HVAC FAQ for Bay Area Homeowners
(Galaxy Heating & Air Conditioning – Contra Costa, Alameda & San Francisco Counties)
If you’re like most Bay Area homeowners, you probably have the same HVAC questions:
How much will a new system cost? Should you go with a heat pump or a gas furnace? What rebates can you get? How often should you change filters?
This HVAC FAQ pulls together the most common questions we hear every day at Galaxy Heating & Air Conditioning, serving Contra Costa, Alameda, and San Francisco counties. If you don’t see your question here, you can always call or text us at (925) 578-3293 and we’ll help you out.
Costs, Quotes & Financing
For most Bay Area homes, a full HVAC system replacement (heating + cooling) typically ranges from low five figures to higher five figures, depending on the type of system (gas furnace + AC, heat pump, dual fuel, ductless), efficiency rating, electrical upgrades, and ductwork. Homes needing new ducts, zoning, or panel upgrades will be on the higher end.
👉 Full guide link: “Ultimate HVAC System Cost Guide for Bay Area Homes”
Quotes vary based on equipment quality, brand, system type, ductwork scope, warranties, permits, and the company’s labor standards. Some low bids omit important things like permits, proper sizing, or code-compliant electrical work. We price systems to include high-efficiency equipment, proper installation, permits, and strong labor & parts warranties so you’re protected long-term.
👉 Full guide link: “Why HVAC Quotes Vary So Much – And How to Compare Them”
If your system is under 10 years old and the repair is minor, a repair usually makes sense. If it’s 15–20+ years old, uses outdated refrigerant, or needs expensive major parts (compressor, heat exchanger, etc.), a replacement is often more cost-effective and safer. We’ll always walk you through both options so you can decide.
👉 Full guide link: “Repair vs Replace: How to Decide for Your Bay Area HVAC System”
Yes. Galaxy offers financing options for qualifying customers, which can spread the cost of a new system over monthly payments instead of one large upfront expense. We can review options during your estimate and help you choose a payment plan that fits your budget.
👉 Full guide link: “HVAC Financing Options for Bay Area Homeowners”
Heat Pumps, Gas Furnaces & Dual Fuel
In the Bay Area’s mild climate, heat pumps are extremely efficient because they provide both heating and cooling in one system. Gas furnaces still make sense for some homes, especially if gas is already in place and you prefer gas heat. Dual fuel systems (heat pump + gas furnace) give you flexibility and comfort in different weather and can be a great “best of both worlds” option.
👉 Full guide link: “Gas Furnace vs Heat Pump vs Dual Fuel in the Bay Area – What’s Best in 2025?”
Yes. The Bay Area is almost a perfect climate for heat pumps. Winters are mild, which means heat pumps can run very efficiently and keep your home comfortable without the extreme cold limitations seen in other regions. Many of our customers replace both their AC and furnace with a single high-efficiency heat pump.
👉 Full guide link: “Are Heat Pumps Worth It in the Bay Area?”
A ductless mini split uses one or more small indoor units connected to an outdoor heat pump, without traditional ductwork. They’re ultra-efficient, very quiet, and perfect for rooms that are hard to heat/cool, older homes, or additions/ADUs. For many Bay Area homes, ductless systems from brands like Mitsubishi can outperform traditional systems in comfort and efficiency.
👉 Full guide link: “Ductless Mini Split Systems in the Bay Area – Pros, Cons & When They Make Sense”
(Mention that Galaxy is a Mitsubishi Diamond Elite contractor here.)
A dual fuel system combines a heat pump with a gas furnace. The heat pump handles efficient heating in mild weather; the gas furnace kicks in when it gets colder. In the Bay Area, dual fuel can be ideal if you want to reduce gas use but still keep the feel of gas heat on colder nights.
👉 Full guide link: “Dual Fuel Systems Explained – Are They Right for Bay Area Homes?”
Rebates, Tax Credits & Incentives
Rebates and incentives change often, but there are usually programs for heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, electrical panel upgrades, and sometimes ductless systems. There are also federal tax credits for qualifying energy-efficient equipment. We stay up to date on current programs and can help you understand what’s available at the time of your project.
👉 Full guide link: “2025 HVAC Rebates & Tax Credits for Bay Area Homeowners”
Most rebate/tax credit programs require minimum SEER2, HSPF2, AFUE or ENERGY STAR® levels, which are higher than basic builder-grade systems. In general, variable-speed and higher-efficiency systems are more likely to qualify and provide the biggest energy savings.
👉 Full guide link: “Understanding SEER2, HSPF2 & AFUE – Which Ratings Matter for Rebates?”
Some federal energy tax credits are only for primary residences, while others may allow certain rental situations. The IRS rules can be specific and may change, so we always recommend confirming with your tax professional. We can provide the documentation about your new equipment; your CPA can advise how to claim it.
👉 Full guide link: “Can Rental Properties Get HVAC Tax Credits? What Bay Area Owners Should Know”
Comfort Problems & Troubleshooting
Uneven temperatures are usually caused by duct issues, poor design, restricted airflow, insulation problems, or incorrect system sizing. Sometimes it’s as simple as rebalancing dampers; other times, zoning or duct modifications are needed. We can evaluate your system and propose options like zoning, ductless units, or duct repairs.
👉 Full guide link: “How to Fix Hot and Cold Rooms in Your Bay Area Home”
Common causes include dirty filters, low refrigerant, frozen coils, failing capacitors, or outdoor units clogged with debris. Sometimes it’s a thermostat or electrical issue. Turn the system off if you suspect freezing and schedule a professional visit to avoid damaging the compressor.
