For homeowners in San Mateo, CA, Plum HVAC offers a comprehensive heating replacement service designed for peace of mind. From free in-home assessments to accurate system sizing, we'll walk you through all your equipment options, potential ductwork upgrades, permits, rebates, and financing. We'll help you recognize the signs that justify a replacement and highlight the real benefits: energy savings, improved comfort, and fresher indoor air. We detail all our responsibilities, timelines, and warranty coverage, too. With a focus on local climate and today's electrification trends, choosing Plum HVAC for your replacement is a smart, proactive step toward lower operating costs and long-term reliability.

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Heating Replacement in San Mateo, CA

Replacing an aging or underperforming heating system is a major home decision. For homeowners in San Mateo, CA, a well-planned heating replacement improves comfort, reduces energy bills, and aligns with local incentives and electrification trends. This page outlines the end-to-end heating replacement process for San Mateo homes: free in-home assessments, correct system sizing, equipment options, ductwork upgrades, permit coordination, rebate and financing assistance, warranty coverage, and realistic timelines.

Common heating problems that lead to replacement

Many San Mateo homes show the same signs that a replacement is the smarter choice than repeated repairs:

Unit age of 15 years or more with frequent service calls and rising repair costs.
Uneven temperatures or rooms that never get warm due to undersized equipment or duct problems.
Steady increases in monthly heating costs despite routine maintenance.
Persistent noise, soot, or pilot light and combustion concerns with older gas furnaces.
Desire to move from fossil fuels to an electric solution for emissions reduction and access to incentives.If you see these issues, replacement often yields lower lifetime costs, better comfort, and fewer service interruptions.

Free in-home assessment and accurate system sizing

A professional in-home assessment is the foundation of a successful heating replacement in San Mateo, CA. Key steps include:

Home walkthrough to document insulation levels, window types, orientation to sun, and existing duct layout.
Manual J load calculation to determine precise heating requirements rather than relying on rule-of-thumb sizing.
Ductwork evaluation for leakage, improper sizing, and insulation deficits that can reduce system performance.
Energy-efficiency comparisons that show expected seasonal performance and operating cost differences between systems.Because San Mateo has mild winters and moderate heating loads, correctly sized equipment prevents short cycling and improves efficiency. For many local homes, a modern heat pump provides comparable or better comfort than a furnace at lower operating cost. For homes with existing gas infrastructure where a furnace is preferred, high-efficiency condensing furnaces still offer meaningful gains.

Equipment recommendations: high-efficiency furnaces and heat pumps

Selection of replacement equipment balances comfort, cost, and long-term goals:

High-efficiency gas furnaces: Look for high AFUE ratings to reduce fuel consumption and improve indoor comfort in homes that remain on natural gas.
Air-source heat pumps: Modern cold-climate heat pumps work well in San Mateo and provide heating and cooling in a single unit. They support electrification goals and often qualify for larger rebates.
Hybrid systems: Combining a heat pump with a gas furnace can be useful where peak cold days are infrequent but homeowners want backup gas heat.Equipment recommendations will include manufacturer comparisons, expected annual energy use, and estimated operating costs based on local weather patterns and utility rates.

Ductwork upgrades and indoor comfort improvements

Ductwork often limits the performance of a new heating system. Typical duct-related services include:

Sealing leaks to prevent conditioned air loss into wall cavities and attics.
Re-sizing or re-balancing ducts to deliver even airflow to all rooms.
Adding insulation to ducts in unconditioned spaces to reduce heat loss.
Installing zoning or upgraded thermostats for better temperature control in multi-level or large homes.Proper duct upgrades can increase heating efficiency and eliminate hot or cold spots that persist after equipment replacement.

Permits, inspections, and project coordination

Heating replacement in San Mateo, CA requires proper permits and final inspections to meet municipal and county codes. The replacement process typically includes:

Preparing permit documentation and submitting plans to the local jurisdiction.
Scheduling inspections for gas connections, electrical work, and final system operation.
Coordinating any required utility notifications for fuel conversions or major electrical upgrades.Handling permits and inspections reduces delays and ensures the installation meets safety and performance standards common across San Mateo and San Mateo County.

Rebates, incentives, and financing assistance

California and Bay Area programs often provide rebates and incentives that lower the effective cost of high-efficiency equipment, especially electric heat pumps. Common assistance options include:

Local utility rebates and incentive programs for qualifying heat pumps and weatherization measures.
State-level incentives or tax credits for certain electrification projects.
Financing options that spread replacement costs over time and may be paired with rebate paperwork.During the assessment phase, expect assistance in identifying eligible programs and help with application paperwork to maximize available savings.

Warranty coverage and expected timelines

Most new high-efficiency furnaces and heat pumps come with manufacturer warranties on compressors, heat exchangers, and major components, plus labor warranties on installation work. Important details explained during replacement planning:

Typical manufacturer warranties range by component and model; extended warranties may be available.
Labor warranties on installations vary and are documented before work begins.Typical project timeline for a standard single-family home in San Mateo:
Free in-home assessment and proposal delivery: assessment in one visit, formal proposal within 2 to 3 days.
Equipment lead times: often 1 to 3 weeks depending on model and supply conditions.
Installation duration: most replacements complete in 1 to 3 days for standard systems; ductwork upgrades can add 1 to 2 days.
Permit review and final inspection: timing depends on local schedules and can range from a few days to a couple of weeks.These time estimates reflect normal conditions; complex builds, custom ductwork, or high-demand periods can extend schedules.

Why replace now in San Mateo

San Mateo homeowners benefit from replacement now for several reasons:

Mild coastal climate means heat pumps operate very efficiently and often lower annual costs compared to older gas furnaces.
Regional incentives and a push toward electrification make this an optimal time to upgrade to electric systems.
Older equipment exposed to salty coastal air may corrode faster and fail earlier, making proactive replacement prudent.
Correct sizing and duct upgrades improve year round comfort and indoor air quality while avoiding repeated repair bills.Investing in a modern, properly installed heating system delivers predictable performance, lower operating costs, and alignment with local energy goals.

Maintenance and long-term care

After replacement, scheduled maintenance keeps systems performing at peak efficiency:

Annual tune ups for furnaces and biannual checks for heat pumps in most climates.
Filter replacement, condensate drain checks, and outdoor unit cleaning for heat pumps.
Periodic duct inspections and re-sealing every few years or when renovations occur.Regular maintenance protects warranties and preserves expected energy savings over the life of the equipment.

A professionally executed heating replacement in San Mateo, CA ties accurate sizing, modern equipment choices, duct improvements, and local permitting and incentives into one coordinated project. The result is a safer, more efficient, and more comfortable home that matches the region's climate and energy priorities.

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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