We offer heating replacement services for Los Gatos homes, guiding you through signs that an upgrade is warranted, and our systematic evaluation method. We cover right-sizing, energy-efficiency options such as high-efficiency furnaces and heat pumps, and the important role of ductwork in performance. Our replacement process, from pre-installation planning to testing, permits, and inspections, is thoroughly described, along with financing, warranties, and anticipated energy savings to help homeowners plan a confident, cost-conscious transition to warmth and comfort.

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Heating Replacement in Los Gatos, CA

Upgrading your heating system is one of the most effective ways to improve year-round comfort, lower utility bills, and reduce maintenance headaches. For homeowners considering heating replacement in Los Gatos, CA, the choices center on energy efficiency, right-sizing for your home, and ensuring installations meet local permitting and inspection requirements. This page explains the full replacement process, common reasons homeowners replace systems, the options that make sense for Los Gatos homes, and what to expect for timeline, permits, financing, warranties, and projected energy savings.

Why replace your heating system now: common signs in Los Gatos homes

Homes in Los Gatos enjoy mild winters, but many older systems still run inefficiently or fail during cold stretches. Consider replacement when you see:

Age over 15 years or recurring breakdowns and costly repairs.
Rising energy bills without changes in usage.
Uneven heating or rooms that never reach set temperatures.
Noise, odors, or safety concerns such as cracked heat exchangers or frequent pilot outages.
Incompatibility with newer controls like smart thermostats or zoning systems.
A desire to reduce carbon footprint or move away from fossil fuels as local policies favor electrification.

How we evaluate your home and recommend the right solution

A proper heating replacement starts with a structured evaluation focused on efficiency and comfort:

System and home inspection

Check existing equipment, ductwork condition, combustion venting, and electrical capacity.
Look for safety issues such as flue or heat exchanger problems.

Load calculation (Manual J) and duct analysis

Determine the heating capacity your home actually needs. Right-sizing avoids short cycles, high energy use, and premature component wear.
Assess duct leaks and airflow restrictions that reduce system performance.

Energy and cost comparison

Compare options like high-efficiency furnaces, ducted or ductless heat pumps, and hybrid setups for Los Gatos climate suitability.
Present expected operating costs, lifecycle savings, and comfort differences.

Recommended equipment options for Los Gatos, CA

Los Gatos climate favors efficient heat pumps, but the right choice depends on your home and preferences.

High-efficiency condensing furnace (natural gas): Look for high AFUE ratings (90%+). Best if you prefer gas heating and have existing ductwork in good condition.
Ducted air-source heat pump: Offers heating and cooling with higher seasonal efficiency in mild climates. Key ratings: HSPF and SEER.
Ductless mini-split heat pump: Ideal for homes without ducts, for room-by-room comfort control and lower operating costs.
Hybrid systems: Combine a heat pump with a gas furnace for cold snaps and maximum efficiency year-round.

Each option will include sizing guidance, expected lifespan, and an overview of required modifications (ductwork, electrical upgrades, or refrigerant lines).

The replacement process: removal to inspection

Pre-installation planning: Finalize equipment choice, confirm load calculations, and secure applicable permits from the City of Los Gatos or Santa Clara County building department.
Old equipment removal: Safely disconnect, recover refrigerant per EPA rules if applicable, and remove equipment for proper disposal or recycling.
Installation: Typical installations take 1 to 3 days depending on complexity—ductwork changes, electrical upgrades, or installing outdoor units can extend that.
Testing and commissioning: We verify airflow, refrigerant charge for heat pumps, combustion safety for furnaces, and controller integration.
Permits and inspections: Coordinate city inspections and final sign-off. Permit timelines can add 1 to 2 weeks depending on scheduling and release of inspection slots.

Permits, inspections, and local considerations

Los Gatos follows statewide building codes and local amendments. Heating replacement projects usually require:

A mechanical permit and final inspection.
Electrical permit when upgrades are needed.
Proper documentation for refrigerant handling and disposal.Coordinating permits and inspections ensures compliance and preserves warranty coverage and resale value.

Financing, rebates, and incentive assistance

Replacing a heating system is an investment. Homeowners in Los Gatos commonly access:

Local utility rebates and incentive programs administered through the regional utility.
State and federal incentives for high-efficiency equipment and electrification measures (availability and qualification vary).
Financing options including energy-efficient loan programs or equipment financing with varying terms.Part of the replacement service includes assistance identifying likely rebates and explaining documentation required to apply.

Warranties and maintenance to protect your investment

Manufacturer warranties commonly cover compressors and heat exchangers for 5 to 10 years, some extendable with registration.
Parts and labor warranties vary; get written details on what is covered and for how long.
Workmanship guarantee protects against installation-related issues.
Maintenance plans: Annual tune-ups, filter changes, and airflow checks preserve efficiency, comfort, and warranty eligibility.

Expected energy savings and performance improvements

Estimated savings depend on your starting equipment and the new system:

Replacing an old 60% AFUE furnace with a 95% AFUE unit can reduce heating energy use by roughly 25 to 40 percent in many homes.
Switching from electric resistance heat or an old gas furnace to a modern heat pump can yield 40 to 70 percent reductions in heating energy use in a mild climate like Los Gatos.
Right-sizing and addressing duct losses often improves comfort and reduces run times, further lowering bills.Actual savings depend on insulation, thermostat settings, and usage patterns; a tailored estimate is provided after the home evaluation.

Maintenance tips post-replacement

Change or clean filters regularly and follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule.
Schedule annual professional inspections for heat pumps and furnaces.
Seal and insulate ducts where accessible to maintain airflow and efficiency.
Use programmable or smart thermostats to optimize temperature settings for occupancy and schedules.

Heating replacement in Los Gatos, CA is a practical step toward a more comfortable, efficient, and reliable home. With a careful evaluation, proper right-sizing, and attention to permitting and rebates, homeowners can expect meaningful long-term savings, improved indoor comfort, and reduced environmental impact suited to the local climate and building requirements.

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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