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Furnace + Central Air Conditioning (Traditional Split System)

This is the most common HVAC setup in North America, especially in homes built between the 1970s and early 2010s.

How it works

A split system has two major components:

• Air conditioner (outside). Removes heat from your home during summer
• Furnace (inside). Burns natural gas or propane to produce heat in winter
• Ductwork distributes conditioned air throughout the house

During cooling, the outdoor unit rejects heat to the outside air. During heating, the furnace heats air directly and pushes it through the ducts.

Pros

• Familiar and widely available
• Strong heating performance even in very cold climates
• Often lower upfront cost if gas infrastructure already exists

Cons

• Uses fossil fuels
• Typically higher operating cost over time
• Two separate systems to maintain and eventually replace
• Limited zoning flexibility

This is often the system people are replacing when they upgrade to modern electric solutions.

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Heat Pumps (All Electric Heating and Cooling)

Heat pumps are rapidly becoming the preferred system for homes, outpacing replacement of natural gas furnaces.

How it works

A heat pump moves heat instead of generating it.

• In summer, it works like an air conditioner and moves heat outside
• In winter, it reverses direction and pulls heat from outdoor air, even when it is cold, and moves it inside

Because it transfers heat instead of creating it through combustion, heat pumps can deliver two to four times more heating energy than the electricity they consume.

Pros

• One system provides both heating and cooling
• Very energy efficient
• Lower carbon footprint
• Often quieter and more comfortable
• Compatible with solar and electrification goals

Cons

• Requires proper system design and installation quality
• Some homes need electrical upgrades
• Performance depends heavily on equipment selection and sizing

For Bay Area homes, heat pumps are often the most balanced option between comfort, efficiency, and long term cost.

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Ductless Mini Split Systems

Mini splits are heat pumps that do not rely on ductwork. Instead, they use individual indoor air handlers mounted on walls, ceilings, or floors.

How it works

• A single outdoor heat pump connects to one or multiple indoor units
• Each indoor unit controls temperature in its own zone

Pros

• Extremely efficient
• Great for homes without ducts
• Allows room by room temperature control
• Ideal for additions, ADUs, or retrofit situations

Cons

• Indoor units are visible and some homeowners have aesthetic preferences
• Can become complex if trying to cover an entire large home
• Requires thoughtful placement for best airflow

Mini splits are often the best solution when installing ductwork would be invasive or expensive.

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Packaged HVAC Systems

Packaged systems combine heating and cooling components into one outdoor unit, typically installed on rooftops or beside the home.

How it works

All heating and cooling functions occur inside one cabinet. Air is delivered through ducts connected directly to the unit.

Pros

• Space saving design
• Common in townhomes or homes without indoor mechanical space
• Often simpler installation footprint

Cons

• Can be noisier
• Slightly less efficient in many cases
• Weather exposure can shorten lifespan if not installed carefully

These systems are common in certain architectural styles but are less common in modern high efficiency residential upgrades.

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Boilers and Radiant Heating Systems

Instead of heating air, boilers heat water and distribute that heat through radiators, baseboards, or radiant floor tubing.

How it works

• Water is heated in a boiler
• Heated water circulates through pipes
• Heat radiates into rooms from floors or radiators

Cooling usually requires a separate air conditioning system.

Pros

• Very comfortable and even heat
• Quiet operation
• Excellent for certain architectural styles or older homes

Cons

• Usually requires a separate cooling system
• Slower response time
• Installation can be complex in retrofit scenarios

Radiant systems are loved for comfort but tend to be niche in many modern California homes.

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Which System Is Right for Your Home?

Choosing an HVAC system is less about picking a brand or technology and more about matching the system to your home’s design, climate, and comfort goals. Some of the biggest factors include:

• Existing ductwork condition
• Electrical capacity
• Home layout and zoning needs
• Insulation and building envelope
• Energy cost priorities
• Long term ownership plans

A properly designed system almost always outperforms a poorly designed one, regardless of technology.

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Where the Industry Is Heading

Across California and much of the country, HVAC is shifting toward high efficiency electric heat pump systems. Improvements in cold weather performance, quieter operation, and better smart controls have made modern heat pumps dramatically more capable than older generations.

For many homeowners, they now represent the best balance of comfort, efficiency, and future readiness.

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The Electric Air Approach

At Electric Air, we do not believe in one size fits all HVAC. We evaluate:

• The thermal characteristics of your home
• Airflow and duct performance
• Electrical infrastructure
• Comfort goals and zoning preferences

If you are considering replacing your HVAC system, or just want to understand your options better, we are always happy to walk through the pros and cons in plain English.

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