For air conditioning installation in Burlingame, CA, Plum HVAC offers a complete, professional process from initial load calculations to post-install maintenance. Our service emphasizes precise equipment sizing, system selection (central, ductless, or heat pump), and coastal considerations that protect performance and warranties. Expect a structured installation with site protection, duct sealing, refrigerant and electrical work, thermostat setup, and thorough testing. Our package includes warranty documentation and a recommended maintenance plan to sustain efficiency and indoor air quality long-term.

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Air Conditioning Installation in Burlingame, CA

Installing a new air conditioning system is a significant investment in comfort, indoor air quality, and energy savings for Burlingame homes. Whether you live near the Bay where salt air and mild summers influence equipment longevity or inland where afternoon temperatures spike, a properly specified and installed system keeps your home comfortable year-round. This page explains the complete process for new air conditioning system installation in Burlingame, CA, what to expect on installation day, common local issues, and the maintenance and warranty steps that protect your investment.

Why professional installation matters in Burlingame

Improper sizing, poor duct integration, or incorrect refrigerant charge are the top causes of early AC failure and high utility bills. In Burlingame, factors like coastal salt corrosion, varied microclimates, and older homes with legacy ductwork make professional evaluation essential. At Plum HVAC, our qualified installation:

Ensures correct equipment selection and sizing for actual home loads
Matches system type to your home’s construction and living habits
Reduces risk of callbacks, refrigerant leaks, and inefficiencies
Preserves manufacturer warranties through certified installation practices

Common air conditioning needs and issues in Burlingame

Homeowners often pursue a new system for one of these reasons:

Existing unit is past useful life, breaking down frequently, or failing efficiency goals
Recent home renovations changed cooling needs or duct layout
Desire to switch to a high-efficiency heat pump or zoned system for lower bills
Poor airflow, uneven room temperatures, or high humidity on warmer days
Duct leakage, mold in ducts, or inadequate thermostat controls

Understanding these common air conditioning issues in Burlingame helps homeowners choose solutions that suit local climate and construction types.

Pre-install consultation and load calculation

A successful installation begins with a thorough on-site consultation:

Walk-through of your home to assess square footage, insulation, window exposure, attic ventilation, and existing ductwork
Review of family comfort preferences and usage patterns
Manual J load calculation or equivalent software to determine precise cooling load
Assessment of outdoor unit placement regarding airflow, salt exposure, noise ordinances, and solar exposure
Identification of permit needs and local code compliance

This step ensures the selected system is neither oversized nor undersized and aligns with Burlingame’s building requirements.

Equipment selection and sizing

Choosing the right equipment involves more than picking a SEER rating. In Burlingame, efficient heat pumps are a strong choice because of the mild winters and moderate summers. Considerations include:

System type: central air with ductwork, ductless mini-split, or a heat pump system
Efficiency ratings: SEER, HSPF for heat pumps, and local incentives or efficiency standards
Variable-speed compressors and multi-stage systems for tighter humidity and temperature control
Indoor coil compatibility, matching refrigerant types, and sound levels appropriate for neighborhood settings
Smart thermostat and zoning options to optimize comfort and reduce waste

Accurate sizing prevents short cycling, improves comfort, and maintains manufacturer warranty coverage.

Professional installation steps

The installation is executed in a structured sequence to minimize disruption and ensure long-term performance:

Pre-install preparations: site protection, arrival window, and removal plan for the old system
Outdoor unit placement: level pad installation, secure mounting, and corrosion-resistant considerations for coastal air
Indoor unit and duct integration: installing or modifying the air handler, sealing and insulating ducts, and ensuring proper return and supply configurations
Refrigerant piping and electrical connections: brazing, vacuuming lines, and making safe electrical terminations per code
Thermostat and control setup: wiring, device location, and smart thermostat programming if included
System startup and safety checks: verifying circuit protection, control logic, and defrost settings for heat pumps

Each step emphasizes quality workmanship, code compliance, and protection of your home environment during work.

