Last updated: October 2026
In Los Angeles, converting a ducted gas furnace to a heat pump typically costs between $8,500 and $15,000 before rebates, provided your ducts and electrical system are in good condition. If you need a panel upgrade (usually $2,500 to $5,500)or new ductwork ($3,000 to $8,000 or more), the total cost can be much higher. The heat pump itself is just one part of the overall expense.
The $8,500 to $15,000 range is what we charge to install a ducted heat pump. The panel upgrade prices come from Los Angeles electricians and are not our rates. This guide is here to help you decide if a conversion makes sense before you get quotes. For more on whether a heat pump is right for you, see ‘Should I install a heat pump in LA.’
When you convert, your gas furnace and central AC are replaced with an electric heat pump that handles both heating and cooling. The outdoor condenser is swapped for a heat pump, the gas furnace is replaced with an indoor air handler, and the gas line is sealed off.
The job usually includes a new thermostat, refrigerant lines, a dedicated electrical circuit, and a permit.
Modern heat pumps use inverter-driven, variable-speed compressors and are rated by SEER2 for cooling and HSPF2 for heating.
A properly designed heat pump system can provide both heating and cooling, but correct sizing, installation, and maintenance are essential for long-term performance. Learn more about our heat pump services in Los Angeles.
Costs are grouped into three levels based on the amount of work your electrical system and ductwork require.
| Project Type | Typical Cost Range | What Changes the Price |
|---|---|---|
| Basic conversion (ducts and electrical adequate) | $8,500 to $15,000 installed, before rebates | Tonnage, SEER2/HSPF2 tier, variable-speed vs. single-stage, air handler, line set, thermostat, attic or rooftop access |
| Mid-range (minor electrical, some duct work) | Upper part of the range above, plus $500 to $2,000 for duct sealing or localized repair where needed | New dedicated circuit and disconnect (should be itemized), new line set, duct modifications, permit scope |
| Full electrification (panel upgrade, major ducts) | Add roughly $2,500 to $5,500 for a standard 100A-to-200A panel upgrade (market range) and $3,000 to $8,000 or more for full duct replacement | Service size, utility coordination, meter changes, panel location, duct layout, and insulation |
| Permits and testing | City of LA: Express mechanical permit commonly $120 to $300; independent rater commonly $150 to $350 | Separate electrical permit for new circuits or panel work; plan check for larger scopes. Confirm against the live LADBS fee schedule. |
| Rebates | LADWP customers: $1,000 to $1,250 per ton (ducted) | Eligibility, funding, equipment tier, and permit status. Never guaranteed |
If you add up all the possible costs, a full electrification project can run from about $14,000 to $28,500 before rebates. This is just a rough calculation, not an official quote, and most homes only need some of these upgrades.
You can compare your estimate to the cost of replacing your AC and furnace in Los Angeles.
Not always. You only need a panel upgrade if your home’s total electrical demand requires it, not just because you are adding a heat pump. This is determined by a load calculation.
Who is more likely to need an upgrade:
You may not need an upgrade if your home already has 200-amp service with extra capacity, or if you still use gas for your stove, dryer, or water heater.
Sometimes, using the right size equipment or load management devices can help you avoid a full upgrade. Always ask your electrician for a written load calculation.
According to Los Angeles electricians, upgrading from a 100-amp to a 200-amp panel usually costs $2,500 to $5,500, including permits and inspection.
More complicated jobs, like moving the panel, underground service, or rebuilding the meter and service entrance, can cost $5,000 or much more. Here are the main factors that affect the price:
Ask your contractor who will handle the electrical work, permits, and warranties, and whether these costs are listed separately in your estimate.
Often, yes—if your ducts are the right size, sealed well, and can deliver enough airflow for the new system. Your AC already uses these ducts for cooling, but in winter, a heat pump pushes cooler air than a gas furnace and at a higher volume.
Ducts are usually acceptable when they show:
Under the 2025 California Energy Code, an altered duct system generally needs to be tested to 10% total leakage or less (or 7% to outside), and an entirely new duct system to 5% or less, verified by an independent rater. Older ducts, especially in attics with tight access, often require sealing and retesting. See the 2026 California HVAC regulations for the code context.
You will need to modify your ducts if they are crushed, disconnected, too small, or have old, damaged insulation. For our projects, sealing and small repairs usually cost $500 to $2,000, while full duct replacement is $3,000 to $8,000 or more. For details on how we check this, see our duct repair and replacement page.
