San Francisco Heat Pump HVAC Decision Pack
Heat Pump HVAC
What this pack covers
This Decision Pack covers Heat Pump HVAC in San Francisco, CA.
It assembles cost ranges, incentive eligibility, permit requirements, and the questions to ask before signing a contract. Every dollar figure and incentive shown is dated and sourced.
Your goal in one sentence
Choose and install a heat-pump HVAC system right-sized for San Francisco's marine microclimate that delivers verified Manual J / S / D sizing, BAAQMD-aware natural-gas replacement timing, SF DBI-permitted installation, and stacked PG&E + CleanPowerSF + BayREN + HEEHRA rebate reservations confirmed before equipment is delivered.
Recommended sequence
- Heat Pump HVAC — No prerequisites within this pack.
Who to contact
| Who | Why | What to ask for |
|---|---|---|
| Electrification-focused HVAC contractor | Designs the heat pump HVAC system and handles ducting, load calculations, rebates, and permits. | Gas furnace to central heat pump conversion, Manual J load calculation, duct assessment, rebate handling. |
| Licensed electrician | Validates panel/service capacity for future electric load; recommends panel upgrade vs smart load management. | Panel size, service size, formal load calculation, upgrade vs load-management options. |
Opening script to send contractors
Hi, I'm in San Francisco, CA and planning a project that includes Heat Pump HVAC. I am looking for a quote that includes: 1. Heat Pump HVAC Please tell me: - Will you perform a formal load calculation (Manual J for HVAC, Article 220 for electrical)? - Are you familiar with San Francisco permits and any local rebate programs? - Can you give line-item pricing and separate confirmed incentives from assumed incentives? - Who handles permits, inspections, and rebate paperwork?
Technical basics in plain English
Panel size: 100A, 125A, 150A, 200A
Your electrical panel is the main entry point for electricity into your house. The 'A' means amps. More amps means more total electrical capacity. 100A is older and may not support adding heat pump + water heater + EV charger together without an upgrade or smart load management. 125A/150A is middle ground; could work with efficient equipment and a real load calculation. 200A is usually the cleanest path, but not guaranteed.
Ask: What is my panel size, and can you show me the load calculation that proves this setup is safe?
Load calculation
A load calculation is not the same as guessing. It is a code-based calculation that estimates whether your panel and service can safely carry all major electrical loads. A qualified electrician or contractor should be able to explain whether you need a panel upgrade, a service upgrade, or smart load management instead.
Ask: Are you doing a formal electrical load calculation, or just eyeballing the panel?
120V vs 240V
Normal outlets are usually 120V. Large appliances often use 240V, like a dryer or EV charger. Many heat pump HVAC systems, EV chargers, and some water heaters need 240V.
Ask: Which parts of this project require 240V?
Manual J load calculation (HVAC)
Manual J is the standard HVAC sizing calculation. It accounts for home size, insulation, windows, orientation, and ductwork. A good HVAC contractor performs Manual J before sizing the equipment; bad contractors just match the existing furnace tonnage.
Ask: Will you perform a Manual J load calculation before sizing the equipment?
Specific questions to ask
Questions for HVAC contractors
| Question | Good response | Bad response |
|---|---|---|
| Will you perform a Manual J load calculation before sizing the heat pump? | Yes. We calculate heating and cooling load based on home size, insulation, windows, orientation, ductwork, and infiltration. | We just replace the existing furnace with the same tonnage system. |
| Will you inspect ducts before specifying the heat pump? | Yes. We inspect duct size, leakage rate, return air paths, and airflow because heat pumps need good airflow at moderate static pressure. | Ducts are always fine; no need to check. |
| How do you decide system size in tons or BTU? | We explain tons and BTU using Manual J inputs, not just square footage. | We use 1 ton per 500 square feet as a rule of thumb. |
| What refrigerant does the system use, and is it compliant with current EPA rules? | We specify the refrigerant (R-454B or R-32 for new systems after the EPA A2L transition) and confirm it meets current code. | Refrigerant does not affect homeowners. |
| Are you a TECH Clean California enrolled contractor, and is the program currently funded for heat pump HVAC? | We verify current TECH Clean California program status (single-family Phase I has been fully reserved since November 2025) and explain whether it applies before signing. | TECH always pays out; assume the rebate is yours. |
| Does my household income make us eligible for HEEHRA, and what does that involve? | We confirm income eligibility (below 80 percent AMI or 80 to 150 percent AMI), explain pre-approval is required, and verify program status (Phase I single-family is currently fully reserved per CEC as of 2026-02-24). | HEEHRA covers everyone; you qualify automatically. |
