If your Bay Area home was built before the 1980s, you already know that replacing or upgrading the HVAC system can be a challenge. Many homes in Oakland, Berkeley, Pleasant Hill, Concord, Lafayette, Orinda, and Walnut Creek have tight attics, small crawlspaces, or no ductwork at all โ making traditional furnaces and air conditioners difficult to install.
At Galaxy Heating & Air Conditioning, we specialize in designing HVAC retrofit systems that fit older Bay Area homes. Using the latest technology from Mitsubishi, Carrier, American Standard, and Lennox, we deliver quiet, energy-efficient comfort solutions that work perfectly in homes where space and access are limited.
Why Older Bay Area Homes Need Specialized HVAC Systems
Classic Bay Area homes built between the 1940s and 1970s were not designed for modern HVAC systems. Many of them have:
- Low attic clearance (often less than 24 inches)
- Narrow crawlspaces
- Asbestos-lined or undersized ductwork
- Limited 100-amp electrical panels
- Poor airflow or outdated furnace locations
Because of these challenges, each retrofit installation requires creative design and the right equipment. Thatโs where modern inverter heat pumps and space-saving systems from trusted brands like Mitsubishi, Carrier, American Standard, and Lennox make a difference.
Mitsubishi Heat Pumps โ Ductless, Ducted & Ceiling Cassette Systems
Mitsubishi Electric is one of the most popular retrofit choices for older Bay Area homes, and for good reason. Their inverter-driven systems are efficient, whisper-quiet, and available in multiple configurations to match almost any layout.
Ductless Mini Splits:
Perfect for older homes without existing ducts, bungalows, and ADUs. Each indoor head operates independently for zoned heating and cooling, delivering up to 40% energy savings.
Compact Ducted Units (SVZ & PEAD):
Ideal for homes with limited attic or crawlspace space. The Mitsubishi SVZ air handler is only about 10 inches tall, while the PEAD slim ducted unit can be mounted in closets, soffits, or even crawlspaces.
Ceiling Cassettes (MLZ & SLZ Series):
Mitsubishi ceiling cassettes are one of the smartest solutions for older Bay Area homes with no attic access. These units fit neatly between standard 16-inch ceiling joists, requiring no reframing, and deliver balanced 4-way airflow. Theyโre perfect for retrofits in homes where wall space is limited or aesthetics matter.
โWe installed Mitsubishi ceiling cassettes in a 1950s Orinda home with no attic โ they fit perfectly between joists, and now every room is evenly comfortable.โ
Why homeowners love Mitsubishi:
- Whisper-quiet operation (as low as 22 dB indoors)
- Compact, flexible design options
- Reliable all-electric heating and cooling
- Ideal for older homes in Orinda, Lafayette, Oakland Hills, and Berkeley
Carrier 38MURA Compact Inverter Heat Pump
The Carrier 38MURA from the Performance Series is one of Galaxyโs top picks for retrofitting older Bay Area homes. This ultra-compact, quiet, and efficient heat pump is perfect for narrow lots, small yards, or multi-unit properties.
Key benefits include:
- Variable-speed inverter compressor for consistent, quiet comfort
- Low outdoor sound level (around 56 dB)
- Compact size that fits tight Oakland and Berkeley side yards
- Efficiency up to 20 SEER2
- Works with Nest, Ecobee, and Carrier Infinity thermostats
The Carrier 38MURA pairs beautifully with existing or new duct systems and is ideal for replacing outdated AC condensers.
โThe Carrier 38MURA we installed in a 1950s Oakland home was so quiet that the homeowner thought it wasnโt even running โ itโs our favorite system for tight spaces.โ
American Standard Compact Ducted Systems
For homes that already have ducts but limited attic or crawlspace space, American Standard offers some of the best variable-speed and compact systems on the market. These systems are built for reliability, quiet operation, and long-term performance.
Recommended configurations:
- Platinum 20 Heat Pump (4A6V0): variable-speed inverter compressor with up to 20 SEER2 efficiency
- TEM8 Air Handler: compact vertical or horizontal design for tight spaces
American Standard systems are a perfect replacement for older gas furnaces, offering modern, efficient comfort without requiring structural changes.