👉 Full guide link: “AC Running But Not Cooling? Most Common Causes in the Bay Area”
This can happen due to dust burning off at first startup, but it can also indicate overheating, electrical problems, or actual smoke from a serious fault. If your smoke alarm goes off with your furnace, turn the system off and have it inspected. Safety comes first.
👉 Full guide link: “Why Your Furnace Triggers the Smoke Alarm – and When to Call for Help"
Maintenance, Filters & Indoor Air Quality
We recommend servicing your heating and cooling once a year—or twice a year if you want peak performance (one visit for cooling, one for heating). Regular maintenance helps prevent breakdowns, keeps your system efficient, and can extend its lifespan.
👉 Full guide link: “Annual HVAC Maintenance Checklist for Bay Area Homes (DIY & Professional)”
For most Bay Area homes, MERV 8–11 is a good balance between filtration and airflow. Higher MERV (like 13) can catch more particles, but in some systems it can restrict airflow if the equipment and ducts weren’t designed for it. We can inspect your system and advise what’s safe and effective.
👉 Full guide link: “Best MERV Rating for Bay Area Furnaces & Heat Pumps – Without Hurting Airflow”
Electronic air cleaners, media filters, and whole-home air purifiers can significantly reduce dust, allergens, and some pollutants when properly installed and maintained. They’re especially helpful for people with allergies, asthma, or pets. The right solution depends on your system, ductwork, and health concerns.
👉 Full guide link: “Electronic Air Cleaners vs Regular Filters – What’s Better for Bay Area Homes?”
System Lifespan & When to Replace
In the Bay Area, a gas furnace can last around 15–20 years, and a heat pump or central AC often lasts 12–15 years, depending on usage and maintenance. We’ve seen systems last longer with good care, but after these ranges, repairs become more frequent and less cost-effective.
👉 Full guide link: “What Lasts Longer – Gas Furnace or Heat Pump with Air Handler?”
Warning signs include frequent breakdowns, rising energy bills, hot/cold spots, loud operation, and equipment that’s 15–20+ years old. If major parts fail (like the compressor or heat exchanger), replacement is often a better investment than repeated repairs.
👉 Full guide link: “Top Signs Your Bay Area HVAC System Is Near the End of Its Life”
Ductwork, Zoning & Airflow
Ducts may need replacement if they’re leaking, poorly sized, damaged, full of kinks, or contain old, failing materials. In many Bay Area homes, leaky or undersized ducts are a major reason for poor comfort and high bills. A duct inspection can reveal whether sealing, modification, or full replacement makes sense.
👉 Full guide link: “Ductwork in Bay Area Homes – Repair, Seal or Replace?”
A zoning system uses multiple thermostats and motorized dampers to control different parts of your home separately (for example, upstairs vs downstairs). Zoning can greatly improve comfort and may reduce energy use by not over-conditioning unused areas. It’s especially valuable in two-story homes and houses with large temperature differences between levels.
👉 Full guide link: “HVAC Zoning in Bay Area Homes – How It Works & When It Makes Sense"
Smart Thermostats & Controls
For most Bay Area homeowners, a smart thermostat can help save energy by automatically adjusting temperatures when you’re away and learning your schedule. It also adds convenience through app control. Savings are even better when combined with a properly sized, high-efficiency system.
👉 Full guide link: “Smart vs Programmable Thermostat – Which One Actually Saves More?”
Most modern systems are compatible with popular smart thermostats, but some advanced equipment (like certain variable-speed or communicating systems) may require brand-specific thermostats. Before you buy, it’s smart to check compatibility or let us install and set it up properly.
👉 Full guide link: “Best Thermostats for Heat Pumps, Furnaces & Ductless Systems”
Ductless & Mitsubishi Specialty (Galaxy-specific)
Yes. Ductless mini splits are fantastic for bedrooms, home offices, garages, and ADUs, because each indoor unit has its own temperature control. They’re very quiet, efficient, and avoid the losses that come with ductwork. Many Bay Area homeowners love ductless for upstairs comfort and additions.
👉 Full guide link: “Why We Love Mitsubishi Ductless Systems in the Bay Area (And Where They Work Best)”
We specialize in Mitsubishi ductless heat pumps and are a Mitsubishi Diamond Elite contractor, which means we’re highly trained on these systems and can offer enhanced warranties when we install them. Mitsubishi units are some of the quietest, most efficient, and most reliable ductless systems available, with flexible options for wall mounts, ceiling cassettes, and more.
👉 Full guide link: “Galaxy’s Guide to Mitsubishi Ductless – Our Specialty in the Bay Area”
Electrical Panels & Future-Proofing
Sometimes. Heat pumps and heat pump water heaters draw more electrical current than older gas-only systems. If your panel is older, overloaded, or very low amp, you may need a panel upgrade or load calculations to safely add new equipment and EV chargers. Galaxy also handles electrical panel upgrades as part of our projects.
👉 Full guide link: “Do You Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade for a Heat Pump or EV Charger?”
Some cities and regions are moving toward electrification and limiting gas use in new construction, and future regulations may phase down gas appliances. However, existing homes with gas lines still have options. In the Bay Area, many homeowners choose heat pumps or dual fuel systems to be more future-proof and reduce gas usage.
👉 Full guide link: “Gas Furnace Bans, New Refrigerants & Future-Proofing Your HVAC System”
Yes. Every home is different—size, layout, insulation, ductwork, electrical panel, and personal comfort preferences all matter. We start with a no-pressure consultation, look at your existing system, and discuss your comfort issues and goals. Then we propose options (and available rebates) tailored to your home and budget.
👉 Call or text Galaxy Heating & Air Conditioning at (925) 578-3293 or request a quote on our website.