| How does the BAAQMD natural-gas appliance regulation affect a like-for-like furnace replacement on this house? | BAAQMD Rule 9-4 sets a zero-NOx requirement on residential furnaces manufactured after January 1, 2029, and Rule 9-6 sets the same on water heaters under 75,000 BTU/hr after January 1, 2027. The rules apply only when existing equipment burns out, so timing matters. We confirm whether your replacement falls before or after the rule's effective date for your appliance class and walk through whether a heat-pump path avoids a regulatory dead-end. We document the regulatory citation in writing in the proposal. | BAAQMD rules don't affect homeowners, only contractors. |
| How do you size a heat pump for San Francisco's marine climate where the heating design temperature is around 38F and summer cooling load is minimal? | We use ACCA Manual J 8th Edition with the ASHRAE 99 percent heating design temperature for the SF weather station closest to the home and the actual cooling-load demand for your microclimate (Sunset, Marina, Mission, and Bernal each behave differently). We do not oversize the cooling stage; an inverter-driven heat pump that modulates down to a low minimum stage is preferred in this climate. We share the Manual J output with you. | We use a 1-ton-per-500-square-feet rule of thumb. |
| Many older SF homes have no ductwork or hydronic heating only. How do you handle a heat-pump retrofit without ducts? | We assess whether a ductless multi-zone mini-split fits the floor plan, where to place indoor heads (line-of-sight to occupied space, away from beds for noise), and the refrigerant line-set routing. We run Manual J zone-by-zone rather than a single-zone whole-house calculation. We share the proposed indoor-head locations as a drawing before install. | Ductless mini-splits are always the best choice for SF. |
| How do you account for the leakier envelope on an older Victorian or Edwardian in SF when sizing the heat pump? | We use realistic ACH50 (air changes per hour at 50 Pa) assumptions for the construction era, not a tight new-build default, and adjust the Manual J infiltration inputs accordingly. Where it makes sense we recommend a blower-door test before final sizing. We do not pretend the envelope is tighter than it is; we share the Manual J inputs we used. | Older SF houses are basically the same as new construction for sizing. |
| What refrigerant does the system use, and how do the A2L safety requirements affect installation in a small SF utility room? | New residential systems use R-454B or R-32 (both mildly flammable A2L refrigerants). Indoor-unit charge limits set a minimum room volume; we measure the actual indoor location and confirm the manufacturer's listed indoor charge fits the room. If the room is too small, we propose either a different unit or relocating the indoor section. We document the refrigerant choice and the room-volume calculation. | A2L safety rules don't matter for homeowners. |
| Where will the outdoor condenser go given SF's narrow lots, neighbor property lines, and noise concerns? | We propose a location that meets SF noise ordinance setbacks from neighboring habitable space and that provides manufacturer-required service clearance and clear airflow. For lots with shared light wells or shotgun side yards we sometimes recommend a roof-mounted or rear-yard pad with a sound blanket. We share the proposed location and decibel rating in the quote. | Heat pumps are quiet enough; setbacks do not matter in SF. |
| Beyond Manual J, will you also do Manual S equipment selection and Manual D duct design? | Yes. Manual J gives us the load; Manual S matches a specific equipment model and capacity at the design conditions; Manual D sizes the ducts (or confirms existing duct adequacy) for the airflow the equipment needs. We share all three outputs. Skipping Manual S is the most common way contractors end up oversizing. | Manual J is enough; the other steps are for new construction only. |
| Should we go all-electric heat pump or dual-fuel (heat pump plus gas furnace backup) in SF's mild climate? | In SF the design temperature is mild enough that a properly sized inverter heat pump can carry the load down to the coldest hours without backup. Dual-fuel typically does not make sense unless you are keeping a gas appliance for another reason. We share the modeled hours below balance point so the choice is honest, and we note that BAAQMD Rule 9-4 affects future furnace replacements. | Always keep the gas furnace as backup; heat pumps cannot heat in winter. |
| If we go all-electric, what is the backup-heat strategy at the SF design temperature? | We size the heat pump to carry the design-day load without strip heat. Where the manufacturer requires emergency heat for low-stage failure protection, we install a low-kW electric resistance element with a lock-out at outdoor temperatures above the balance point. We share the modeled hours of strip operation per year. | All electric heat pumps always need 10kW of strip backup. |
