San Francisco, CA
HVAC Pros in San Francisco, CA
San Francisco is a mid-size California market with moderate HVAC demand — 20 licensed pros listed. Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) rebates up to $3,100 available.
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Quick facts
- AreaSan Francisco
- StateCA
- Providers20
- Climate zone3C-Warm-Marine
- Heating degree days2,600
- Recommended systemheat pump dominant
Why HVAC matters in San Francisco
San Francisco sits in IECC climate zone 3C-Warm-Marine with average January temperatures of 52°F and July highs around 68°F. The moderate climate makes heat pumps an efficient choice for year-round comfort.
CA (San Francisco County) falls in IECC 3C-Warm-Marine. HDD 2600 / CDD 500 per NOAA 1991–2020 state averages drive a heat pump dominant HVAC strategy. Climate data is zone-level; consult a contractor for site-specific load calcs.
Heat pump recommended for San Francisco
An air source heat pump is the ideal system for this climate zone — it heats in winter and cools in summer with one unit.
With mild winters (avg 52°F in January) and 2,600 heating degree days, heat pumps operate at peak efficiency year-round here. California's Title 24 and the CARB Zero-Emission Space & Water Heater rulemaking are steering new-construction and replacements toward heat pumps; many jurisdictions have local reach codes that restrict new gas hookups.
About San Francisco HVAC
20 HVAC providers in San Francisco give homeowners real choice without overwhelming the shortlist. Expect quotes within 3–5 business days. San Francisco County pricing tends to track the regional median, with premium brands and efficiency tiers driving the range.
San Francisco's climate (IECC zone 3C-Warm-Marine) keeps outdoor temps inside the efficient range of air-source heat pumps most of the year, with January averages around 52°F. That's why heat-pump conversions have overtaken straight AC + furnace installs in most of the local market. Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E)'s PG&E Heat Pump HVAC Rebate (TECH Clean California) currently offers up to $3,100 toward a qualifying system, which meaningfully shifts the cost-of-ownership math.
Top local providers
Request quotes →- Magic Plumbing Heating & CoolingTop ratedinstallationrepairemergency
What customers say “An outdoor drain was clogged, and a pool of water was forming after heavy rainstorms. Two other drains on up on an…”
What customers say “I contacted three companies to evaluate my air conditioning system, and all of them told me the unit was old, unusable,…”
- Cabrillo Plumbing, Heating & AirTop ratedinstallationrepairemergency
What customers say “I have been using Cabrillo for annual water heater maintenance and during a furnace repair ahead of things cooling off…”
- Same Day Air Conditioning & HeatingTop rated
What customers say “Based on the reviews, I was pretty hesitant to go with this company for a furnace repair when my home warranty company…”
- Next HVAC and Appliance repairTop rated
What customers say “Steve from Next HVAC was a nice guy and honest too. The furnace was getting an overheating error code the past 1.5…”
- San Francisco Expert Heating and AirTop rated
What customers say “While inspecting the heating system, the heating system check discovered a minor problem that could…”
- Mitch & Sons HVACTop rated
What customers say “When you feel like doing business with a family owned business that cares about their customers, then you need not go…”
What customers say “I cannot say enough great things about Airflow Pros. My elderly father’s furnace started making a high-pitched…”
What customers say “I had an amazing experience with San Francisco Heating & Air Conditioning Services. They arrived promptly, evaluated…”
- Freon HVAC & Electrical ServiceTop ratedinstallationrepairinspection
What customers say “Our heat pump installation was handled very efficiently. They arrived early, laid down protective mats, and cleaned…”
- Associated Heating of San FranciscoTop rated
What customers say “Every once in awhile, you work with a company that truly goes above and beyond. When that does happen, I want to share…”
- Best AC Service San FranciscoTop rated
What customers say “When I needed a heating installation, finding the right HVAC company near me was crucial. This team surpassed my…”
- Acosta Heating & Sheet MetalTop rated
