Heat Pump Replacement
& Upgrade in San Francisco
Whether you're retiring an aging gas furnace, replacing a heat pump past its prime, or upgrading an inefficient older system, we handle the complete transition — removal, disposal, permitting, and installation of a modern heat pump that will serve your home for the next 15–20 years.
When It's Time to Replace Your System
Some systems need repair. Others need replacement. Here's how to tell the difference — and why waiting often costs more than acting.
Age: 15+ Years for Heat Pumps, 20+ for Furnaces
Efficiency degrades significantly after 15 years. A modern heat pump can be 2–3× more efficient than a 15-year-old unit — even if the old unit is still technically working. Replacing before failure gives you the benefit of planned installation and financing.
Rising Energy Bills with No Explanation
If your utility bills have climbed steadily while usage patterns stayed the same, your system is likely losing efficiency. A $200/month heating bill for a 1,200 sq ft SF flat is often a sign that the old system is working harder to produce the same output.
Frequent Repairs in the Last Two Years
The "repair vs. replace" threshold: if your last two years of repair bills exceed 30% of replacement cost, replacement is almost always more economical. Factor in the likelihood of another failure in the next 12 months.
R-22 Refrigerant System
Heat pumps manufactured before 2010 typically use R-22 (Freon), which is no longer produced and has become extremely expensive. If your system needs refrigerant, a recharge may cost $800–$1,500 for a system that still has limited remaining life.
Poor Comfort Despite Normal Operation
If your system runs constantly but some rooms never reach temperature, or if humidity is uncontrolled, the system may simply be the wrong size — or have lost the capacity it had when new. Modern variable-capacity systems solve both problems.
You Want to Electrify Your Home
Replacing a gas furnace with a heat pump is the single largest step toward reducing your home's carbon footprint and eliminating gas bills. With SF's clean grid electricity, heat pump heating produces a fraction of the emissions of any gas system.
What Happens When We Replace Your System
A system replacement isn't just swapping one box for another. The old system defined the infrastructure your home was built around — the duct sizing, electrical capacity, gas piping, and thermostat wiring. Replacing it properly means making sure the new system works within that infrastructure, or modifying the infrastructure where needed.
When we remove a gas furnace and install a heat pump, we cap the gas line cleanly at the appliance stub-out, remove and responsibly dispose of the old unit, and assess the duct system for compatibility with the heat pump's airflow requirements. (San Francisco homes with gas furnaces often have exactly the undersized-duct problem described on our ducted heat pump page — this is the time to address it.)
The electrical side requires attention too. Gas furnaces use a small control-voltage circuit plus a single dedicated 240V circuit for the air handler blower. A heat pump requires a significantly larger electrical service to the outdoor unit — often 40–60 amps — plus a compatible control circuit. We coordinate with licensed electricians when panel upgrades are needed.
For homes where the old system included R-22 refrigerant, we recover and properly recycle all refrigerant in compliance with EPA Section 608 requirements before disposal. There are no shortcuts in this process — improper refrigerant disposal is a federal violation.
Replacement Process — Step by Step
System Assessment & Quote
We evaluate your existing system, ductwork (if applicable), electrical panel, and gas piping. You receive a complete quote covering removal, disposal, new equipment, and all labor — no hidden add-ons.
Permit Filing
We file the SF mechanical permit and any electrical permits required. Permit processing typically takes 1–5 business days; we schedule installation once approval is confirmed.
Old System Removal
We disconnect and remove the existing unit, cap gas lines, recover refrigerant (if applicable), and haul everything away. Your home is left clean before the new installation begins.
Duct Assessment & Modifications
Before the new equipment goes in, we verify duct compatibility. If modifications are needed, they happen now — before the new system is running against a problem duct system.
New System Installation
We install the new heat pump, connect all electrical, refrigerant, and control wiring, and commission the system. This includes verifying pressures, airflow, and operation in both heating and cooling modes.
Inspection & Sign-Off
SF DBI inspection, permit close-out, and manufacturer warranty registration. You receive all paperwork and a walkthrough of your new system's operation and maintenance schedule.
Replacement Cost Ranges
Mini-Split Replacement
Replacing a PTAC, window unit, or old ductless system
Ducted System Replacement
Full furnace-to-heat-pump or heat pump-to-heat pump replacement
Full System + Duct Work
Replacement plus duct modifications, electrical upgrades, or multi-zone design
What shapes a replacement quote
Replacement cost depends on equipment capacity, the number of indoor zones, whether the existing ductwork can be reused, electrical needs, access, and any required modifications. The ranges above are planning estimates, not a fixed bid.
A site assessment is the best way to compare a repair, a partial replacement, and a full system replacement with a clear view of the work involved.
Replacement FAQ
Ready to Replace Your Old System?
Get a free, no-pressure quote. We'll assess your existing system and give you a clear picture of costs, savings, and timeline.