Spotlight Item:
Residential Air Conditioner to Heat Pump Replacement (AC2HP) Reach Codes

Earth Justice offers an overview of the advantages of heat pump technology and explains why swapping air conditioners for heat pumps is a great idea:

This policy is a win/win/win/win/win for homeowners, as heat pumps

• use electricity more efficiently than standard AC units, so electricity costs will go down
• are roughly the same size and can typically be installed in the same locations as AC units they replace
• can use existing ducting
• provide cooling AND heating, so one unit replaces both AC and furnace
• provide cleaner indoor air when used for heating.

And incentives and rebates will make the cost of a heat pump comparable to the standard AC replacement!

2-way ACs (Heat Pumps) are proven technology, outselling gas-powered furnaces in the U.S. over the past two years. They work by moving heat into (or out of) the building, providing superior comfort with reduced energy use. This is a great way to transition Glendale homes to modern, efficient heat pump technology, reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from furnaces.

The proposed Glendale ordinance applies only to AC systems that need to be replaced, and has exemptions for systems that would need a panel upgrade (which they mostly should NOT if replacing a central HVAC). The ordinance does NOT apply to systems that just need to be repaired. It’s the right time to upgrade when a system needs to be replaced.