Short answer: yes, you can replace a gas furnace with a heat pump in most Novato homes, and it often reuses your existing ductwork. One outdoor unit and one indoor unit take over both heating and cooling, so you can retire the furnace and the old AC at the same time. The main things we check first are your ducts and your electrical panel.
Why Novato homeowners are making the switch
Novato has mild winters and warm, dry summers, especially away from the bay. That is exactly the kind of climate where a modern heat pump shines. It cools in summer like a central air conditioner, then reverses in winter to move heat into your home instead of burning gas.
Many Novato homes were built decades ago with a gas furnace in a closet, attic, or crawlspace and no air conditioning at all. Replacing the furnace is a good moment to add cooling without adding a second system.
What changes when you go from gas to heat pump
Day to day, a heat pump feels different from a furnace in a few ways:
- Gentler heat. Air from a heat pump is warm, not hot. It runs longer and steadier instead of blasting on and off.
- Quieter indoors. Inverter (variable-speed) systems ramp up and down smoothly.
- An outdoor unit. You'll need a spot for it outside, with room for airflow and service access.
- No gas combustion for heating. That means no flue for the heating system and one less gas appliance in the house.
Your gas meter may still be needed for a gas stove, dryer, or water heater. Switching the furnace doesn't force you to switch everything else.
What we check before replacing a furnace
Every home is different, so a heat pump system is priced to your home after a free in-home estimate. Here is what we look at:
- Ductwork. If your ducts are leaky, crushed, or too small, the new system won't perform the way it should. Sometimes sealing and a few changes are enough. Sometimes a section needs replacing. See our duct work page.
- Electrical panel. A heat pump needs its own circuit. Some older panels have room, and some need an upgrade first.
- Sizing. We size the system to the home, not to the label on the old furnace. Insulation, windows, sun exposure, and duct condition all count.
- Where the equipment goes. We plan the indoor unit, outdoor unit, and refrigerant line route so the install is clean and easy to service.
If a room or addition has no ducts, ductless mini splits can fill the gap without opening walls.
What the project looks like from start to finish
After the estimate, we pull the permit and order the equipment. On install day we protect your floors, remove the old furnace, set the outdoor unit, connect the indoor unit and refrigerant lines, and make the electrical connections. Then we test airflow and temperatures and walk you through the thermostat so the system runs efficiently.
The building inspector signs off on the permit, and we coordinate that so you don't have to. Our CORE values of craftsmanship and respect for your home mean a tidy job site and a clear explanation at every step.
Rebates and incentives
Depending on your utility and current program funding, rebates may be available through programs like TECH Clean California, BayREN, and MCE. Funding changes during the year, so we check what's open when we quote your job and handle the paperwork. The federal 25C tax credit ended for systems installed after December 31, 2025.
Common questions
Will a heat pump keep my Novato home warm in winter?
Yes, when it's sized correctly and the ducts are in good shape. Novato winters are mild, and modern heat pumps are built to heat well in much colder weather.
Can I reuse my existing ducts?
Often, yes. We inspect them during the estimate and tell you plainly whether they can stay, need sealing, or need partial replacement.
How long does the swap take?
A typical ducted replacement takes about two days on site. Panel upgrades or duct work can add time, and we'll go over the schedule before we start.
Do I have to remove my gas line?
No. The gas line can stay for other appliances. We'll make sure the furnace connection is safely capped when the old unit comes out.
Thinking about replacing your furnace in Novato? Call Green Core at (707) 988-5858 or request a free estimate.