Duct and thermostat integration

Many Burlingame homes require duct assessment or upgrades:

Duct sealing and insulating to reduce energy loss and improve airflow
Register balancing for consistent temperatures across rooms
Adding zoning dampers if different areas have distinct comfort needs
Integrating smart thermostats for adaptive control and remote monitoring

Correct ductwork and thermostat setup significantly improve system efficiency and occupant comfort.

Post-install testing and commissioning

Final commissioning verifies the system performs to specification:

Measuring refrigerant charge and superheat/subcooling values
Verifying airflow and static pressure to meet manufacturer specs
Testing electrical loads and safety controls
Confirming thermostat calibration and control logic
Running full-system performance checks, including dehumidification behavior and heat pump reverse cycle (if applicable)
Providing a homeowner walkthrough of controls, filter locations, and basic maintenance tasks

Comprehensive testing reduces post-install issues and confirms the system delivers promised comfort and efficiency.

Warranty, documentation, and maintenance recommendations

A new air conditioning system should come with clear warranty coverage and a maintenance plan to protect longevity:

Manufacturer warranty details for compressor, parts, and conditional labor coverage where applicable
Installer-provided documentation of equipment specs, refrigerant levels, and test results
Recommended maintenance schedule: filter replacement every 1 to 3 months, professional tune-up at least once annually, coil cleaning, and periodic duct inspection
Seasonal checks for corrosion, condensate drain function, and refrigerant leak detection—important near the Bay where salt air can accelerate component wear

Regular maintenance preserves efficiency, maintains indoor air quality, and upholds warranty conditions.

What to expect on installation day in Burlingame

On the day of installation, expect a professional and organized process:

Arrival within an agreed window, with protective coverings for floors and furniture
Clear communication about timeline and steps to be performed
Removal and proper disposal of the old system according to local regulations
Minimal disruption with dust control measures and clean workspace protocols
A final demonstration of system operation, thermostat programming, and maintenance guidance
Delivery of warranty paperwork and commissioning reports

Knowing the day’s flow helps homeowners prepare and ensures a smooth transition to the new system.

testimonials

hear what our satisfied clients have to say

5.0

We found Plum HVAC in 2024 after spending more than 2 months searching and comparing estimates. The owner Sam gave us a very competitive price for a Mitsubishi mini-split and the installation went off without a hitch. Our experience was so positive that we later requested their services twice more to also install A/Cs for our 2 other rooms. Their technician, Jake, led our installations each time and we were very impressed by their professionalism and quality of work. Now 1 year in and we could not be any happier, nor have we encountered any issues with our models.

Jesse Y.

5.0

Sam of Plum HVAC, responded to our Heat Pump installation request promptly and provided a very competitive estimate after an onsite visit. He was very flexible and patient to answer and explain our questions. After we signed the contract, he and his team of 4 worked very hard to deliver and install the whole Heat Pump system on time with good quality. I am particularly impressed by their problem solving skills to overcome different connection challenges for the attic installation. Each day before they started, they covered the floors with protection blankets and cleaned after they were done for the day. They also revised the drainage and electric work per the city inspection guidance. Sam and his team were professional and honest so we highly recommend Plum HVAC to any customers who need HVAC work done for their houses.

Chunshi C.

5.0

We needed to install a mini-split in a backyard unit. Sam and his team helped with this, and they did a fantastic job. Sam visited our place and clearly explained to me what needed to be done, and offered a great price. He scheduled the job for a few days later, and his team performed the job with extraordinary quality. Later, I noticed a minor issue and reached out to them. Sam helped me to fix the issue on a second visit by his team later in the week, providing top-notch customer service. I will work with them in the future for my HVAC jobs, and highly recommend them given their excellent work quality and customer service.

Majid J.