| Refrigerant line-set length and vertical lift between indoor and outdoor sections can be limiting on SF row houses. How do you handle that? | Each manufacturer publishes a maximum line-set length and vertical lift. We measure both at the site visit and confirm the planned route falls inside the listed limits. If it does not, we either choose a different unit or relocate the outdoor section. We document the route, length, and lift in the proposal. | Line-set length is not a real limit; any route works. |
| What does commissioning at startup look like, and do I get a report? | Commissioning includes measured airflow at each register, static pressure across the indoor coil, refrigerant charge verified by superheat or subcooling per the manufacturer chart, and outdoor-unit ambient and refrigerant temperatures. We give you a one-page commissioning report with all measured values and the technician name. We do not consider the install complete without it. | Commissioning is a buzzword; the system runs, that is enough. |
| Outer Sunset and Outer Richmond get salt air off the ocean. How does that affect warranty terms for the outdoor section? | Manufacturers typically require a corrosion-resistant coil option or coating for coastal installs and may exclude warranty coverage of corrosion-related failures otherwise. We confirm the manufacturer's coastal-install spec, document the coating option in the proposal, and verify the warranty terms (parts, labor, and compressor) in writing. Skipping the coastal option is a recognizable shortcut. | Salt air is not a real issue inside SF city limits. |
Questions for electricians
| Question | Good response | Bad response |
|---|---|---|
| What is my panel size and service size, and is it adequate for adding a heat pump? | We inspect the panel labels and main breaker on site, explain whether 100A, 125A, 150A, or 200A is adequate, and verify the service drop matches the panel. | We guess from a photo only; no on-site inspection. |
| Can we avoid a service upgrade by using smart load management? | Possibly. We will perform a formal Article 220 load calculation, propose smart load management for HVAC + EV + water heater coordination, and explain the tradeoff vs upgrading. | You always need 200A; no calculation needed. |
| Will the heat pump need a new dedicated circuit, and what breaker size? | Yes, the outdoor unit and air handler each typically need dedicated circuits at the breaker sizes the manufacturer specifies (often 30-50A for outdoor, 15-30A for indoor). | Any spare breaker will work. |
General questions for every contractor
| Question | Good response | Bad response |
|---|---|---|
| Can you separate confirmed incentives from assumed incentives in the quote? | Yes. We mark each incentive as confirmed (with program ID and current reservation status) versus assumed (subject to verification before contract). | All listed incentives are yours. |
| Does the federal Section 25C tax credit apply to my installation? | Section 25C expired December 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21). Installations completed in 2026 or later do not qualify for §25C. | You'll get the federal credit on your taxes. |
| Are BayREN Home+ rebates available for this installation? | BayREN Home+ may apply for Bay Area homeowners; we verify the program is currently funded and that the equipment qualifies before submitting. | BayREN always pays out automatically. |
| What is the equipment and labor warranty, and what voids it? | We provide the manufacturer warranty (typically 10 years parts when registered) plus our labor warranty (1-2 years standard); we explain what voids coverage including improper electrical, missing filters, and skipped annual service. | The warranty covers everything forever. |
| What is the best next step before signing a contract? | Schedule a site visit and Manual J load calculation, get a written quote with line-item pricing, verify all incentive reservation requirements, and confirm permit handling. | Sign today to lock in pricing before incentives expire. |
| Who pulls the mechanical and electrical permits with San Francisco DBI and how is that visible to me? | We pull the mechanical permit through SF DBI (sf.gov / Department of Building Inspection) under our contractor license, plus a separate electrical permit if the new circuit requires it. You receive copies of both permit applications, the permit numbers, the inspection schedule, and final card sign-offs. Permit fees are itemized separately in the proposal, not bundled into labor. | Permits add cost; most heat-pump swaps don't really need one. |
| How does CleanPowerSF's default Green vs SuperGreen product affect the carbon-accounting story of switching to a heat pump? | CleanPowerSF is your default CCA. The standard Green product is at least 70 percent California-certified renewable, and SuperGreen is 100 percent renewable. Switching from a gas furnace to an electric heat pump moves that combustion load onto your CleanPowerSF supply, so the carbon outcome depends on which product you are on. We do not promise a specific carbon number; we explain the product tiers and let you decide. | CleanPowerSF makes heat pumps automatically zero-carbon. |
