HVAC Calculators & Tools
Make informed decisions with free, interactive tools designed for Bay Area homeowners.
HVAC System Comparisons
Compare popular HVAC systems side-by-side to make the best decision for your Bay Area home. See costs, efficiency, features, and recommendations all in one place.
Furnaces vs Heat Pumps
Compare heating systems for Bay Area homes
| Category | Gas Furnace | Heat Pump |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | $3,500 - $8,000 (furnace only) | $5,000 - $12,000 (heating + cooling) |
| Operating Cost | $600 - $1,200/year (gas + AC) | $400 - $900/year (electric only) |
| Efficiency Rating | 80-98% AFUE | 8-10+ HSPF2, 15-20+ SEER2 |
| Heating Performance | Excellent in extreme cold | Great in Bay Area mild winters |
| Cooling Capability | Requires separate AC unit | Built-in cooling included |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 15-20 years |
| Rebates Available | $0 - $500 (limited) | $2,000 - $8,000+ (federal + state) |
| Environmental Impact | Burns fossil fuel (natural gas) | 100% electric (renewable-ready) |
| Noise Level | Moderate (indoor operation) | Quiet (outdoor compressor) |
| Installation Complexity | Moderate (gas line required) | Moderate (electrical upgrade may be needed) |
| Best For | Extremely cold climates, existing gas line | Bay Area climate, all-in-one solution, maximizing rebates |
Recommendation:
For most Bay Area homes, heat pumps offer better long-term value with lower operating costs, substantial rebates, and all-in-one heating/cooling. Furnaces remain a solid choice if you have an existing gas line and want proven heating performance.
Central AC vs Ductless Mini-Splits
Compare cooling systems for your home
| Category | Central AC | Mini-Split System |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | $9,000 - $16,000 | $8,000 - $25,000 (varies by # of zones) |
| Operating Cost | $400 - $800/year | $300 - $600/year (up to 30% savings) |
| Efficiency Rating | 14-20 SEER2 | 16-25+ SEER2 |
| Ductwork Required | Yes (major installation cost if adding) | No (perfect for homes without ducts) |
| Cooling Coverage | Whole home (even cooling) | Zoned (individual room control) |
| Temperature Control | Single thermostat for whole home | Individual control per zone/room |
| Installation Time | 1-3 days (with existing ducts) | 1 day (typically faster) |
| Noise Level | Moderate (central air handler) | Very quiet (23-40 dB indoor units) |
| Visual Impact | Hidden (vents only) | Wall-mounted units visible |
| Energy Efficiency | Can lose 20-30% through duct leaks | No duct losses (maximum efficiency) |
| Heating Capability | Requires separate heating system | Built-in heating (heat pump technology) |
| Best For | Homes with existing ductwork, whole-home cooling | Homes without ducts, room additions, zone control needs |
Recommendation:
Mini-splits excel in homes without existing ductwork, offer superior energy efficiency, and provide individual zone control. Central AC is ideal if you already have ducts and prefer a hidden system with even whole-home cooling.
Still not sure which system is right for you? Our expert technicians can assess your home, discuss your priorities, and recommend the perfect solution for your Bay Area climate and budget.
Schedule Free ConsultationBTU & Sizing Calculator
Determine the right system size for your home. Enter your square footage and climate zone to get instant sizing recommendations.
Find Your Perfect HVAC System
Answer a few questions about your home to get personalized recommendations for heat pumps, furnaces, and ductless systems.
Heat Pump vs Furnace Calculator
Compare operating costs between heat pumps and gas furnaces based on your home size and utility rates.
HVAC Diagnostic Tool
Troubleshoot problems by selecting your system type and symptoms. Get instant diagnosis with DIY fixes and pro recommendations.
Equipment Lifespan Predictor
See how long your HVAC equipment will last based on brand quality, climate conditions, and maintenance habits.
Energy Savings Calculator
Calculate monthly and yearly savings by upgrading to energy-efficient systems. See your payback period and ROI.
Heat Pump Noise Comparison
Compare noise levels across major brands and models. See how modern heat pumps stack up against older AC units.
Bay Area HVAC Rebate Finder
Find all available federal, state, and local rebates for your HVAC upgrade. Stack incentives and maximize savings.
These calculators and tools are hosted on Bay Area Climate Control , our comprehensive resource hub for HVAC education and tools. Want to run the numbers? Check out our full suite of interactive calculators to compare systems, estimate savings, and find available rebates.
