Find Your Perfect HVAC System
Answer a few questions about your home and needs to get personalized Carrier system recommendations designed for Bay Area homes.
How to Use the HVAC System Selector
This interactive tool asks you about your home, current heating and cooling setup, comfort preferences, and budget priorities. Based on your answers, it recommends the best Carrier HVAC system for your Bay Area home.
What you'll need to know:
- Your home's approximate square footage
- Whether you currently have ductwork
- Your current heating and cooling system types
- Any comfort issues you're experiencing (hot/cold rooms, high energy bills, etc.)
- Your priorities: efficiency, cost, comfort, or climate goals
The quiz takes about 3-5 minutes to complete. Your answers help narrow down which Carrier system will work best for your specific situation.
Understanding Your Recommendation
The calculator recommends one of several HVAC system types based on your responses. Here's what each system type offers and when it makes sense for Bay Area homes:
Heat Pump Systems
Best for: Homeowners looking to replace both heating and cooling with one efficient system. Ideal if you want to reduce gas usage or qualify for rebates and tax credits.
Why it might be recommended: You have ductwork, want all-electric heating/cooling, or live in a milder climate area where heat pumps excel (most of the Bay Area).
Gas Furnace + AC
Best for: Homes that already use gas heat and want reliable, powerful heating for colder microclimates. Often the most affordable upfront option if replacing existing equipment.
Why it might be recommended: You already have a gas furnace, live in the inland valleys where winters can dip below 40°F regularly, or prefer familiar technology.
Ductless Mini-Split
Best for: Homes without ductwork, room additions, converted garages, or solving hot/cold room problems. Very energy efficient with room-by-room control.
Why it might be recommended: You don't have ducts, are adding a new room, or want targeted comfort in specific areas without a whole-house installation.
Hybrid Heat Pump
Best for: Maximum efficiency and reliability. Uses the heat pump most of the time and switches to gas furnace backup during very cold weather or high demand.
Why it might be recommended: You want the best of both worlds—efficiency of a heat pump with the reassurance of gas backup for cold snaps.
Bay Area Climate Considerations
The Bay Area's unique microclimates mean what works in San Francisco might not be ideal for Livermore or Walnut Creek. Our calculator takes these factors into account:
Coastal Areas (San Francisco, Daly City, Pacifica)
Mild year-round temperatures mean heat pumps and mini-splits work exceptionally well. Air conditioning needs are often minimal, making ductless systems a smart, affordable choice for targeted cooling.
East Bay Hills (Oakland, Berkeley, Orinda)
Moderate climate with some winter chill. Heat pumps perform great here, but hybrid systems provide peace of mind during the occasional cold snap. Consider your home's insulation and sun exposure.
Inland Valleys (Livermore, Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Concord)
Hot summers (often 90-100°F+) and cooler winters make this the most demanding climate in the Bay Area. Strong AC is essential, and you'll want either a high-efficiency heat pump or a traditional gas furnace for reliable winter heating.
Peninsula & South Bay (Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, San Jose)
Balanced climate with warm-to-hot summers and mild winters. Heat pumps are increasingly popular here, offering year-round comfort with excellent efficiency and eligibility for incentives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the calculator's recommendation final, or just a starting point?
It's a starting point based on general guidelines. Every home is unique, so we always recommend a free in-home consultation where we can assess your ductwork, insulation, electrical service, and specific comfort goals before making a final recommendation.
Can I get multiple system types installed at once?
Absolutely. Many Bay Area homeowners use a combination—for example, central AC and furnace for the main house, plus a mini-split for a bonus room or garage conversion. We can design a custom solution that addresses all your comfort needs.
How accurate is the calculator for older Bay Area homes?
The calculator provides general guidance, but older homes with original windows, minimal insulation, or outdated electrical systems may need additional considerations. During your consultation, we'll identify any necessary upgrades to ensure your new system performs optimally.
What if my result recommends a system I can't afford right now?
We offer flexible financing options, including 0% interest plans, and can help you access available rebates and tax credits. We can also discuss phased installations or more budget-friendly alternatives that still meet your comfort needs.
Should I use this tool if I'm just repairing my current system?
If your system is older (10-15+ years) or having frequent issues, it's worth seeing what a replacement might cost. Often, the efficiency gains and avoided repair costs make replacement a smarter long-term investment. We can help you evaluate both options during a consultation.
Next Steps After Your Recommendation
Once you've received your system recommendation, explore these related resources or schedule a free consultation:
Size Your System
Use our sizing calculator to estimate the capacity you'll need based on your home's square footage and layout.
Calculate Savings
Estimate your potential energy savings and payback period with a new high-efficiency system.
Explore Financing
Learn about 0% financing options, rebates, and tax credits to make your upgrade more affordable.
Ready to Get Started?
Based on your quiz results, our experts can provide a detailed quote and answer any questions about your recommended system.