his professionalism. Thank you for your service and I would recommend anyone who needs heating and air conditioning services in San Diego.

saul

5 months ago

Guithre and Sons distinguish themselves not only through their high level of professionalism but also by their unwavering commitment to the quality and durability of every product they sell and the meticulous craftsmanship involved in each project. The company operates with a strong dedication to integrity and respect, fostering long-term relationships with clients and suppliers alike. They prioritize transparency and ethical standards in all business dealings, ensuring customer satisfaction and trust at every interaction. Their customer service team is exceptionally responsive and knowledgeable, consistently exceeding expectations to resolve issues swiftly and effectively.

Ariana Lujan

6 months ago

Very helpful, quick and easy to schedule! We had an unexpected (but necessary) repair when doing maintenance and both the office and tech Carson were thorough and transparent in their support. Great service!

Graham Davis

6 months ago

After dealing with several HVAC companies, Guthrie & Sons clearly stood out as the most ethical, honest, and reliable. From the very beginning, their approach felt transparent and genuinely focused on what was best for us—not on upselling or unnecessary replacements.

We worked with Vlad T., who had previously been out to our home and saved us tens of thousands of dollars by getting our existing AC unit up and running when other companies were pushing for a full replacement. That experience alone earned our trust.

Now that we’re finally ready to purchase new units, there was no question that Guthrie & Sons was the only company we would consider, and Vlad was the obvious choice. He was extremely professional, punctual, and exceptionally knowledgeable, taking the time to explain options clearly and thoroughly. His expertise and honesty made the entire process straightforward and stress-free.

If you’re looking for an HVAC company you can truly trust—one that values integrity, quality workmanship, and customer service—I cannot recommend Guthrie & Sons and Vlad T. highly enough. This is how service should be done.

Blas Falconer

6 months ago

The layout of my condo made installing splits challenging, and before I met with Guthrie and Sons, three companies either told me that it couldn't be done. Vlad studied my apartment until he found a way to install with minimal openings in the walls and without a second condenser. Mallory, who works in the office, always followed through and advised me when I ran into a hiccup and needed detailed plans for the city. My HOA appreciated Guthrie and Sons' thoroughness and was so impressed with the design, that another resident who had been wanting splits for years, decided to install splits at the same time. The team that came in was knowledgeable, professional, and hard working. They finished a day ahead of time. I'm thrilled with the way everything looks and works.

Rob

6 months ago

This is by far the best company for your HVAC needs. They are honest very caring. Good fair pricing and got the job done efficiently and on time. I also signed up for their bi-yearly service which they performed the winter one and went very well. Thanks

Tania Reyes

7 months ago

I’ve been using Guthrie & Sons for over 15 years. They installed my whole AC system and maintained it all those years and never had an issue. Well it was time for an upgrade and they’ve recently installed my second system. The team 15 years ago and the team this time around were both amazing, professional and clean. I can’t recommend them enough Matt, Ben, Christian and Bryan get 10 stars. They are a bit pricier but worth the investment when you have peace of mind and almost two decades of great service and no issues.

Trejos Marcela

7 months ago

I had an excellent experience with Guthrie & Son AC & Heater Company. Their customer service was outstanding, and they took the time to answer all my questions thoroughly. Every technician who has worked on my AC/heater installation and now the ongoing service has been knowledgeable, respectful, and always on time. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of HVAC services!
I only wish the annual service was cheaper 🙂

Paula Remmel

7 months ago

I have a maintenance plan for my heat pump and air conditioner which Guthrie & Sons installed two years ago. I am very happy with my system as well as the maintenance plan. Wayne, one of their excellent technicians, just completed the Fall service and now the system is ready for winter use. He is knowledgeable and has been able to answer any questions I have about my system. In addition, the office at Guthrie & Sons is very responsive and follows through on any questions and concerns within 24 hours if not immediately. Great service from a great company.

Bill Cogan

8 months ago

Guthrie & Sons responded immediately to my online request, and was able to send someone out immediately. Zack, our technic-ian was very friendly, professional, knowledgeable and gladly answered all of our questions. He found the problem immediately, and left the work area clean and in good order. We would highly recommend Guthrie & Zack! They are real assets to our community.

Dani P

8 months ago

I've been using Guthrie & Sons for over 10 years and two homes. I really like that they are a family-owned and an established business. Always professional, on time, and always quality work. I've used their services from simple routine maintenance to having a new AC installed.I've never had a bad or even mediocre experience; I'm just always overall pleased with their work.

David Downhour

8 months ago

We bought our HVAC system from Guthrie & Sons. They have been monitoring our system online and later noticed a heat sensor issue.

Zach M. came by and installed on new one. He was extremely professional and completed the installation promptly.

This was another great experience all around and I gladly recommend Guthrie and Son's for all your HVAC needs.

Get a Quote for Your Heat Pump Installation in San Diego, CA

If your old furnace and AC constantly kick on and off, leave certain rooms too hot or too cold, or send your energy bills climbing every season, it may be time for a better setup. A modern heat pump gives your San Diego home a quieter, more efficient way to handle heating and cooling with one streamlined system. You get steadier temperatures, better energy efficiency, and reliable comfort year-round without dealing with separate heating and cooling equipment.

At Guthrie & Sons Heating, Air & Solar, we make the process feel so easy! We’ll explain your options clearly, answer your questions honestly, and help you choose a heat pump that fits your home and budget. Reach out today for a free, no-pressure quote on your heat pump installation in San Diego, California.

8248 Ronson Road
San Diego, CA 92111

(619) 269-3013

Heat Pump Installation