How to Find a Reliable, Licensed Furnace Repair Company in San Francisco

Your furnace stopped working on a cold, foggy San Francisco morning. Maybe your Victorian's radiators are ice cold, or your Sunset District home's forced air system won't start. You need help fast—but how do you find a reliable, licensed contractor who won't overcharge or perform unnecessary repairs?

San Francisco's unique housing (Victorian/Edwardian homes, microclimates from foggy Sunset to sunny Mission, older heating systems) requires specialized HVAC expertise. This guide shows you exactly how to find the right furnace repair company and what questions to ask.

Step 1: Verify Licensing & Insurance

California State Licensing Requirements

Every legitimate HVAC contractor in California must have a C-20 Warm Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor License issued by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB).

How to verify:

1. Visit cslb.ca.gov
2. Click "License Search"
3. Enter the company name or license number
4. Check status is "Active" and "Current"
5. Review any complaints or disciplinary actions

Red flag: If a contractor says "licensing isn't required for repairs" or provides a handyman license instead of C-20, walk away immediately.

Required Insurance Coverage

A professional furnace repair company must carry:

✓ General Liability Insurance ($1-2 million minimum) ✓ Workers' Compensation Insurance (protects you if technician injured) ✓ Bonding (protects you if contractor doesn't complete work)

Ask to see certificates of insurance before any work begins. Don't just take their word for it.

Step 2: Check Reviews & Reputation

Where to Look

Google Reviews (4.5+ stars with 100+ reviews = excellent)

• Look for consistent quality over time
• Read recent reviews (last 6 months)
• Check how company responds to negative reviews

Yelp (similar standards)

• Filter by "recent" to see current performance
• Look for detailed reviews with photos

Better Business Bureau (BBB)

• Check rating (A+ or A preferred)
• Review complaint history and resolutions

What to Look For in Reviews

✅ "Showed up on time" - Reliability matters in emergencies ✅ "Explained the problem clearly" - Transparency vs. upselling ✅ "Fair pricing" - Not necessarily cheapest, but reasonable ✅ "Fixed it right the first time" - Competence ✅ "Cleaned up after themselves" - Professionalism

🚩 Red flags:

• "Tried to sell me a new furnace when I just needed a repair"
• "Price kept increasing"
• "Never showed up" or "canceled last minute repeatedly"
• "Left a mess"

Step 3: San Francisco-Specific Considerations

Understanding SF's Unique HVAC Challenges

Microclimate expertise: Does the contractor understand that Sunset/Richmond homes need different solutions than Mission/Potrero Hill properties?

Victorian/Edwardian experience: Can they work with:

• Radiator systems (steam or hot water)
• Gravity furnaces in basements
• Wall-mounted heaters
• Lack of central ductwork
• Historic building codes

Permit knowledge: SF building codes are strict. Does the contractor:

• Pull permits when required
• Understand historic preservation requirements
• Navigate HOA approvals in condo buildings

Critical Questions to Ask Before Booking

About Their Business

Q1: "What's your C-20 contractor license number?"

• Should answer immediately without hesitation
• Verify at cslb.ca.gov before booking

Q2: "How long have you been servicing San Francisco?"

• 5+ years SF experience = understands local housing/codes
• New to SF = may not understand Victorian heating systems

Q3: "Do you offer emergency service? What are your response times?"

• Same-day emergency service is standard
• 24/7 availability for emergencies
• Clear communication on arrival windows

About Pricing & Diagnostics

Q4: "What's your diagnostic fee? Is it waived if I proceed with repair?"

Standard SF pricing:

• Diagnostic visit: $89-$150
• Often waived if you approve the repair
• Should include complete system inspection

Q5: "Do you provide written estimates before starting work?"

• Never proceed without a written estimate
• Should include parts, labor, total cost
• Get multiple quotes for expensive repairs ($500+)

Q6: "What payment methods do you accept? When is payment due?"

• Credit cards, checks, financing options
• Typically 50% upfront for parts, balance upon completion
• Never pay 100% before work is complete

About the Repair Process

Q7: "What's covered under your warranty?"

Industry standard:

• 1-year warranty on labor
• Parts warranty varies (manufacturer-dependent, often 5-10 years)
• Get warranty details in writing

Q8: "Are your technicians NATE-certified?"

