American Standard Dual-Fuel Heat Pump and Furnace Installation in Hercules
Completed June 25, 2026
Replaced a nine-year-old air conditioner and 23-year-old furnace with an American Standard 4-ton inverter heat pump and an 80% AFUE two-stage gas furnace. The new dual-fuel system combines electric heating and cooling with the option of gas heat.
Galaxy Heating & Air Conditioning installed an American Standard dual-fuel heating and cooling system at a home in Hercules after the homeowner contacted us for a second opinion.
The existing nine-year-old outdoor condenser was still cooling, but the homeowner felt its performance could be better. Another contractor had reportedly identified operation outside the equipment’s expected range and excessive motor power draw. The homeowner also reported a motor issue with the approximately 23-year-old furnace located in the garage.
The replacement system includes an American Standard 4-ton inverter heat pump, model 5HPL5048A1000A, paired with an 80,000 BTU, 80% AFUE two-stage gas furnace, model S8X2B080M4PTCA. The heat pump’s listed efficiency ratings are 16 SEER2 for cooling and 8.1 HSPF2 for heating.
This dual-fuel configuration provides electric heating and cooling while retaining gas heating capability. The inverter heat pump can adjust its output as demand changes, supporting steadier indoor temperatures. The furnace provides two stages of gas heat, with lower output for lighter heating needs and higher output when more heat is required. Its multi-speed ECM blower provides selectable airflow settings.
The project replaced both pieces of equipment associated with the homeowner’s concerns and introduced heat pump heating as an additional option alongside a new gas furnace.
Project details
Customer problem
The homeowner requested a second opinion about cooling performance and reported motor concerns. Their nine-year-old condenser was still cooling, but not as well as expected. A previous contractor had reportedly advised that the unit was operating outside its expected range and that a motor was drawing excessive power. The homeowner also reported a motor issue with the 23-year-old garage furnace.
Previous system
A central air conditioning system with an approximately nine-year-old outdoor condenser and a separate, approximately 23-year-old gas furnace located in the garage. The air conditioner remained operational, but the homeowner reported reduced cooling performance and motor concerns affecting the existing equipment.
Recommendation and why
We offered an American Standard dual-fuel system consisting of a 4-ton inverter heat pump, model 5HPL5048A1000A, and an 80,000 BTU two-stage gas furnace, model S8X2B080M4PTCA.
This combination addressed replacement of both the outdoor cooling equipment and the aging furnace while giving the homeowner a choice of electric or gas heating. Inverter operation allows the heat pump to vary its output, while two-stage gas heating provides flexibility as heating demand changes.
The selected configuration modernized the home’s central HVAC equipment and added heat pump heating without eliminating gas heating capability.
Equipment details
American Standard dual-fuel system consisting of a 4-ton inverter heat pump, model 5HPL5048A1000A, and an 80,000 BTU two-stage gas furnace, model S8X2B080M4PTCA
Had a really good experience with Galaxy on a new heat pump plus gas furnace installation. Galaxy was the second second company I called after getting an estimate from a competitor. Unlike the first company, Eddie actually took the time to understand the set up and needs of my house to correctly size the system. Their sales tactics were not aggressive, and among the multiple system estimates they provided they actually recommended the cheaper option over the more expensive ones. Eddie even told me that my old system would last the summer, while the other company's tech told me my system was likely going to fail any day. I opted to go with Galaxy on a replacement now, and I ended up getting a better system for several thousand less than if I had gone with the competitor. Eddie and Huma were the installation techs. They were timely, happy to answer questions, kept me informed on the job status, and kept my property tidy as they did their work. Eddie presented me with multiple thermostat options and patiently explained the pros & cons of each so I could make an informed decision. Overall my impression is that this is an honest company with competent employees who care about the quality of their work and the satisfaction of their customers. I'll be using them for all my future HVAC needs.