Compare the highest-rated hvac professionals in San Mateo, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Family-owned HVAC specialist serving San Mateo County for over 25 years. Expert in installing and maintaining high-efficiency systems suited for the Bay Area's coastal climate. Offers comprehensive services from furnace installation to complex ductwork design and energy efficiency audits. Known for quick response times on emergency repairs.
Specializes in energy-efficient HVAC solutions and modern heat pump systems ideal for San Mateo's mild winters. EPA-certified technicians with expertise in smart thermostat integration and zoning systems. Strong focus on preventative maintenance programs that extend equipment life in the salt-air coastal environment.
Local HVAC contractor with strong expertise in both residential and light commercial systems. Particularly skilled in furnace repair and replacement, addressing the heating needs during San Mateo's cooler evenings. Offers free second opinions on recommended replacements and focuses on educating customers on system options.
San Mateo's Mediterranean climate with cool summers (avg 68°F) and mild winters (avg 55°F) creates unique HVAC demands. Residents prioritize year-round comfort systems that handle moderate cooling needs in summer and efficient heating during cool, damp winters. The coastal location requires corrosion-resistant equipment and proper ventilation to manage humidity. High electricity costs drive demand for energy-efficient systems, with heat pumps and zoned cooling becoming increasingly popular. The market features a mix of older homes needing system upgrades and newer constructions seeking smart HVAC integration.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with San Mateo regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about hvac services in San Mateo, California.
For a standard single-family home, a full AC replacement in San Mateo typically ranges from $8,000 to $15,000. This wide range depends on the system's size (tonnage), efficiency rating (SEER), and the complexity of the installation, such as ductwork modifications. San Mateo's moderate coastal climate means you may not need the highest capacity unit, but investing in a higher SEER (16+) system can offer better humidity control and long-term savings, especially with PG&E's high electricity rates.
The ideal time is during the "shoulder seasons"—late spring (April-May) or early fall (September-October). This avoids the peak summer demand when HVAC companies are busiest with emergency repairs, ensuring better scheduling and potentially lower off-season promotional pricing. Proactive maintenance before summer is crucial as our cool, foggy mornings can give way to surprisingly hot afternoons, putting sudden strain on an unprepared system.
Yes, California has strict regulations. All new installations must comply with the 2022 Title 24 energy codes, which require specific efficiency standards and may mandate smart thermostats. Furthermore, San Mateo County falls under the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), which has rules on refrigerant handling and system disposal. Significant rebates are available through BayREN and TECH Clean California for upgrading to high-efficiency heat pumps or other qualifying systems.
Always verify the contractor holds a valid California C-20 (Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning) license and carries ample insurance. Look for companies with strong local experience, as they understand the specific challenges of Peninsula homes, like managing indoor humidity during our damp winters. Check reviews on platforms like Nextdoor for hyper-local feedback and ask for references from recent installations in your specific San Mateo neighborhood.
This is very common due to our older housing stock and the "microclimate" effect, where wind and fog exposure vary. The primary solution is not just a new furnace, but a comprehensive home performance assessment. A quality local HVAC provider will evaluate and seal your ductwork (which often runs in uninsulated crawl spaces), improve attic insulation, and may recommend a properly sized heat pump system that provides both efficient heating and dehumidification for our mild but damp winters.