With dual-fuel, you keep your gas furnace as a backup, and the heat pump handles cooling and moderate heating. There is no one-size-fits-all answer—what works best depends on your furnace’s age, your electrical system, and your goals.
| Option | Cost | Best For | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dual fuel | Often lower up front when the furnace has years left; controls add cost | Newer furnaces, limited electrical capacity, a gradual transition | Still depends on gas equipment, less electrification benefit, more complex controls, and a changeover setting to configure |
| Fully electric ducted heat pump | $8,500 to $15,000 before rebates, plus electrical or duct work if needed | Failing furnace and AC, adequate electrical service, electrification goals | May trigger a panel upgrade or duct work; no gas backup |
| Ductless multi-split | $7,000 to $15,000 multi-zone before rebates | Homes with poor or no ducts | Multiple indoor units; LADWP's top rebate tier requires the system to serve the entire home |
For example, a 3-ton ducted system would qualify for $3,000 to $3,750. See our LADWP rebate guide for tiers and paperwork.To be eligible, the equipment must be purchased and installed on or after November 1, 2025, and you must apply within 12 months.
The system must have an AHRI match and a final permit. Funding is limited, and the program does not cover ADUs or new construction.
HEEHRA single-family funding has been fully reserved since early 2026, and TECH Clean California single-family heat pump incentives have been reserved since November 2025. If your HEEHRA project is on the waitlist, it only qualifies if it is installed after reservation approval.
Expired: The federal Section 25C tax credit ended on December 31, 2025.
Rebates lower your costs after the work is finished, but LADWP’s rebate covers only the equipment, not the electrical work. Figure out your total project cost first, then review each program’s rules about combining rebates. South Coast AQMD allows GO ZERO rebates to be combined with other eligible incentives.
For the latest information, check California HVAC rebates.
It can be worth it, but no one should say that heat pumps are always cheaper. The right choice depends on your home’s electrical system, ductwork, equipment age, utility rates, and your goals. Your operating costs will depend on your electric and gas rates, so ask your contractor to compare costs using your actual utility bills, not just a general estimate.
Good candidates:
Situations needing more evaluation:
Before you agree to any work, ask for a Manual J load calculation, a written electrical load calculation, duct static pressure testing, an itemized estimate, permit and Title 24 details, and an AHRI-matched system with rebate paperwork.
Affordable Heating and Air is a woman-owned business with a California CSLB license #1081403. We will let you know if a conversion is not the best option for you. If you keep your furnace, regular HVAC maintenance will help it stay reliable.
A typical ducted conversion costs between $8,500 and $15,000 before rebates, provided your ducts and electrical system are in good shape. If you need a panel upgrade or new ductwork, it can cost thousands more. The final price depends on the system’s size, efficiency, ductwork, electrical work, and how easy it is to access everything.
Not always. Whether you need a 200-amp panel depends on a load calculation. Homes with older 60A, 100A, or 125A service are more likely to need an upgrade, which usually costs $2,500 to $5,500 according to Los Angeles electrician rates.
Often, if they are properly sized, sealed, and deliver the airflow the system needs, as confirmed by static pressure testing. Leaky, undersized, or deteriorated ducts may need sealing, repair, or replacement.
Dual fuel can cost less up front if your furnace still has years left, but that is not always the case. It also means you will need extra controls and will still rely on gas equipment. The best option depends on your furnace’s age, your electrical system, and your goals.
Yes. Modern inverter heat pumps can keep your home warm even when overnight temperatures drop in Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley, as long as the system is sized correctly.
If you are an LADWP customer, you can get $1,000 to $1,250 per ton for qualifying ducted heat pumps and $1,500 to $2,500 per ton for ductless systems that serve your whole home.
It depends on your electric rate plan, gas prices, your system’s efficiency, and your home’s insulation. Ask your contractor to compare running costs using your actual utility bills instead of a general estimate.
When you schedule a replacement consultation, we will visit your home, assess your needs, and give you a written, itemized estimate. The estimate will list panel and duct findings separately.
Los Angeles County: (818) 722-1332, Ventura County: (805) 755-4074. Book an appointment or see furnace replacement and heating installation.
When you schedule a replacement consultation, we will visit your home, assess your needs, and give you a written, itemized estimate. The estimate will list panel and duct findings separately.
Los Angeles County: (818) 722-1332, Ventura County: (805) 755-4074.
Book an appointment