San Diego, CA Heat Pump Leasing & Installation
In this guide
01
Benefits of Palmetto Heat Pumps
Say goodbye to clunky old systems and surprise repairs. Palmetto Comfort Plan gives you a brand-new heat pump, installation, and full support, all wrapped into one subscription.
Year Round Comfort
A high-efficiency heat pump keeps your home cool in summer, warm in winter, and your energy use in check all year long.
Forget the maintenance
With a Comfort Plan subscription, installation and maintenance are fully covered, no surprise bills, no weekend DIY.
Rewards for renewing
Stick with us and earn credits toward your next system upgrade. It’s our way of saying thanks for building a cleaner, comfier future with us.
02
San Diego, CA Heat Pump Load Calculator
Use our calculator below to estimate your home’s heating and cooling needs based on San Diego’s ACCA-standard design conditions: 72°F indoor, 95°F outdoor for cooling, and 33°F for heating. For a precise Manual J load calculation and personalized quote, connect with Palmetto’s team. Get in touch with our team for an official quote.
Step 1 of 3
Home location & size
Your home’s location and size directly impact heating needs.
Step 2 of 3
Home attributes
Step 3 of 3
Additional details
Description of what this means for context.
Estimated Heating Needs
Your home’s location falls within the a climate zone with the average extreme winter falling between 10° – 15° F.
Home Details
Recommended equipment capacity
60,000 BTU
5 Tons
Calculated Cooling Mode
102,000 BTU
8.5 Tons
03
Buy it or finance it. Your comfort, your call
There's no wrong way to get cozy. Here's how the options stack up, so you can choose what works best for you.
|
|
Cash |
Loan |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Payment schedule | $0 upfront, then monthly subscription | Full price upfront | $0 upfront, then monthly payment |
| Term length | 10 or 12 years | None | Variable |
| End of term options | Flexible with 25% renewal term credits to new system | No credits to new system | No credits to new system |
| Maintenance included | |||
| Eligible for incentives |
Cash
Loan
Local Incentives
San Diego, CA Heat Pump Rebates & Incentives
Local and federal incentive programs can significantly reduce the cost of a new heat pump system. Here are the programs available to San Diego homeowners.
San Diego HEART Program
Up to $14,000The Home Electrification Affordability Rebates and Technical Assistance (HEART) program provides funding to support contractors and applicants in implementing energy-efficient solutions, offering up to 100% coverage for permits, appliance disposal, new appliance purchases and labor costs.
Federal IRA Tax Credit
Up to $2,000The Inflation Reduction Act provides a federal tax credit of up to $2,000 for qualifying heat pump installations through 2032.
San Diego homeowners have access to the local HEART program, which offers up to $14,000 in rebates for heat pump HVAC systems through February 2026 (or until funds are exhausted), plus the federal IRA tax credit of up to $2,000. The HEART program prioritizes low-income households and those in Communities of Concern, with phased eligibility expanding through 2026. Palmetto can help homeowners navigate these programs and maximize available rebates when considering a heat pump installation.
Incentive information is based on publicly available data as of 2026 and may change. Contact program administrators to verify current availability and eligibility requirements.
04
Climate Zones
San Diego falls in IECC Climate Zone 10, characterized by mild winters (design temp: 33°F) and warm summers (design temp: 95°F). This balanced climate means your heat pump needs to handle moderate heating and cooling demands year-round—not extreme cold or scorching heat. Palmetto understands San Diego's unique conditions and can help you choose a system sized perfectly for your home. Explore other climate zones below or enter your ZIP code to confirm yours.
Climate Zone 1
Climate zone 1 is not typically seen within the United States outside of Alaska. It represents the coldest climates on the planet.
Climate Zone 1A
Avg. extreme winters: -60° to -55° F
Climate Zone 1B
Avg. extreme winters: -55° to -50° F
San Diego Electricity Prices
San Diego homeowners face some of the steepest electricity rates in the nation—and they're climbing fast.
