Is Your Electrical Panel Ready for a Heat Pump?
Thinking about switching to a heat pump? Great choice for the Bay Area! But before installation day, you need to answer one critical question: Can your electrical panel handle it?
Why Electrical Capacity Matters
Heat pumps require significantly more electrical capacity than traditional gas furnaces:
- Gas furnace: 5-15 amps (just the blower fan)
- Heat pump: 30-60 amps (compressor + air handler)
If your panel is already maxed out, you'll need an upgrade before you can install your heat pump.
Quick Electrical Panel Checklist
1. Check Your Panel Amperage
Open your electrical panel and look for the main breaker. It will say:
- 100 amps - Likely needs upgrade for heat pump
- 150 amps - Borderline, depends on other loads
- 200 amps - Usually sufficient for most homes
Bay Area note: Most homes built after 1980 have 200-amp panels. Older homes (1950s-1970s) often have 100-150 amp panels.
2. Count Available Breaker Spaces
A typical heat pump installation requires:
- Air handler: 1 double-pole breaker (30-50 amps)
- Outdoor unit: 1 double-pole breaker (30-60 amps)
Do you have 2 open double-pole spaces? If not, you may need a panel upgrade or sub-panel.
3. Calculate Your Current Electrical Load
Add up the major appliances in your home:
| Appliance | Typical Draw |
|---|---|
| Electric range | 40-50 amps |
| Electric dryer | 30 amps |
| EV charger (Level 2) | 40-50 amps |
| Hot tub / pool heater | 30-50 amps |
| Central AC (existing) | 30-40 amps |
| Water heater (electric) | 30 amps |
Total already over 150 amps? You might need an upgrade.
Common Scenarios in Bay Area Homes
✅ Scenario 1: No Upgrade Needed
- 200-amp panel with 4+ open spaces
- No EV charger or electric range
- Existing gas furnace + AC
- Cost: $0 panel upgrade
⚠️ Scenario 2: Sub-Panel Addition
- 200-amp panel but no open spaces
- All major loads already present
- Cost: $2,500-4,000 for sub-panel replacement
❌ Scenario 3: Full Panel Upgrade Required
- 100-amp panel
- Multiple electrical upgrades planned (EV, heat pump, induction range)
- Cost: $6,000-8,000 for overhead service or $13,000-16,000 for underground
Electrification Opportunity
If you're upgrading your panel anyway, consider doing all your electrical upgrades at once:
- Heat pump
- EV charger
- Induction range
- Heat pump water heater
Why bundle? You only pay for one permit, one electrician visit, and one inspection.
The "Smart Load Management" Alternative
Don't want to upgrade your panel? Some Bay Area utilities offer smart load management systems that:
- Monitor your total electrical load in real-time
- Automatically reduce EV charging when heat pump is running
- Prevent circuit overloads without panel upgrade
- Includes devices like the DCC9 load controller
Cost: $2,000-4,000 (device like DCC9 is $1,300 + installation, eligible for rebates in some areas)
Panel Upgrade Costs & Rebates
Full 200-amp panel upgrade:
- Overhead service: $6,000-8,000
- Underground service: $13,000-16,000
- Sub-panel addition only: $2,500-4,000
But wait - there are rebates!
- TECH Clean California: Up to $4,000 for panel upgrades (income-qualified)
- BayREN Home+: Up to $2,500 for electrical upgrades
- PG&E Energy Efficiency: Varies by location
Net cost after rebates: Often significantly reduced
What Galaxy Does Before Installation
Before every heat pump installation, we:
- ✓ Inspect your electrical panel
- ✓ Calculate total load with heat pump
- ✓ Identify if upgrades are needed
- ✓ Provide exact cost for any electrical work
- ✓ Handle all permits and inspections
- ✓ Coordinate with licensed electricians
- ✓ Maximize available rebates
No surprises. No hidden costs.
DIY Panel Check (Safe Steps)
WARNING: Never remove the panel cover yourself. You can check:
- Look at the main breaker (top of panel, stamped with amperage)
- Count visible breaker spaces (without opening cover)
- List major electrical appliances you have
- Call us for a free assessment
Ready to Check Your Panel?
Schedule a free electrical assessment before your heat pump installation.
About the Author
Galaxy Heating & Air Conditioning
NATE-Certified HVAC Experts
Galaxy Heating & Air Conditioning has been serving the San Francisco Bay Area for over 20 years. Our team includes NATE-certified technicians and EPA-certified professionals specializing in residential HVAC systems, energy-efficient installations, and emergency repairs. We stay current with the latest HVAC technologies, California building codes, and manufacturer certifications to provide accurate, trustworthy information to Bay Area homeowners.
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