
Heat Pump Replacement in Burlingame, CA
Heat pump replacement in Burlingame, CA, with Plum HVAC, ensures a properly sized, coastal-ready system that improves comfort, lowers energy costs, and aligns with local incentives. Our professional replacement begins with a comprehensive assessment, including Manual J load calculation, ductwork testing, electrical review, and site analysis to select corrosion-resistant equipment. The process covers removal, permitting, installation, warranty registration, and financing options, followed by maintenance planning to protect performance and maximize long-term value for your home. Timely scheduling and clear documentation from Plum HVAC help ensure incentives and warranties are realized.

Heat Pump Replacement in Burlingame, CA
Replacing a full heat pump system is a major home investment and a critical decision for Burlingame homeowners who want reliable comfort, lower energy bills, and long-term performance. Heat pump replacement in Burlingame, CA focuses on matching new, energy-efficient equipment to your home’s actual needs, managing coastal climate challenges, handling permits and inspections, and maximizing available rebates and warranties so the project delivers predictable results and lasting value.
Why replace your heat pump now
- Older units lose efficiency, cost more to run, and are more likely to fail during peak weather periods.
- Burlingame’s mild, coastal climate still places demands on heat pumps year-round; inefficient systems mean avoidable energy use and uneven comfort.
- Replacing an aging system can qualify you for local and state incentives aimed at electrification and energy efficiency, and can make your home more comfortable and marketable.
Common heat pump problems in Burlingame homes
- Frequent short cycling, rising utility bills, and poor heating or cooling output.
- Corrosion and accelerated wear on outdoor units from salt air and coastal humidity.
- Refrigerant leaks or obsolete refrigerants requiring replacement rather than repair.
- Mismatched or undersized equipment causing high energy use and uneven rooms.
- Duct leaks, poor airflow, or older controls that reduce overall system performance.
Full-system assessment: what to expect
A professional replacement begins with a detailed assessment that protects your investment and ensures the new system performs as intended:
- Home load calculation (Manual J) to determine accurate heating and cooling demand.
- Ductwork evaluation and airflow testing to decide if ducts need repair, sealing, or upsizing.
- Electrical service review to confirm panel capacity and required breakers for modern heat pumps.
- Site inspection of outdoor unit location, roof access, and proximity to salt exposure to select suitable materials and corrosion protection.
- Review of existing thermostat, zoning, and insulation to identify complementary upgrades that improve comfort and efficiency.
Equipment sizing and selection
Right-sizing is essential. Oversized or undersized heat pumps both reduce comfort and efficiency.
- Air-source split systems, ductless mini-splits, and packaged units are all viable depending on home layout and duct availability.
- Efficiency ratings: look for high SEER and HSPF or high COP at local design temperatures; higher efficiency pays off faster in Burlingame’s climate.
- Select equipment rated for coastal environments with protective coatings and robust construction to resist salt corrosion.
- Consider advanced features such as variable-speed compressors and smart thermostats to improve comfort, reduce cycling, and maximize savings.
Removal and disposal of old units
Proper removal is part of a responsible replacement:
- Certified refrigerant recovery is required by federal and state regulations to prevent harmful emissions.
- Metal components and scrap are recycled when possible; hazardous materials are disposed of per local codes.
- Old equipment removal includes safe disconnect of electrical and refrigerant lines and cleaning of the installation area.
Permitting and inspection coordination in Burlingame
Heat pump replacement requires compliance with local building codes and inspections:
- Permits are typically required for equipment replacement, electrical changes, and any duct modifications.
- Coordination with Burlingame building officials and local inspectors ensures the installation meets Title 24 energy compliance and safety standards.
- Professional installers handle paperwork, schedule inspections, and ensure documentation is ready for utility or rebate programs.
Rebate and financing assistance
Replacing a heat pump often qualifies for incentives:
- Burlingame and California programs frequently offer rebates for high-efficiency heat pumps and for converting from fossil fuel systems.
- Documentation, pre-approval steps, and timely paperwork are critical to capturing available incentives.
- Financing options tailored to energy upgrades can spread costs over time; installers can outline typical options and the paperwork needed for incentives.
Warranty, registration, and aftercare
Understanding warranty coverage protects your investment:
- Manufacturer warranties commonly cover major components for 5 to 10 years; compressors may have extended warranties if registered.
- Labor warranties vary by installer and typically range from 1 to 5 years for workmanship.
- Routine maintenance extends equipment life: annual or biannual tune-ups, filter replacement, refrigerant charge checks, and coil cleaning preserve efficiency and honor warranty conditions.
Typical project timeline
- Assessment and sizing: 1 to 7 days depending on scheduling and home complexity.
- Permit application and approval: usually 1 to 3 weeks; local workload and permit type influence timing.
- Equipment lead time: in-stock units install faster; custom or high-efficiency models may require additional lead time of 1 to 4 weeks.
- On-site replacement: full-system swap is commonly completed in 1 to 3 days for typical single-family homes; ductwork or electrical upgrades can extend the on-site work.
- Final inspection and commissioning: scheduled after installation, often within a week of completion depending on inspector availability.
Benefits of timely replacement and maintenance
- Lower monthly energy costs and more consistent indoor comfort in Burlingame’s coastal climate.
- Reduced repair frequency and predictable operating expenses.
- Improved indoor air quality with properly sealed ducts and modern filtration options.
- Increased home value and alignment with local electrification and efficiency goals.
- Peace of mind from modern warranties and professional install documentation required for incentives.
Maintenance tips after replacement
- Replace or clean filters every 1 to 3 months based on system type and household conditions.
- Schedule professional tune-ups annually before peak cooling or heating seasons.
- Keep the outdoor unit clear of debris and rinse coils gently to remove salt residue in coastal areas.
- Monitor system performance and save installation and warranty paperwork for rebates and service needs.
A professionally managed heat pump replacement in Burlingame, CA ensures the new system is sized correctly, built to withstand coastal conditions, compliant with local codes, and backed by appropriate warranties and incentive documentation. Proper planning and coordination reduce surprises and deliver the energy savings and comfort modern heat pump technology can provide.
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