AC to Heat Pump Reach Code

What are Heat Pumps?

Heat pumps are an energy-efficient alternative that work in all climates. Unlike traditional systems that generate heat, heat pumps use electricity to transfer heat, making them efficient for both heating and cooling.

A similar system to heat pumps are refrigerators: instead of creating heat, they move it from one place to another.

In winter, heat pumps draw heat from the outdoors and transfer it inside to keep your home or building warm.
In summer, they reverse the process, pulling heat from indoors and releasing it outside to keep your space cool.
Heat pump water heaters work in a similar way by collecting heat from the surrounding air and using it to heat water.

You can view the Cost Effectiveness Analysis prepared for the City of Glendale, by Frontier Energy here.

An AC to Heat Pump (AC2HP) Reach Code was adopted in Fall 2025.

This new reach code would apply to single-family homes, duplexes, and townhomes when an existing air conditioning system is replaced, altered, or when a new air conditioning system is installed. Repairs are not affected by the code change.

The proposed code would require either:

Installing a heat pump as the primary heating and cooling system, or
Installing a new air conditioner along with specific energy-efficiency upgrades, such as duct sealing, insulation, and system performance improvements.

Exceptions:

The proposed code would not apply if:

An AC system is being repaired rather than replaced.

The current electrical panel doesn’t have enough capacity to power a heat pump that’s large enough to properly meet the heating load.

The heat pump required would be significantly oversized (more than 12,000 Btu/h larger than the existing system).

There are also exceptions to the duct sealing and airflow requirements that specify alternative methods of compliance. All applicable exceptions in the California Energy Code apply.

Previous discussion regarding this item are as follows:

November 18, 2025 City Council Meeting, starting at 2:29:37, click here to watch.

November 4, 2025 City Council Meeting, starting at 2:45:32, click here to watch.

September 9, 2025 City Council Meeting, starting at 1:12:59, click here to watch.

August 26, 2025 City Council Meeting, starting at 2:54:30, click here to watch.

August 19, 2025 City Council Meeting, starting at 1:25:15, click here to watch.

August 12, 2025 City Council Meeting, starting at 3:31:21, click here to watch.

You can read the full ordinance here. For questions, comments, and concerns, please email Sustainability@GlendaleCA.gov.

Below is a list of all Heat Pump rebates that are currently available.

You can also visit Switchison.org which lists all savings available with its incentive finder. Rewiring America can also has a contractor search tool that can be viewed here.

Glendale Water and Power ENERGY STAR® Heat Pump/Mini-Split Heat Pump (Replacing existing Heat Pump) - $500 per ton

Must have a SEER2 rating of 15.2 or greater and HSPF2 rating of 7.8 or greater.
Must meet current ENERGY STAR guidelines.
Must provide the AHRI certificate for the system. AHRI certificate can be acquired from the contractor or installer.
1 rebate per story every 10 years for Packaged or Split Heat Pump and 1 rebate per room every 10 years for Ductless/Mini-Split Heat Pump per customer at the same residence.
Rebate Amount: $500 per ton (total not to exceed $2,500). Rebate will be issued as a bill credit.
Click here to apply

Glendale Water and Power ENERGY STAR® Heat Pump/Mini-Split Heat Pump (Replacing an existing gas and electric HVAC system or gas furnace with an all electric Energy Star Heat Pump technology) - $1,000

Must have a SEER2 rating of 15.2 or greater and HSPF2 rating of 7.8 or greater.
Must meet current ENERGY STAR guidelines.
Must provide the AHRI certificate for the system. AHRI certificate can be acquired from the contractor or installer.
1 rebate per story every 10 years for Packaged or Split Heat Pump and 1 rebate per room every 10 years for Ductless/Mini-Split Heat Pump per customer at the same residence.
Finalized plumbing permit for gas capping and electrical permit for heat pump installation is required.
Rebate Amount: $1,000 per ton (total not to exceed $5,000). Rebate will be issued as a check.
Click here to apply.

South Coast AQMD Pilot Incentive Program for Zero-Emission Space and Water Heating Appliances

IRS Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit

TECH Clean CA Heat Pump rebates

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this ordinance apply to repairs?

What does “altered” mean under the AC to Heat Pump Reach Code?

Under the AC2HP Reach Code, an “alteration” occurs when an existing air-conditioning system is changed in a way that goes beyond a simple repair and involves installing or replacing equipment.

An AC system is considered altered when:

An existing air conditioner is replaced with a new unit
A new air conditioner is installed where one did not previously exist
The space-conditioning system is modified in a way that requires a permit for installation or replacement of the air-conditioning equipment

This definition aligns with California Building Commission's Title 24 and is triggered only when installation or replacement occurs

How do I know if my project qualifies as an “alteration”?

What if my home can’t support a heat pump?

What are some available rebates?

The following rebates, which are also listed above on this webpage, are available:

Glendale Water & Power (GWP) offers $500 per ton (total not to exceed $2,500) for qualifying heat pumps. Click here to apply.
South Coast AQMD offers rebates through their Pilot Incentive Program for Zero-Emission Space and Water Heating Appliances. Click here to learn more and apply.
IRS’s Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit is available until the end of 2025. Click here to learn more.
TECH Clean California is offering single family heat pump HVAC and heat pump water heater incentives. Funding is first come, first served. Click here to view the rebates.

Where can I find contractors, and additional resources?

Are there examples of this policy working in other cities?

When does the ordinance take effect?

Do these requirements apply to commercial properties?

Who enforces the ordinance?