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Heating Repair in Burlingame, CA

Professional heating repair in Burlingame, CA keeps your home warm and safe with expert diagnostics, on-site repairs, clear timelines, and call today.

For professional heating repair in Burlingame, CA, our team emphasizes dependable, safe, and efficient solutions to keep your home warm. We cover common furnace and heat pump faults, diagnostic procedures, on-site troubleshooting, and parts replacement. We also discuss emergency and scheduled repair timelines, warranties, and safety assurances. You'll learn how our technicians identify root causes through inspections, tests, and run-throughs, and what to expect from repairs, replacements, and maintenance. Plus, we offer practical tips to extend your system's life, protect your comfort, and maximize energy efficiency in coastal homes.

Heating Repair in Burlingame, CA

Keeping your home warm, safe, and energy efficient starts with reliable heating repair in Burlingame, CA. Even though Burlingame winters are mild compared with inland regions, cool coastal evenings, fog, and the city’s mix of older and newer homes mean heating systems still experience wear, inefficiency, and unexpected failures. This page explains what to expect from professional heating repair: common furnace and heat pump faults, diagnostic procedures, on-site troubleshooting and parts replacement, emergency and scheduled repair timelines, warranty and quality assurances, and practical tips to extend system life.

Why timely heating repair matters in Burlingame homes

A malfunctioning furnace or heat pump can raise energy bills, cause uneven comfort, and in gas systems create safety risks like carbon monoxide exposure. In Burlingame’s coastal climate, heat pumps are common and can suffer efficiency loss from salt air and humidity, while older furnaces in classic homes can develop rust and combustion-related problems. Prompt diagnosis and repair protect your family, maintain indoor comfort, and prevent small issues from becoming costly failures.

Common heating problems in Burlingame

  • Furnace won’t start: Ignition failure, faulty thermostat, or electronic control board issues.
  • Intermittent heating cycles: Clogged filters, blocked vents, or blower motor problems causing short cycling.
  • Weak or no airflow: Dirty air filters, failed blower motor, or duct restrictions.
  • Uneven heating across rooms: Duct leaks, dampers out of balance, or undersized equipment.
  • Strange noises: Squealing belts, rattling panels, or compressor noises in heat pumps.
  • Heat pump not switching to heat: Defective reversing valve, low refrigerant, or control board faults.
  • High energy bills despite normal operation: Reduced efficiency from dirty coils, scale, or failing components.
  • Odor or combustion concerns: Soot, gas smell, or pilot/ignition issues requiring immediate attention.
  • Water around equipment: Condensate line blockages or leaking heat exchangers.

How heating technicians diagnose problems

A professional diagnostic approach identifies root causes quickly and safely. Typical diagnostic steps include:

  • Visual and safety inspection: Check for visible damage, corrosion from coastal air, gas leaks, and proper venting.
  • Thermostat and control checks: Verify calibration, wiring, and settings to rule out simple control issues.
  • Electrical testing: Measure voltage, current, and continuity on motors, capacitors, and control boards.
  • Airflow assessment: Inspect filters, blower assembly, and return/ supply registers to confirm proper airflow.
  • Combustion and CO testing (for gas furnaces): Check burners, heat exchanger integrity, and carbon monoxide levels.
  • Refrigerant and coil inspection (for heat pumps): Look for leaks, measure refrigerant levels, and evaluate coil condition and defrost cycle.
  • Operational run test: Observe full heating cycle to detect intermittent faults, noises, or cycling behavior.

Diagnostics are documented in plain language so you understand the issue, the urgency, and the repair options.

On-site troubleshooting and typical repairs

Once the problem is diagnosed, technicians follow a clear troubleshooting and repair path:

  • Clean and replace basic items: Air filters, flame sensors, and condensate lines are often the simplest fixes and restore reliable operation.
  • Adjust and calibrate controls: Thermostat recalibration, control board resets, and sensor replacements can resolve many electronic faults.
  • Repair or replace mechanical components: Blower motors, belts, fans, and bearings are common on-site fixes for airflow and noise problems.
  • Address combustion and safety parts: Pilot assemblies, ignitors, and sealed heat exchangers are repaired or replaced when needed to restore safe operation.
  • Heat pump service: Replace failed compressors, reversing valves, contactors, capacitors, or recharge refrigerant after repairing leaks. Defrost cycle components may also be serviced.
  • Ductwork and airflow solutions: Seal duct leaks, adjust dampers, and clean return grilles to correct uneven heating.

Technicians bring common replacement parts and diagnostic tools to most service calls so many repairs are completed the same day. When a specialized component is required, the repair plan will include a clear timeline.

Emergency vs scheduled repairs and response times

  • Emergency repairs: Situations that threaten safety or leave a home without heat in cold conditions qualify as emergencies. Examples include suspected gas leaks, persistent CO alarm activation, or complete heating failure during cold spells. Emergency responses in Burlingame typically occur the same day and often within a few hours depending on availability and traffic.
  • Scheduled repairs: Non-emergency issues like efficiency upgrades, planned part replacements, or minor intermittent faults are scheduled for a convenient time frame, commonly within 24 to 72 hours.

Response times depend on technician availability, parts needed, and local conditions. Expect transparent communication about estimated arrival windows and repair timelines.

Warranty and quality assurances

Reliable heating repair includes clear guarantees:

  • Parts warranty: Most replacement parts are covered by manufacturer warranties; technicians will explain applicable warranties for specific components.
  • Workmanship guarantee: A workmanship warranty on labor provides assurance that repairs are performed correctly and any follow-up issues related to the recent work will be addressed within an agreed period.
  • Safety and code compliance: Repairs are performed to meet safety and local code requirements for Burlingame and San Mateo County, including proper venting, combustion safety, and refrigerant handling.Quality service providers will document repairs, explain what was done, and provide maintenance recommendations to protect warranties and system life.

Tips to extend the life of your heating system in Burlingame

  • Change filters regularly: Replace or clean filters every 1 to 3 months depending on use to prevent strain on blower motors and reduce dust buildup.
  • Schedule annual maintenance: A preseason check for furnaces and twice-yearly attention for heat pumps (spring and fall) helps catch wear from coastal humidity and salt exposure.
  • Keep outdoor units clear: For heat pumps, keep the outdoor unit free from debris, plants, and salt buildup; rinse coils gently when needed.
  • Seal and insulate ducts: Properly sealed and insulated ductwork reduces energy loss and improves comfort.
  • Maintain thermostat upgrades: Consider programmable or smart thermostats to reduce cycling and wear while improving comfort control.
  • Monitor for early signs: Odd noises, higher bills, or uneven heating are early warning signs—address them quickly to avoid larger failures.

Timely heating repair in Burlingame, CA protects comfort, safety, and efficiency. Understanding common faults, diagnostic steps, repair processes, and maintenance best practices helps homeowners make informed decisions and preserve system value and reliability over time.

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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