Do I actually need air conditioning in San Francisco?

It depends heavily on where in the city you live. Homes in the Sunset, Richmond, or near the coast rarely need AC — summer fog keeps temperatures in the low-to-mid 60s most days. But if you're in the Mission, Noe Valley, Potrero Hill, or any inland neighborhood, summer heat events can push indoor temperatures into the 80s for days at a time. In recent years, June heat waves have caught a lot of residents off guard. A window unit or single-zone mini-split is often a proportionate solution for these neighborhoods rather than a full central AC installation.

How do I know if my older San Francisco home can handle a new HVAC system?

Victorian and Edwardian homes — which make up a huge share of San Francisco's housing stock — were built before forced-air systems existed. The good news is that experienced local contractors have developed retrofit strategies for exactly these homes. Mini-split systems are the most common solution because they require no ductwork at all, just a small penetration through an exterior wall. For homes that already have some ductwork, a duct pressure test can reveal whether the existing network is worth using or needs significant remediation. Have this assessment done before anyone quotes you a system size.

What permits are required for HVAC work in San Francisco?

San Francisco's Department of Building Inspection requires permits for most HVAC installations and replacements, including new furnace installations, central AC systems, heat pumps, and new ductwork. Repairs and like-for-like component replacements may not require a permit, but the threshold is specific — ask your contractor to clarify before work begins. Unpermitted HVAC work is a real liability when you sell your home and can void homeowner's insurance claims related to the system. Any reputable contractor will pull permits as a matter of course; if someone suggests skipping them to save money, treat that as a dealbreaker.

What should I do with my HVAC system after an earthquake?

After any earthquake you felt — even a moderate 4.0 — inspect your HVAC system before running it. For gas furnaces, check that the flue pipe connections are intact and that no gas smell is present near the unit. Ductwork connections can loosen in seismic events, which reduces efficiency and can introduce combustion byproducts into living spaces. If you have any doubt, call a licensed HVAC technician before firing the system back up. Many San Francisco HVAC contractors are familiar with post-earthquake inspections; it's worth asking when you hire one whether this is part of their service offering.

Are PG&E rebates for heat pumps real, and how do I access them?

Yes, PG&E's rebate programs for qualifying heat pump systems are legitimate and currently active. Rebates vary by system type and your rate schedule, but can range from a few hundred dollars to over $1,000 for qualifying ducted heat pump systems. On top of that, the federal Inflation Reduction Act offers a tax credit of up to 30% (capped at $2,000) for heat pump installations in 2026. Some contractors handle the PG&E rebate paperwork on your behalf; others give you the forms and documentation to submit yourself. Always confirm who does what before the job starts, and make sure your quote specifies whether the price shown is before or after any rebates.

How often should I have my HVAC system serviced in San Francisco's climate?

Once a year is the standard recommendation, and in San Francisco the best time is fall — September or October — before the heating season begins in earnest. Because the climate is mild, systems often run less than in hotter or colder cities, which can create a false sense that maintenance isn't necessary. In reality, components still degrade, filters still clog, and older equipment in older homes benefits from annual inspection to catch small issues before they become expensive ones. If you have both heating and cooling, a spring checkup on the AC side and a fall checkup on the heating side is the ideal cadence.

Why are HVAC quotes in San Francisco so much higher than what I see online?

National cost estimates published online almost never reflect San Francisco's market accurately. Labor rates here are significantly higher than the national average, materials and equipment often carry freight premiums for the Bay Area, and the complexity of working in dense urban neighborhoods — limited parking, permit requirements, older building stock — adds real time and cost to installations. A $3,500 furnace installation quote that looks shocking compared to a national average of $2,500 may actually be fair for this market. Getting three local quotes is the most reliable way to calibrate what's reasonable for your specific job.

Best Hvac in San Francisco, CA — 2026 Guide

Finding a Trusted HVAC Pro in San Francisco

San Francisco's cool Mediterranean climate means most homes go years without an HVAC emergency — until they don't. Here's how to find a qualified contractor before you're caught in a cold snap or a heat dome with a broken system.

4.8

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$150–$7,500

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BEST CHOICE HVAC, INC

top rated name

top rated rating

The San Francisco HVAC Landscape

San Francisco has 19 verified HVAC professionals serving the city, with an impressive average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars — a reflection of a market where word-of-mouth reputation genuinely matters. Standouts include Around The Clock HVAC, which has earned a 5.0-star rating across 231 reviews, and Perfect Star Heating, Cooling, & Electrical, which holds a 4.9-star average from over 2,400 reviews — the kind of volume that makes a rating statistically meaningful. Newer entrants like BEST CHOICE HVAC, INC and Sunrun Heating & AC Repair San Francisco maintain perfect 5.0 ratings, though with fewer reviews to draw from. The takeaway: this is a market with strong performers, but you still need to ask the right questions.

What Makes San Francisco HVAC Unique

San Francisco's cool Mediterranean climate is deceptively mild. Average summer highs rarely crack 70°F near the coast, but neighborhoods like the Mission, Bernal Heights, and Noe Valley sit in microclimates that can see temperatures 10–15°F warmer than the Sunset or Richmond districts just a few miles away. This means a system sized correctly for a home in the Outer Sunset could be dramatically over- or undersized for a similar home in Glen Park. Any contractor who quotes you without accounting for your specific neighborhood's microclimate is skipping a critical step.

Earthquakes are the other factor that sets San Francisco apart. Seismic activity can shift ductwork, crack flue connections, and loosen refrigerant lines in ways that aren't immediately visible. After any significant seismic event — even one you barely felt — it's worth having an HVAC technician inspect your system, especially gas-fired furnaces and water heaters, before running them. Ask your contractor upfront whether they're familiar with post-earthquake HVAC inspection protocols.

San Francisco also has a dense housing stock of Victorian and Edwardian homes, many of which were never designed with ductwork in mind. Retrofitting forced-air systems into these buildings is a specialized skill. If you live in one of these homes — common in the Haight, Alamo Square, or Lower Pacific Heights — ask specifically whether the contractor has experience with duct retrofits in older construction. Mini-split heat pumps have become increasingly popular here precisely because they sidestep the ductwork problem entirely.

What to Look for in a San Francisco HVAC Contractor

California requires HVAC contractors to hold a C-20 (Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning) license issued by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Always verify this license is active before signing anything — it takes 30 seconds at the CSLB website. Beyond the state license, look for NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certification, which is the industry's most respected third-party credential. A NATE-certified technician has passed rigorous testing on installation and service, not just logged hours on the job.

Finding a Trusted HVAC Pro in San Francisco

The San Francisco HVAC Landscape

What Makes San Francisco HVAC Unique

What to Look for in a San Francisco HVAC Contractor

Red Flags to Watch For

What HVAC Work Costs in San Francisco

Seasonal Timing: When to Schedule Work in San Francisco

How to Hire an HVAC Contractor in San Francisco: A Step-by-Step Approach

A Note on Heat Pumps and San Francisco's Electrification Push

Frequently Asked Questions

Find HVAC Contractors Professionals in San Francisco