โIn Walnut Creek, Galaxy replaced a 1970s furnace with an American Standard Platinum 20. It fit perfectly between trusses and runs whisper-quiet.โ
Why we recommend American Standard:
- Reliable and durable components
- Excellent airflow balance for retrofit ducts
- Smooth, quiet, variable-speed comfort
Lennox Low-Profile and Variable-Capacity Systems
Lennox offers premium comfort and exceptional energy efficiency for homeowners who want the quietest operation possible in a compact form. Their Signature Collection and Elite Series products are among the quietest HVAC systems available.
Top models for older homes:
- Lennox SL25XPV: variable-capacity inverter-driven system (as low as 59 dB)
- Lennox ML14XP1 paired with CBA27UHE air handler: ideal for tight attics or closets
Why Galaxy recommends Lennox:
- Precise temperature control within half a degree
- Smart thermostat compatibility (Lennox S40)
- Sleek design that fits in older ranch and split-level homes in Concord, Alamo, and Danville
Typical HVAC Retrofit Costs in the Bay Area (2025)
System Type | Average Installed Price | Ideal For |
Mitsubishi Ductless or Ceiling Cassette | $8,000โ$20,000 | Homes without ducts or attic space |
American Standard Compact Ducted | $12,000โ$18,000 | Tight attics, existing ducts |
Carrier 38MURA Compact System | $13,000โ$19,000 | Narrow lots or condos |
Lennox Variable-Capacity Retrofit | $14,000โ$22,000 | Premium comfort, modern remodels |
(Prices based on Galaxy installations across Pleasant Hill, Concord, and Oakland in 2025.)
Electrical Readiness and Rebates
If your home still has a 100-amp electrical panel, Galaxy can evaluate your capacity and recommend affordable load-management solutions or smart panels.
You may qualify for these Bay Area rebate programs:
- Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE): up to $2,500
- Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE): up to $2,000
- TECH Clean: up to $3,000
- Galaxy Halloween Special: $3,000 OFF any full installation through October 31, 2025
The Future of Comfort for Bay Area Homes
With the Bay Area Air Districtโs 2029 ban on new gas furnaces approaching, now is the perfect time to upgrade. Modern inverter heat pumps from Mitsubishi, Carrier, American Standard, and Lennox deliver quiet, all-electric comfort and help reduce your homeโs carbon footprint.
Whether you need a ceiling cassette that fits between joists, a compact attic air handler, or a small outdoor condenser for a tight side yard, Galaxy Heating & Air Conditioning can design the perfect system for your older Bay Area home.
Limited-Time Promotion
๐ Halloween Special: Save $3,000 OFF any full HVAC system installation this October!
Upgrade your older Bay Area home with a Mitsubishi, Carrier, American Standard, or Lennox system designed for narrow spaces and year-round comfort.
Call (925) 578-3293 or schedule your free estimate at GalaxyServices.com.
Serving the Bay Area
Pleasant Hill | Concord | Walnut Creek | Lafayette | Orinda | Berkeley | Oakland | Danville | Alamo | Martinez | San Ramon | and surrounding cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whatโs the best HVAC brand for an older Bay Area home?
Mitsubishi, Carrier, American Standard, and Lennox all perform exceptionally well in local retrofits. Mitsubishi ceiling cassettes are ideal for tight spaces, while Carrierโs 38MURA heat pump fits perfectly in small yards or multi-family homes.
Can I install a heat pump in a home with no attic?
Yes! Mitsubishi ductless systems or ceiling cassettes can be installed without attic access. Theyโre perfect for older homes, ADUs, and remodels.
Will I need to upgrade my electrical panel?
Most 100-amp panels can handle modern heat pumps with smart load management. Galaxy can evaluate your setup and recommend options.
Are rebates available for heat pump installations?
Yes. Depending on your ZIP code, you may qualify for PCE, SVCE, or Clean HEET rebates, plus Galaxyโs $3,000 seasonal discount, up to $3,000 TECH Clean Rebate and $2,000 Federal Tax Credit