Walnut Creek Home Goes All-Electric: Carrier Heat Pump & Rheem Water Heater Installation

The Project: Complete Gas-to-Electric Conversion in Walnut Creek

When the homeowners of this 2,400-square-foot Walnut Creek home decided it was time to replace their aging gas furnace and water heater, they made a forward-thinking decision: go all-electric with high-efficiency heat pump technology.

Their existing setup was typical for Bay Area homes built in the 1990s: a gas furnace and standard gas water heater, both located in the garage. After 18+ years of service, both units were showing their age with declining efficiency and increasing repair needs.

The result? A complete home comfort transformation in just three days.

---

What We Installed

Carrier 37MURAQ36 Heat Pump

The heart of this installation is the Carrier 37MURAQ36 heat pump from the 37MURA Series. This 3-ton (36,000 BTU), variable-speed system delivers year-round comfort with impressive efficiency:

• Up to 18.8 SEER2 rating for highly efficient cooling
• 9.7 HSPF2 rating for cost-effective heating
• Variable-speed inverter technology adjusts output to match exact heating and cooling needs
• R-454B refrigerant (Puron Advance) with 75% lower global warming potential
• Quiet operation for minimal noise disturbance
• Compact design installs just 6 inches from the exterior wall

Unlike traditional systems that cycle on and off, the variable-speed compressor runs continuously at the exact capacity needed. This means more consistent temperatures, lower energy bills, and quieter operation.

Carrier 45MUHA Low Boy Air Handler

For garage installations, space matters. The Carrier 45MUHA Performance air handler is specifically designed for low-clearance applications:

• Low boy horizontal configuration fits where traditional air handlers cannot
• Variable-speed ECM motor for whisper-quiet operation (as low as 33 decibels)
• Up to 1.0 inches of static pressure handles longer duct runs
• Built-in refrigerant leak detection for safety and compliance
• Less than 2% air leakage maximizes efficiency

The combination of the 37MURAQ36 outdoor unit and 45MUHA air handler creates an ENERGY STAR certified system that delivers both heating and cooling from a single, efficient package.

Rheem 65-Gallon Heat Pump Water Heater

Replacing the gas water heater was equally important. We installed a Rheem Performance Platinum 65-gallon heat pump water heater:

• 3.5+ UEF rating (Uniform Energy Factor) uses 75% less energy than standard electric water heaters
• Saves $300-$575 annually compared to gas water heaters
• 65-gallon capacity provides ample hot water for the whole family
• Built-in WiFi with EcoNet app for remote monitoring and control
• 5 operating modes including Energy Saver, Heat Pump Only, and High Demand
• 10-year warranty for long-term peace of mind
• Whisper-quiet operation at just 45 decibels

The heat pump water heater works by extracting heat from the surrounding garage air, which also provides a slight cooling effect to the garage space during summer months.

Electrical Subpanel Upgrade

To safely power both heat pump systems, we installed a new electrical subpanel in the garage. This provides:

• Dedicated circuits for the HVAC system
• Dedicated circuit for the heat pump water heater
• Proper amperage for current and future electrical needs
• Code-compliant installation with proper breaker sizing

---

Why the Homeowners Chose All-Electric

Energy Savings

Gas prices in California have increased significantly over the past several years. By switching to heat pump technology for both HVAC and water heating, these homeowners can expect:

• 30-50% reduction in heating costs compared to gas
• $300-$575 annual savings on water heating alone
• Consistent monthly bills without gas rate fluctuations
• Lower lifetime operating costs despite higher upfront investment

Environmental Impact

Eliminating gas appliances means:

• Zero on-site combustion emissions
• No carbon monoxide risk from furnace or water heater
• Reduced greenhouse gas footprint especially as grid electricity becomes cleaner
• Future-ready home aligned with California's building electrification goals

Improved Comfort

Heat pumps deliver superior comfort compared to gas furnaces:

• More even temperatures throughout the home
• Variable-speed operation eliminates hot and cold swings
• Built-in cooling replaces the need for separate AC
• Better humidity control during heating season
• Quieter operation both indoors and out

Safety Benefits

Removing gas appliances from the garage eliminates:

• Carbon monoxide risk from combustion
• Gas leak concerns
• Combustion air requirements
• Exhaust venting needs

---

The 3-Day Installation Process

Day 1: Removal and Preparation

Our team began by:

• Safely disconnecting and removing the old gas furnace
• Removing the old gas water heater
• Capping gas lines (homeowners kept gas for cooking)
• Installing the new electrical subpanel
• Preparing the exterior pad for the heat pump

Day 2: Equipment Installation

The main installation day included:

• Setting and leveling the Carrier 37MURAQ36 outdoor unit
• Installing the 45MUHA low boy air handler in the garage
• Running new refrigerant lines between units
• Installing the Rheem heat pump water heater
• Running new electrical circuits to all equipment
• Connecting water lines to the new water heater

Day 3: Commissioning and Testing

Final day activities:

• Charging the refrigerant system
• Testing all electrical connections
• Commissioning the heat pump system
• Programming the thermostat
• Setting up the Rheem EcoNet app
• Complete system testing in heating and cooling modes
• Customer walkthrough and training

---

Results: Immediate Improvements

Comfort

The homeowners noticed immediate improvements:

"The house stays so much more consistent now. No more waiting 20 minutes for the furnace to warm up the house."

Noise Level

The variable-speed system operates at a fraction of the noise level:

"We used to hear the furnace kick on from anywhere in the house. Now we barely notice when it is running."

Peace of Mind

Eliminating gas concerns brought unexpected relief:

"We always worried a little about the gas appliances in the garage, especially with the car parked next to them. That worry is completely gone now."

---

Is Whole-Home Electrification Right for You?

This project is an excellent example of what is possible when homeowners decide to upgrade their aging HVAC and water heating systems. The combination of:

• Modern heat pump technology
• High-efficiency water heating
• Proper electrical infrastructure

Creates a home that is more comfortable, more efficient, and better aligned with California's clean energy future.

Ideal Candidates for Electrification

Whole-home electrification makes the most sense when:

• Your gas furnace is 15+ years old
• Your water heater is 10+ years old
• You want to reduce your carbon footprint
• You are concerned about indoor air quality
• You want both heating and cooling from one system
• You are planning to stay in your home long-term

What About Cost?

While all-electric systems typically have higher upfront costs than gas replacements, the economics are favorable in California due to:

• Lower operating costs over the system lifetime
• Available utility rebates (check with PG&E for current programs)
• Potential for financing with low monthly payments
• Increasing gas prices making electric more competitive each year

---

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Interested in converting your Walnut Creek home to all-electric? Galaxy Heating & Air Conditioning specializes in heat pump installations and whole-home electrification projects throughout Contra Costa County.

Contact us for a free consultation:

• Phone: (925) 578-3379
• Online: Schedule Service

We will evaluate your current system, discuss your goals, and provide a detailed proposal for your electrification project.

---

Galaxy Heating & Air Conditioning
Licensed CSLB #1076868 | NATE Certified | Carrier Authorized Dealer

Serving Walnut Creek and the greater Bay Area since 2007.