| What does the BayREN Home+ heat-pump rebate path look like in San Francisco and what are the reservation rules? | BayREN Home+ covers San Francisco (one of nine BayREN counties). The heat-pump HVAC rebate is currently up to $1,000 on a point-based system that can stack with TECH Clean California rebates and other local or federal incentives. Reservation order matters; we walk you through which incentive is reserved before which, and we share the reservation numbers in writing. Funding can run out, so we verify availability at the time of contract. | BayREN automatically applies; you do not need to track anything. |
| After we install the heat pump, which PG&E rate plan are you recommending: E-ELEC or staying on E-TOU-C? | We model both with your most recent 12 months of usage. E-ELEC has wider time-of-use spreads and pairs well with electrified loads including HP HVAC and future battery. E-TOU-C is the default residential plan and may still be the cheapest for households with low overnight loads. The PG&E March 2026 rate restructure added a roughly $24/month Base Services Charge across plans, so we factor that in. We share the spreadsheet. | Everybody on a heat pump should switch to E-ELEC. |
| I rent out the in-law unit downstairs. Who has install authority and who pays for what? | We confirm in writing who the property owner is and which tenant occupancies are affected. SF rent ordinance and tenant rights apply; capital improvements affecting tenants typically require advance notice. We do not pull permits without owner authorization. We recommend the homeowner consult the SF Rent Board on cost-passthrough rules separately. | Just install it; tenants do not need to know. |
| Does the federal Section 25C tax credit apply to a 2026 heat-pump install in SF? | Section 25C expired December 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21). Installs placed in service in 2026 or later do not qualify. Any contractor who quotes a §25C federal credit for a 2026 SF install has it wrong; flag that as a red flag and ask for a corrected quote. | §25C still applies in 2026; you will get 30 percent back on your taxes. |
| Can we get a HEEHRA rebate for a heat pump install in San Francisco? | HEEHRA single-family rebates were reported fully reserved statewide as of February 24, 2026 (TECH Clean California / CEC), with new reservations going on a waitlist that only pays out if funding reopens. We do not include HEEHRA as a confirmed line item in the quote unless your reservation is already approved; we list it as waitlisted instead. | HEEHRA covers every California homeowner; the rebate is yours. |
| Is PG&E's heat pump financing offer something I should use, or is cash plus rebate the better path? | PG&E periodically runs an On-Bill Financing option for residential heat pumps that puts the install on a payment plan against the utility bill, with a credit check. For a homeowner with cash on hand the rebate-only path is usually cheaper because financing costs more than the rebate's time value. We model both with your numbers and share the math, including the March 2026 PG&E Base Services Charge restructure. | The PG&E loan is free money; always take it. |
Good vs reasonable vs bad answers
| Question | Good | Reasonable | Bad |
|---|---|---|---|
| Will you perform a Manual J load calculation before sizing the heat pump? | Yes. We calculate heating and cooling load based on home size, insulation, windows, orientation, ductwork, and infiltration. | We will run Manual J after a site visit and duct inspection. | We just replace the existing furnace with the same tonnage system. |
| Will you inspect ducts before specifying the heat pump? | Yes. We inspect duct size, leakage rate, return air paths, and airflow because heat pumps need good airflow at moderate static pressure. | We inspect ducts during install and modify if airflow targets are not met. | Ducts are always fine; no need to check. |
| How do you decide system size in tons or BTU? | We explain tons and BTU using Manual J inputs, not just square footage. | — | We use 1 ton per 500 square feet as a rule of thumb. |
| What refrigerant does the system use, and is it compliant with current EPA rules? | We specify the refrigerant (R-454B or R-32 for new systems after the EPA A2L transition) and confirm it meets current code. | — | Refrigerant does not affect homeowners. |
| Are you a TECH Clean California enrolled contractor, and is the program currently funded for heat pump HVAC? | We verify current TECH Clean California program status (single-family Phase I has been fully reserved since November 2025) and explain whether it applies before signing. | — | TECH always pays out; assume the rebate is yours. |
| Does my household income make us eligible for HEEHRA, and what does that involve? | We confirm income eligibility (below 80 percent AMI or 80 to 150 percent AMI), explain pre-approval is required, and verify program status (Phase I single-family is currently fully reserved per CEC as of 2026-02-24). | HEEHRA may apply if eligibility is verified after a site visit and income documentation. | HEEHRA covers everyone; you qualify automatically. |
| What is my panel size and service size, and is it adequate for adding a heat pump? | We inspect the panel labels and main breaker on site, explain whether 100A, 125A, 150A, or 200A is adequate, and verify the service drop matches the panel. | — | We guess from a photo only; no on-site inspection. |
