HVAC resources

HVAC Company in Burlingame, CA

Burlingame HVAC experts deliver reliable, energy-efficient heating & climate control systems. Schedule a consultation for precise sizing today.

When it comes to your home's heating and cooling needs, our Burlingame HVAC specialists at Plum HVAC are here to ensure year-round comfort with systems designed to perfectly meet our local climate demands and building standards. We expertly handle installation, repair, and maintenance for furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, and ductless mini-splits, alongside custom duct design, smart zoning options, and seamless smart thermostat integrations. Our team follows a clear and transparent diagnostic and repair process, always backed by proper licensing, solid warranties, and accessible financing programs. With Plum HVAC, our preventative maintenance plans and indoor air quality enhancements are designed to do more than just make your home comfortable; they help reduce your long-term costs, extend your system's lifespan, and create a noticeably cleaner, healthier home environment.

HVAC Company in Burlingame, CA

Your Burlingame home deserves heating and cooling systems that match Bay Area comfort needs and local building codes. As an experienced HVAC provider serving Burlingame, CA, this page explains the full range of services you can expect: furnace and air conditioner installation, heat pump and ductless mini-splits, ductwork and zoning, thermostat upgrades, indoor air quality solutions, diagnostics and repairs, plus ongoing maintenance programs. Below you will find clear information on common HVAC problems in Burlingame homes, the service and installation process, warranty and licensing practices, and the long-term benefits of timely HVAC care.

Why HVAC matters in Burlingame, CA

Burlingame sits in a mild Mediterranean coastal climate with frequent morning fog, cool evenings, and occasional inland heat. Those microclimate swings create unique stress on systems:

  • Coastal humidity and salt air can accelerate corrosion in exterior components.
  • Frequent on-off cycling in shoulder seasons increases wear on compressors and ignition systems.
  • Homes with older ductwork or poor insulation are more likely to experience uneven temperatures and higher energy use.

Choosing the right equipment and professional installation tailored to Burlingame homes reduces energy costs, improves comfort, and extends system lifespan.

Services offered for Burlingame homeowners

We provide a complete portfolio of residential HVAC services designed for local needs:

  • Furnace installation, repair, and seasonal maintenance
  • Air conditioner installation, emergency repair, and tune-ups
  • Heat pump and inverter-driven systems for efficient year-round comfort
  • Ductless mini-split systems for additions, bedrooms, and homes without ductwork
  • Duct design, sealing, and repair to improve airflow and efficiency
  • Zoning systems and multi-stage thermostats for precise temperature control
  • Smart thermostat installation and remote system monitoring
  • Indoor air quality solutions: filtration upgrades, UV lights, ventilators, and humidifiers/dehumidifiers
  • Diagnostic services and safety inspections

Common HVAC issues in Burlingame, CA

Understanding frequent problems helps homeowners make confident repair or replacement decisions:

  • Short cycling and frequent on-off behavior caused by incorrect sizing or refrigerant issues
  • Uneven temperatures or hot/cold rooms from leaky, disconnected, or undersized ducts
  • Reduced cooling capacity in summer due to low refrigerant, dirty coils, or failing compressors
  • Noisy operation and mechanical wear from aging blower motors or misaligned components exposed to coastal conditions
  • Poor indoor air quality with elevated allergens or humidity because of inadequate ventilation and filtration
  • Furnace ignition failures or pilot/light issues after long idle periods in cooler months

Diagnosis and repair process

A professional approach ensures accurate diagnosis and lasting repairs. Typical steps include:

  1. Free estimate and on-site assessment: We review system age, current problems, and your comfort goals while inspecting equipment and ductwork.
  2. Load calculation and system sizing: Using Manual J style calculations, we determine correct equipment size to avoid inefficiency and short cycling.
  3. Diagnostic testing: Refrigerant pressure checks, electrical safety tests, airflow measurements, and compressor/heat-exchanger inspections identify root causes.
  4. Transparent repair options: Repairs are prioritized by safety and efficiency, with clear explanations of immediate fixes versus long-term solutions.
  5. Quality parts and workmanship: Replacement components meet manufacturer specifications; refrigerant work follows EPA regulations.
  6. Post-repair verification: Systems are balanced, controls calibrated, and performance re-measured to confirm restored operation.

Professional installation steps for new systems

Proper installation is the single biggest factor in system longevity and efficiency:

  • Site assessment and equipment selection matched to your home and Burlingame microclimate
  • Precise sizing and ductwork evaluation to eliminate airflow problems
  • Proper refrigerant charging and electrical connections
  • Condensate management and corrosion-resistant treatments for coastal exposure
  • Commissioning checklist to confirm manufacturer guidelines and local code compliance
  • Walk-through to explain operation, maintenance needs, and warranty coverage

Preventative maintenance plans

Regular maintenance prevents most emergency repairs and keeps systems efficient:

  • Spring and fall tune-ups for cooling and heating seasons
  • Filter change reminders and filter upgrade recommendations for improved IAQ
  • Coil cleaning, lubrication, and refrigerant level checks
  • Safety checks on burners, heat exchangers, and electrical components
  • Seasonal performance report and recommendations for phased improvements

Maintenance plans often include priority scheduling, diagnostic discounts, and written service records to preserve warranty status.

Warranties, licensing, and safety

Licensed, insured, and safety-minded service protects your investment:

  • Technicians are licensed for California HVAC work and trained to follow state and local code requirements
  • EPA-certified handling of refrigerants ensures legal and environmentally safe practices
  • Work includes manufacturer warranty compliance and written documentation for parts and labor
  • Job-site safety protocols and post-service cleanup minimize disruption to your home

Rebates, financing assistance, and efficiency incentives

California and local utilities frequently offer rebates and incentives for high-efficiency equipment and electrification projects like heat pumps. For Burlingame homeowners, this can offset upgrade costs and improve return on investment. Assistance is typically available for:

  • High-efficiency central AC and heat pump installations
  • Duct sealing and whole-house efficiency improvements
  • Smart thermostats and ventilation upgrades

Financing options tailored to home improvements may be available to spread equipment and installation costs over time.

Benefits of timely action and common upgrade scenarios

Upgrading or maintaining HVAC systems delivers measurable advantages:

  • Lower monthly energy costs through correctly sized, high-efficiency equipment
  • Improved comfort and consistent temperatures with zoning and duct improvements
  • Healthier indoor air with filtration and ventilation upgrades
  • Reduced risk of mid-season breakdowns with preventative maintenance
  • Better home resale appeal and compliance with evolving California efficiency expectations

Typical homeowner decisions in Burlingame include replacing older furnaces with efficient heat pumps, adding ductless units for remodeling projects, and investing in duct sealing to handle microclimate temperature swings.

FAQs

Q: How do I know if I should repair or replace my system?

A: Consider system age, frequency of repairs, efficiency, and comfort. Systems older than 10-15 years or requiring repeated major repairs are often more cost-effective to replace with high-efficiency equipment sized for your home.

Q: Are heat pumps a good option in Burlingame?

A: Yes. Modern heat pumps perform well in coastal California, providing efficient cooling and heating while aligning with statewide electrification goals.

Q: How often should I schedule maintenance?

A: At minimum, schedule professional tune-ups once a year for the system you use most, with an additional seasonal check for the alternate system. Regular filter checks should occur monthly to quarterly depending on filtration level.

Q: Will new equipment comply with local codes?

A: Professional installations follow California and San Mateo County codes and manufacturer requirements, ensuring compliance and preserving warranties.

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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