• NATE = North American Technician Excellence
• Industry's most respected HVAC certification
• Shows commitment to professional training

Q9: "Do you pull permits when required?"

• Furnace replacement = permit required in SF
• Significant repairs may need permits
• Contractor should handle all permitting

About Their Service Standards

Q10: "What COVID-19 safety protocols do you follow?"

• Masks, shoe covers, sanitizing equipment
• Respectful of your home and health

Q11: "Will you provide references from similar SF homes?"

• Victorian heating repairs
• Steam radiator specialists
• Similar neighborhood experience

Q12: "What if the problem isn't fixed after your repair?"

• Should offer callback service at no charge
• Stands behind their work
• Clear communication process

Common Furnace Problems in SF Homes

Victorian/Edwardian Radiator Systems

Problem: Radiators stay cold or heat unevenly Typical causes: Air in lines, failed circulator pump, boiler issues, zone valve failure

Question to ask: "Do you specialize in steam/hot water radiator systems?" (Not all HVAC techs do)

Wall Heaters (Common in SF)

Problem: Won't ignite or shuts off randomly Typical causes: Thermocouple failure, pilot light issues, venting problems

Question to ask: "Have you worked on wall-mounted heaters in older SF buildings?"

Forced Air Systems

Problem: Blows cold air or doesn't heat evenly Typical causes: Ignition problems, thermostat issues, ductwork leaks, airflow restrictions

SF-specific: Older SF homes often have undersized or poorly designed ductwork

Red Flags: When to Walk Away

🚩 No license or "license not required for small jobs" 🚩 Refuses to provide written estimate 🚩 Pressure tactics: "This is today's price only" 🚩 Can't explain the problem clearly 🚩 Pushes full system replacement without diagnosing 🚩 No insurance or won't provide certificates 🚩 Cash-only, no credit cards accepted 🚩 Can't provide recent SF references 🚩 Shows up in unmarked van with no company branding 🚩 Estimates vary wildly from industry standards

Fair Pricing Guidelines (San Francisco 2025)

Service	Fair Price Range
Diagnostic/Service Call	$89-$150
Thermostat Replacement	$150-$400
Ignitor Replacement	$200-$350
Flame Sensor Cleaning	$150-$250
Blower Motor Replacement	$400-$800
Heat Exchanger Replacement	$1,200-$2,500
Circuit Board Replacement	$300-$600
Gas Valve Replacement	$400-$700

Note: Prices higher in SF due to:

• Parking challenges
• Permit costs
• Higher cost of doing business
• Older, more complex systems

What Galaxy Heating & Air Conditioning Offers

As a fully licensed (C-20), insured San Francisco HVAC contractor, we provide:

✓ C-20 Licensed & Insured - Verify our license at cslb.ca.gov ✓ NATE-Certified Technicians - Industry's highest certification ✓ Victorian/Edwardian Expertise - 15+ years working with SF's unique housing ✓ Transparent Pricing - Written estimates, no surprise charges ✓ Emergency Service - Same-day service available ✓ Warranty Protection - 1-year labor warranty, manufacturer parts warranties ✓ Permit Handling - We pull all required permits ✓ All SF Neighborhoods - Mission to Sunset, SOMA to Richmond

Making Your Decision

Choose a furnace repair company that:

1. Has proper licensing (C-20, verified)
2. Carries insurance (liability + workers comp)
3. Has strong SF reputation (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)
4. Provides written estimates (no surprise charges)
5. Offers warranties (stands behind their work)
6. Communicates clearly (explains problems in plain English)
7. Respects your home (clean, professional, on-time)

Don't just choose the cheapest quote. A $200 cheaper repair that doesn't fix the problem (or causes new issues) ends up costing you more.

Need Furnace Repair in San Francisco?

Galaxy Heating & Air Conditioning serves all SF neighborhoods with honest, expert furnace repair. Our NATE-certified technicians diagnose problems accurately and provide transparent pricing.

Same-day emergency service available.

Schedule Furnace Repair | Call (925) 578-3293

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Bottom Line: Finding a reliable furnace repair company in San Francisco requires verifying licensing, checking reviews, asking the right questions, and understanding fair pricing. Don't let a cold house pressure you into hiring the first company you find—take 30 minutes to do your research and choose a contractor who will fix it right the first time.