Guides & How-To Articles
Learn everything you need to know about HVAC systems, maintenance, and making smart upgrade decisions.
Maintenance Guides
DIY HVAC Maintenance Checklist
Month-by-month maintenance guide tailored to Bay Area microclimates with DIY tasks and professional service reminders.
How to Change Your Air Filter
Step-by-step guide to replacing HVAC filters, choosing the right MERV rating, and improving air quality.
Spring & Fall HVAC Prep
Prepare your system for seasonal changes with professional tips for maintaining peak efficiency.
How-To Articles & Guides
How to Compare HVAC Quotes (Apples to Apples)
Break down common line items (equipment, labor, permits, ductwork, electrical, add-ons). Show how to compare a cheap single-stage quote vs variable-speed system.
How to Choose Between Good / Better / Best HVAC Options
Explain 3-tier packages in plain English: comfort, noise, efficiency, and payback. Tie directly to your Energy Savings Calculator.
Is Your Electrical Panel Ready for a Heat Pump?
Simple checklist (ampacity, spare spaces, EV charger, electric range, etc.) plus when panel upgrades are needed. Great for the electrification crowd.
How to Plan HVAC for an ADU or Rental Unit
Options for small spaces: ductless vs small ducted vs shared systems, pros/cons for landlords (maintenance, access, noise, tenant comfort).
How to Maximize Your Tax Credits
Complete guide to federal, state, and local incentives for HVAC upgrades in the Bay Area.
How to Prepare for HVAC Installation
What to expect, how to prepare your home, and timeline for system replacement.
System Comparisons
Heat Pump vs Gas Furnace Comparison
Detailed analysis of operating costs, efficiency, comfort, and long-term value for Bay Area homes.
Dual Fuel vs All-Electric Heat Pump Systems
When dual fuel makes sense (colder inland areas / capacity limits) vs going fully electric; include comfort, costs, and rebates.
Single-Stage vs Two-Stage vs Variable-Speed HVAC
Explain comfort, noise, energy use, and typical price differences. Use simple examples plus tie to your Top HVAC Brands Compared article.
Ducted vs Ductless vs Hybrid Systems
Compare for different Bay Area home types: older bungalows, Eichlers, townhomes, ADUs, condos.
Ductless Mini Splits vs Central AC
When to choose ductless systems, installation requirements, and cost-benefit analysis.
Top HVAC Brands Compared
Carrier, Lennox, American Standard, Rheem & Mitsubishi - efficiency ratings, warranties, and customer reviews.
Troubleshooting Guides
HVAC Diagnostic Tool
Interactive troubleshooting - select your system type and symptoms for instant diagnosis.
Why Is My Heat Pump Running All the Time?
Normalize longer run times, explain low-and-slow operation, when it's efficient vs when there's an issue.
Ice on My Heat Pump or AC: What's Normal, What's Not
Defrost mode vs true icing problems; simple DIY checks (filter, airflow, outdoor clearance) before calling.
Why Is My Energy Bill So High After a New System?
Common causes: wrong thermostat settings, leaky ducts, poor insulation, wrong fan mode, or undersized returns.
Why Your AC Isn't Cooling
Common causes and DIY checks before calling for service.
Understanding Furnace Noises
What sounds are normal, what indicates problems, and when to call a pro.
Education & Learning
2025 Refrigerant Changes: R-410A vs R-454B (Bay Area Homeowner Guide)
What's changing, what it means for new installs and repairs, and how to think about timing an upgrade.
Intro to Manual J, S, and D – How Proper HVAC Design Actually Works
Very high-authority topic. Explain in simple language so homeowners understand why rule-of-thumb tonnage is bad and why your designs are different.
Heat Pump Myths for the Bay Area (Debunked)
They don't work in cold weather, they're too expensive to run, etc. This pairs nicely with your Heat Pump vs Furnace Calculator and savings content.
Understanding SEER & AFUE Ratings
What these efficiency numbers mean and how they impact your energy bills.
Bay Area Microclimates & HVAC
How San Francisco, Oakland, inland valleys, and South Bay climates affect system sizing and selection.
Smart Thermostat Guide
Benefits, compatibility, integration with smart home systems, and cost savings.
Ready to Upgrade Your HVAC System?
Used our calculators and ready to move forward? Contact Galaxy Heating & Air Conditioning for expert installation, competitive pricing, and maximum rebate assistance.
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