Heat Pump vs AC-Only
A heat pump cools just like AC in summer. In winter it moves heat in from outside air. That's more efficient than a gas furnace for most Truckee nights. We show you the numbers.
AC Setup · Truckee, CA
Truckee sits at 5,817 ft. Summer highs hit 90°F but nights drop to 40°F. A heat pump covers both.

Truckee gets hot July days and cold July nights. AC-only units waste that cool evening air. A heat pump cools in summer and heats in winter. One unit does both jobs. Cold-climate models work down to negative 15°F. The Truckee Donner Public Utility District offers up to $4,000 back for heat pump setups. Fresh Air explains the math at your free estimate. Since 2009.
A heat pump cools just like AC in summer. In winter it moves heat in from outside air. That's more efficient than a gas furnace for most Truckee nights. We show you the numbers.
At 5,817 ft, units lose output compared to sea-level ratings. We check the altitude derating chart for each model. Your unit is sized for your real elevation, not a valley home.
The Truckee Donner PUD offers up to $4,000 for heat pump installs. We review your eligibility at the free estimate. Check current amounts at tdpud.org.
Standard heat pumps lose output when outdoor temps drop below 35°F. Truckee sees hard freezes from October through April. A cold-climate heat pump is rated to work at negative 15°F. Truckee Donner PUD electricity is over 60 percent renewable. Running a heat pump here is both cleaner and cheaper than gas for most heating hours.
Fresh Air selects cold-climate models rated for the Sierra Nevada. We check altitude derating on top of the cold-temp rating. Your unit handles both the thin air and the cold nights. License #945361. Insured. In service since 2009.
Most homes run $4,500 to $12,000 for a single-zone heat pump. Multi-zone mini-split setups run $5,000 to $10,000. TDPUD rebates reduce your net cost.
Yes, if you choose a cold-climate model. These units work down to negative 15°F. Most Truckee nights stay above that. We only quote cold-climate models for this area.
Most Truckee homes finish in about 48 hours. Homes with no existing ducts may take a day longer for new duct runs or use ductless mini-split heads instead.
Call (916) 416-8181 or visit our contact page. We serve Truckee and all North Tahoe towns. Cold-climate heat pump installs done right since 2009.