Expert insights on HVAC systems, installation, repair, and energy efficiency in the Bay Area
Regulations are changing constantly. Will my system become obsolete?
Which is better for Bay Area homes with smoke and pollen?
Your ducts are the veins and arteries of your HVAC system. Don't ignore them.
For most Bay Area homes, heat pumps are absolutely worth it.
Not every thermostat works with every system. Choose wisely.
MERV 11 is the sweet spot for most homes. Avoid going too high.
Your system works year-round. Professional maintenance prevents breakdowns.
1" vs 2" vs 4" filters explained with Bay Area recommendations.
System is running but air isn't cold. Here's why and what to do.
As Mitsubishi Diamond Elite contractors, here's why we recommend them.
Choosing the right system depends on your situation.
Efficiency, comfort, cost, and lifespan compared.
Simple steps to keep your system running efficiently.
Air quality affects health and HVAC performance.
Your heat pump entering defrost mode is totally normal.
30% off heat pumps, up to $2,000. Don't wait past 2025.
Brand isn't as important as proper installation.
Banging, screeching, or rattling means something's wrong.
Not all HVAC quotes are created equal. Learn how to break down line items and compare quotes fairly.
Before installing a heat pump, check if your electrical panel can handle it. Here's your pre-installation checklist.
Should you keep your gas furnace as backup, or go fully electric? Here's how to decide for Bay Area homes.
Understand the comfort, noise, and efficiency differences between these three HVAC technologies.
What's changing with refrigerants, what it means for new installs and repairs, and how to think about timing your upgrade.
They don't work in cold weather, they're too expensive to run - let's separate fact from fiction for Bay Area homeowners.
Options for small spaces: ductless vs small ducted vs shared systems, pros/cons for landlords.
Longer run times are normal and efficient. Learn when it's working as designed vs when there's a problem.
Step-by-step guide to replacing HVAC filters, choosing the right MERV rating, and improving air quality.
Prepare your system for seasonal changes with professional tips for maintaining peak efficiency.
Complete guide to federal, state, and local incentives for HVAC upgrades in the Bay Area.
What to expect, how to prepare your home, and timeline for system replacement.
Compare for different Bay Area home types: older bungalows, Eichlers, townhomes, ADUs, condos.
Defrost mode vs true icing problems; simple DIY checks before calling.
When to choose ductless systems, installation requirements, and cost-benefit analysis.
What these efficiency numbers mean and how they impact your energy bills.
How San Francisco, Oakland, inland valleys, and South Bay climates affect system sizing and selection.
Benefits, compatibility, integration with smart home systems, and cost savings.
San Francisco's unique climate and housing create specific furnace challenges. Learn how to find a trustworthy HVAC contractor and what questions to ask before booking.
Victorian and Edwardian homes have unique heating challenges. Learn which furnace problems need immediate attention and which can wait—plus what each repair typically costs.
Walnut Creek's hot summers and mild winters make it ideal for heat pumps. Compare installation costs, energy savings, and performance to decide which system is right for your home.
Complete guide to heating, cooling, and HVAC services in Pleasant Hill. Learn about local climate challenges, energy-efficient systems, and choosing the right contractor.
Oakland HVAC guide covering heating, cooling, and air quality for Oakland homes. Navigate microclimates, fog, heat waves, and wildfire smoke with the right system.
San Francisco HVAC guide for fog, microclimates, and Victorian homes. Expert heating, cooling, and air quality solutions for SF neighborhoods.
Complete Walnut Creek HVAC guide covering heating, cooling, and air quality for Walnut Creek homes. Expert local climate solutions.
Berkeley HVAC guide for hills microclimates, eco-friendly systems, and UC Berkeley area. Expert heating, cooling, and sustainability solutions.
Complete Concord HVAC guide covering heating, cooling, and energy efficiency for Concord homes. Expert solutions for hot summers and mild winters.
Richmond HVAC guide covering heating, cooling, and air quality for Richmond homes. Navigate coastal weather, diverse neighborhoods, and industrial air quality challenges.
Fremont HVAC guide covering heating, cooling, and energy efficiency. Expert solutions for diverse neighborhoods from Niles to Warm Springs.
Hayward HVAC guide covering heating, cooling, and air quality. Expert solutions for diverse housing from downtown to the hills.
Livermore HVAC guide for hot valley climate. Expert cooling, heating, and energy efficiency solutions for Livermore homes.
If your furnace is getting noisy, struggling to keep up, or creeping past that 15–20 year mark, you're probably asking the big question: What's the best furnace brand to buy right now? In 2025–2026, choosing a new gas furnace isn't just about grabbing a familiar name and hoping for the best.
When you start shopping for a new heating and cooling system, it's normal to feel confused — and sometimes shocked — by how far apart different HVAC quotes can be.
Sometimes the cause is harmless dust burning off after your system's been idle. Other times, it's a sign of overheating, wiring issues, or actual smoke that needs urgent attention.
If you're planning a major HVAC upgrade, you're probably thinking long-term: What's going to last longer – a traditional gas furnace or a heat pump with air handler?
Shopping for a new HVAC system in the Bay Area can feel like alphabet soup: SEER2, HSPF2, AFUE, plus the old SEER/HSPF numbers.
If you've started calling around for HVAC estimates, you've probably noticed something confusing: One company says 'around low five figures', another is closer to 'upper five figures'.
A new HVAC system isn't like buying a toaster. It's more like buying an appliance + a small renovation + an energy upgrade all rolled into one. For many Bay Area homeowners, that leads to one big question: How do I actually pay for this?
Every Bay Area homeowner seems to have that one room: You bump the thermostat up, and one room finally feels okay… while the rest of the house turns into an oven.
If you've talked to Galaxy for more than about five minutes, there's a good chance Mitsubishi ductless came up. That's not an accident. And as a Mitsubishi Diamond Elite contractor, ductless isn't just something we also do — it's one of our core specialties.
If your HVAC system is getting old or you're planning a major upgrade, you've probably hit the big question: Should I install a gas furnace, an all-electric heat pump, or a dual fuel system?
Your HVAC system doesn't last forever. While regular maintenance can extend its life, every furnace, heat pump, and AC unit eventually reaches the end of the road. Catching the warning signs early can save you from an emergency breakdown in the middle of a heat wave or cold snap.
One of the most common questions we hear: Do heat pumps actually work when it gets cold? It's a fair concern—especially if you've heard horror stories from friends in Minnesota or Vermont. But here's the truth for Bay Area homeowners: modern heat pumps work exceptionally well in our climate.
Choosing between a ductless mini-split and traditional central AC isn't just about cooling—it's about comfort, efficiency, installation complexity, and your home's unique characteristics. Both systems have strengths and weaknesses, and the right choice depends on your specific situation.
Everyone wants to know the bottom line: What will it actually cost to heat my home each month? With California's push toward electrification, rising PG&E rates, and generous heat pump rebates, the answer isn't as simple as 'gas is always cheaper.' Let's break down the real numbers for Bay Area homeowners.
The Bay Area isn't just one climate—it's dozens of microclimates packed into a small geographic area. You can have 65°F fog in San Francisco, 85°F sunshine in Walnut Creek, and 75°F in San Jose—all at the same time. This means HVAC needs vary dramatically just a few miles apart.