California's electricity costs have jumped 40% since 2021, reaching 31.9 cents per kWh in 2024—nearly double the national average of 16.5 cents. For San Diego residents, this means higher bills every month.
Heat pumps offer a practical solution to rising energy costs. Because they're 2-3 times more efficient than traditional HVAC systems, they use significantly less electricity to heat and cool your home—delivering the same comfort for a fraction of the energy.
As electricity rates continue their upward trend, the efficiency advantage of heat pumps becomes even more valuable. What saves you money today will save you considerably more tomorrow, making heat pumps a smart long-term investment for San Diego homes.
Price of Energy: California vs National Average
San Diego Area Utility Providers
San Diego residents are served by San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), which charged 45.5¢ per kWh in 2023—nearly triple the national average of 16.0¢ and well above California's state average of 29.5¢.
SDG&E's higher rates stem from California's ambitious clean energy mandates, infrastructure investments in wildfire prevention, and the costs of maintaining reliable service in a challenging geographic region with limited local power generation.
While electricity costs are high, heat pumps use significantly less energy than traditional heating and cooling systems. Their exceptional efficiency means you're using fewer kilowatt-hours overall, which helps offset San Diego's elevated rates and can lower your total energy spending.
San Diego Utilities Electricity Rates
Let our smart tools do the heavy lifting.
Get personalized tips, usage insights, project tracking, and that daily satisfaction of making your energy work smarter with the Palmetto mobile app.
- Rewards for smarter energy usage
- Energy insights & Dashboard
- Personalized Savings Tools
- Whole Home Energy Management
- Support Whenever You Need It
Repair versus replace
When a heat pump is in need of repair it is worth considering whether a replacement would be a better investment. While each case is unique, we generally recommend investing in a new unit when repairs exceed $5,000.
A heat pump's lifetime is impacted by a number of factors including environment, use and the quality of the unit. It's important to choose the right unit for your climate zone and home's unique attributes.
When you are in need of repair, we recommend choosing a service provider that is an expert in the heat pump brand you have installed, and checking online reviews to ensure you are investing in the right level of service.
| Potential repair | Cost range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Capacitor Replacement | $150 - $400 | Common issue when unit struggles to start or makes a humming noise. Capacitors store the electrical energy needed to start the compressor and fan motors. |
| Refrigerant Recharge | $250 - $750 | Needed when the system loses cooling or heating efficiency due to low refrigerant levels. Includes leak detection, repair of minor leaks, and recharging the system to the manufacturer-specified level. |
| Reversing Valve Replacement | $450 - $900 | Required when the unit cannot switch between heating and cooling modes. The reversing valve directs refrigerant flow and is unique to heat pump systems. |
| Compressor Replacement | $1,500 - $3,000 | Major repair needed when the unit fails to heat or cool entirely. The compressor is the heart of the system, circulating refrigerant between the indoor and outdoor coils. |
| Evaporator/Condenser Coil Replacement | $1,200 - $2,800 | Replacement needed when coils develop leaks or corrosion that cannot be economically repaired. Coil damage reduces heat transfer efficiency and can cause refrigerant loss. |
| Control Board Replacement | $500 - $1,200 | Required when the system has electrical failures or erratic behavior. The control board manages all system operations including defrost cycles, fan speeds, and compressor staging. |
| Full System Replacement | $4,500 - $8,000+ | When repairs exceed the value of the unit or multiple major components fail simultaneously. Includes removal of the old system and installation of a new heat pump with updated refrigerant lines and electrical connections. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, heat pumps make excellent sense in San Diego. The mild climate in Climate Zone 10—with winter lows around 33°F and summer highs near 95°F—is ideal for heat pump efficiency. They provide both heating and cooling in one system, eliminating the need for separate equipment while using significantly less energy than traditional HVAC systems.