What customers say “Ron did a wonderful job of repairing my heat venting system. The venting was disintegrating and needed to be completely…”
What customers say “Called Schmitt Heating and Cooling during the February 2024 cold snap when our condo's ancient furnace died. The…”
What customers say “AC Heating and Cooling came up in a Yelp Search when I was looking for someone to check out the furnace at a house in…”
What San Francisco homeowners say
“I have been using Cabrillo for annual water heater maintenance and during a furnace repair ahead of things cooling off explored options for converting to a heat pump. The team recently wrapped up installation of a heat pump at our house in San Franc…”
“Steve from Next HVAC was a nice guy and honest too. The furnace was getting an overheating error code the past 1.5 weeks. But when he came to diagnose the problem the furnace starting working again. Instead of charging me some fictitious repair fe…”
“While inspecting the heating system, the heating system check discovered a minor problem that could have become major later. The technician did the repair swiftly and he also carefully inspected some parts of my heating machine. I…”
Local pricing snapshot
Repairs typically run $150–$600. Full system replacements range from $4k for a basic furnace to $12k+ for a premium heat pump. Heat pumps are the recommended system for this climate zone, offering both heating and cooling in one unit.
Available rebates in San Francisco
- Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E): PG&E Heat Pump HVAC Rebate (TECH Clean California) — $1,000–$3,100 for heat pump
- Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E): PG&E Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump Rebate — $500–$1,500 for ductless
- Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E): PG&E Smart Thermostat Rebate — $75–$120 for thermostat
Federal tax credits (up to $2,000 for heat pumps) can stack with utility rebates. See full cost breakdown →
Nearby service areas
California hub →Explore more California markets from the state hub.
Popular comparisons in San Francisco
- Magic Plumbing Heating & Cooling vs Hometown Heating and Air Conditioning4.9★ vs 4.9★
- Magic Plumbing Heating & Cooling vs Cabrillo Plumbing, Heating & Air4.9★ vs 4.9★
- Hometown Heating and Air Conditioning vs Cabrillo Plumbing, Heating & Air4.9★ vs 4.9★
- Hometown Heating and Air Conditioning vs Same Day Air Conditioning & Heating4.9★ vs 4.5★
- Cabrillo Plumbing, Heating & Air vs Same Day Air Conditioning & Heating4.9★ vs 4.5★
- Cabrillo Plumbing, Heating & Air vs Next HVAC and Appliance repair4.9★ vs 4.8★
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best heating system for San Francisco?
San Francisco is in IECC climate zone 3C-Warm-Marine with mild winters (avg January: 52°F). Air source heat pumps are the recommended system — they provide both heating and cooling efficiently in this marine climate, and qualify for substantial utility and federal rebates.
What HVAC rebates are available in San Francisco?
San Francisco homeowners can stack multiple incentives: Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) offers up to $3,100 for heat pump installations. Add the federal 25C tax credit ($2,000), and total savings can reach $5,100+. Ask your installer to itemize which rebates apply to your specific project.
How much does HVAC work cost in San Francisco?
In San Francisco, typical costs range from $150-$600 for repairs, $4,000-$8,000 for a standard furnace or AC replacement, and $6,000-$14,000 for a heat pump system. After available rebates, heat pump installations often net out to $4,000-$9,000. Get 2-3 written quotes to compare — prices vary significantly between contractors.
How do I verify a HVAC contractor is licensed in California?
California HVAC contractors need an active C-20 (Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning) license issued by the Contractors State License Board. Verify at cslb.ca.gov — search by license number or business name and confirm status is Active, the $25,000 contractor bond is on file, and workers' comp is current. A separate HERS rater may be required to sign off on duct and system installations under Title 24.
Licensing verified weekly. Reviews refreshed within the last 30 days.
Licensing data: Contractors State License Board (CSLB) · Company data: verified business records + Google Business profile
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