5.0

I reached out to 4 companies for mini split quotes; Plum HVAC pricing came in the lowest. Beyond that, Sam was very knowledgeable and kind during the in home consultation. He offered a quote in person, & stuck by it. They removed our old furnace, and installed a two head mini split in our two story townhouse. The work as you can see is very clean! The guys who installed it were very fun & professional. Sam & his team were communicative the whole way through including the permitting process. They took roughly one full day for install, which was very fast! Including removal & disposal of our old furnace. Natalie was very helpful throughout the Bayren Rebate process & always available for any questions! This system has changed our lives, wish we would have gotten it done sooner! It’s way better than we could have imagined.

Bobby R.

5.0

Plum HVAC exceeded my expectations in every way. Sam and his installer team were not only professional but also incredibly responsible throughout the entire process. They provided top-notch service at a very reasonable price, which is hard to come by these days. I highly recommend Plum HVAC to anyone looking for quality HVAC services. You won't be disappointed!

A Chui

5.0

I recently engaged Plum HVAC to install two mini-split units at my residence, and I'm thrilled with the outcome.Throughout the entire process, from the initial consultation to the project's completion, Plum HVAC showcased professionalism and expertise. The technician, Sam, arrived promptly and conducted a comprehensive assessment of my HVAC system. Sam took the time to thoroughly explain the technicians' tasks, the estimated duration of the project, and provided transparent pricing options.

Romero J.

5.0

Wonderful experience with Plum HVAC on a heat pump installation! I checked several companies, compared their recommendations, timelines, reputations and prices.Sam, the owner, was very professional and has almost 2 decades of experience in HVAC. When I asked dumb questions, he answered most graciously. And when I noted that some companies we queried said we could get away WITHOUT replacing our original ductwork from 1965, he gave us his honest opinion why that wasn't a good idea. (Hubby remembered later that people who worked in our attic adding insulation told us there were lots of duct leaks.)

Marlene S.

5.0

I called 8 different HVAC companies for quotes for a heat pump heating/ac system because I want to save money by switching from a forced air gas furnace to an electric heat pump system which will give me both heating and air conditioning. In addition my old furnace (circa 1991) was way oversized for my home and the air coming out too noisy. The New heat pump system is quieter and more efficient. Back to the quotes for the system, all the other 7 companies sent a salesperson/advisor to give the quote. Sam, the owner of Plum HVAC came our to give the quote. He was quick with his quote and was very knowledgeable. He didn't try to upsell me on anything and have the lowest quote of them all. His price was 60% less than the highest quote and 15% lower than the next second lowest quote.

Michael C.

5.0

Plum HVAC is an extremely professional, knowledgeable, and an established company to hire. I highly recommend Plum HVAC! Sam and his crew did a wonderful job. Sam worked with my schedule and his crew had completed the job with ease.

Blake

5.0

Sam was one of the most professional business owners I had the chance to meet over the past few years and I'm so happy I trusted him to install our new A/C unit.- He showed up on time- He was transparent (and reasonable) regarding pricing- He offered 2-3 options- His crew did a very clean/thorough jobWhat I loved the most though, was the fact he was very easy to communicate with. I would definitely use him again and recommend him to our neighbors/friends.

Bruno L.

5.0

We recently had a complicated Bryant Evolution dual fuel system with variable speed and zoning installed in our home by Plum HVAC, and we are very pleased! The team also changed the entire crawl space ducting, ensuring a comprehensive upgrade. The price was fair, and the team was always on time and easy to contact. Sam Mousavi, the head of the team, paid great attention to detail and demonstrated a strong understanding of systems. His expertise in HVAC systems and his friendly character made us feel comfortable throughout the process. We highly recommend Plum HVAC for their professionalism and excellent service.

Amirali B.

5.0

I cannot say enough about Plum HVAC, who replaced my aging heater furnace, and in particular Sam. Sam was very highly recommended by my sister, who replaced her furnace and added air conditioning.First, they gave me a good deal for a 2-stage, at the same cost as the lowest bid for a 1-stage. The other bids were dancing around some gas line work made by previous owners.

Kumar S.

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