With California's electricity rates at 31.9¢ per kWh, the energy savings from a heat pump's efficiency can meaningfully reduce your utility bills. Palmetto makes installation accessible through two options: a Comfort Plan with $0 upfront and included maintenance, or direct purchase with potential federal tax credits up to $2,000 under the Inflation Reduction Act.
Heat pumps are exceptionally efficient in San Diego's mild climate. With design temperatures ranging from 33°F in winter to 95°F in summer (Climate Zone 10), heat pumps rarely face extreme conditions that reduce performance. This means your system operates in its optimal efficiency range year-round, delivering 2-4 times more heating or cooling energy than the electricity it consumes.
San Diego's moderate weather translates to lower energy bills, even with California's electricity rate of 31.9¢ per kWh. Heat pumps work by moving heat rather than generating it, making them far more efficient than traditional furnaces or air conditioners. Whether you choose Palmetto's Comfort Plan with no upfront costs and included maintenance, or direct purchase to access federal tax credits up to $2,000, you'll benefit from reduced energy consumption in San Diego's ideal conditions.
The choice between leasing and buying a heat pump in San Diego depends on your financial priorities and homeownership plans. Buying means paying upfront but owning the equipment outright, plus you may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. Leasing through a Comfort Plan requires $0 upfront and includes all maintenance and repairs for predictable monthly costs.
For San Diego's mild climate (Zone 10), heat pumps run efficiently year-round, making both options cost-effective against California's 31.9¢ per kWh electricity rates. Consider buying if you want to maximize tax incentives and plan to stay long-term. Choose leasing if you prefer no upfront investment and want maintenance handled without additional costs or scheduling headaches.
Heat pump installation costs in San Diego typically range from $5,000 to $15,000 for a complete system, depending on your home's size, existing ductwork, and equipment specifications. San Diego's mild Climate Zone 10 conditions (with winter lows around 33°F and summer highs near 95°F) often allow for mid-efficiency systems rather than extreme-climate models, which can help manage costs.
Palmetto offers two payment options to fit different budgets: our Comfort Plan requires $0 upfront and includes all maintenance, repairs, and warranty coverage in one predictable monthly payment, or you can purchase your system outright and potentially qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. With California's electricity rates at 31.9¢ per kWh, an efficient heat pump can deliver meaningful energy savings over time.
Yes, heat pumps are financially worthwhile in San Diego, especially with California's electricity rates at 31.9¢ per kWh. Heat pumps can reduce heating and cooling costs by 30-50% compared to traditional systems because they move heat rather than generate it. With San Diego's mild climate (heating design temp of 33°F), heat pumps operate efficiently year-round, maximizing your savings.
Palmetto makes heat pumps accessible through two options: a Comfort Plan with $0 upfront and maintenance included, or direct purchase with potential federal tax credits up to $2,000 under the Inflation Reduction Act. The typical system pays for itself through energy savings within 5-10 years, while providing consistent comfort and reducing your home's environmental impact throughout its 15-20 year lifespan.
Heat pumps in San Diego are installed by licensed HVAC contractors who specialize in heating and cooling systems. These professionals assess your home's specific needs in Climate Zone 10, ensure proper sizing for San Diego's mild winters (design temp: 33°F) and warm summers (up to 95°F), and handle all necessary permits and installation work.
Palmetto partners with certified local installers to provide heat pump installation through two flexible options: a Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and all maintenance included, or direct purchase where you own the equipment and may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits. Both options ensure professional installation tailored to San Diego's climate and your home's requirements.
A heat pump is actually a type of HVAC system. HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning—it's an umbrella term for any equipment that controls your home's temperature and air quality. Heat pumps are unique because they both heat and cool your home using the same system, transferring heat rather than generating it through combustion.
In San Diego's Climate Zone 10, where temperatures range from around 33°F in winter to 95°F in summer, heat pumps work efficiently year-round. Unlike traditional HVAC systems that might use a furnace for heating and an AC for cooling, a single heat pump handles both functions. With California's electricity costs at 31.9¢ per kWh, this efficient all-in-one approach can help manage your energy expenses effectively.