| Can we avoid a service upgrade by using smart load management? | Possibly. We will perform a formal Article 220 load calculation, propose smart load management for HVAC + EV + water heater coordination, and explain the tradeoff vs upgrading. | We need to see your panel labels and load history before recommending. | You always need 200A; no calculation needed. |
| Will the heat pump need a new dedicated circuit, and what breaker size? | Yes, the outdoor unit and air handler each typically need dedicated circuits at the breaker sizes the manufacturer specifies (often 30-50A for outdoor, 15-30A for indoor). | — | Any spare breaker will work. |
| Can you separate confirmed incentives from assumed incentives in the quote? | Yes. We mark each incentive as confirmed (with program ID and current reservation status) versus assumed (subject to verification before contract). | — | All listed incentives are yours. |
| Does the federal Section 25C tax credit apply to my installation? | Section 25C expired December 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21). Installations completed in 2026 or later do not qualify for §25C. | — | You'll get the federal credit on your taxes. |
| Are BayREN Home+ rebates available for this installation? | BayREN Home+ may apply for Bay Area homeowners; we verify the program is currently funded and that the equipment qualifies before submitting. | — | BayREN always pays out automatically. |
| What is the equipment and labor warranty, and what voids it? | We provide the manufacturer warranty (typically 10 years parts when registered) plus our labor warranty (1-2 years standard); we explain what voids coverage including improper electrical, missing filters, and skipped annual service. | — | The warranty covers everything forever. |
| What is the best next step before signing a contract? | Schedule a site visit and Manual J load calculation, get a written quote with line-item pricing, verify all incentive reservation requirements, and confirm permit handling. | — | Sign today to lock in pricing before incentives expire. |
| How does the BAAQMD natural-gas appliance regulation affect a like-for-like furnace replacement on this house? | BAAQMD Rule 9-4 sets a zero-NOx requirement on residential furnaces manufactured after January 1, 2029, and Rule 9-6 sets the same on water heaters under 75,000 BTU/hr after January 1, 2027. The rules apply only when existing equipment burns out, so timing matters. We confirm whether your replacement falls before or after the rule's effective date for your appliance class and walk through whether a heat-pump path avoids a regulatory dead-end. We document the regulatory citation in writing in the proposal. | We confirm the BAAQMD effective dates against your appliance class before quoting. | BAAQMD rules don't affect homeowners, only contractors. |
| How do you size a heat pump for San Francisco's marine climate where the heating design temperature is around 38F and summer cooling load is minimal? | We use ACCA Manual J 8th Edition with the ASHRAE 99 percent heating design temperature for the SF weather station closest to the home and the actual cooling-load demand for your microclimate (Sunset, Marina, Mission, and Bernal each behave differently). We do not oversize the cooling stage; an inverter-driven heat pump that modulates down to a low minimum stage is preferred in this climate. We share the Manual J output with you. | We will run Manual J after a site visit; our experience says SF homes are typically smaller heat-pump tonnage than Peninsula homes. | We use a 1-ton-per-500-square-feet rule of thumb. |
| Who pulls the mechanical and electrical permits with San Francisco DBI and how is that visible to me? | We pull the mechanical permit through SF DBI (sf.gov / Department of Building Inspection) under our contractor license, plus a separate electrical permit if the new circuit requires it. You receive copies of both permit applications, the permit numbers, the inspection schedule, and final card sign-offs. Permit fees are itemized separately in the proposal, not bundled into labor. | We pull permits through SF DBI; we share the application copies once submitted. | Permits add cost; most heat-pump swaps don't really need one. |
| How does CleanPowerSF's default Green vs SuperGreen product affect the carbon-accounting story of switching to a heat pump? | CleanPowerSF is your default CCA. The standard Green product is at least 70 percent California-certified renewable, and SuperGreen is 100 percent renewable. Switching from a gas furnace to an electric heat pump moves that combustion load onto your CleanPowerSF supply, so the carbon outcome depends on which product you are on. We do not promise a specific carbon number; we explain the product tiers and let you decide. | If carbon accounting matters to you, the SuperGreen upgrade is the simplest path; it is a customer-initiated change on the CleanPowerSF site. | CleanPowerSF makes heat pumps automatically zero-carbon. |
| What does the BayREN Home+ heat-pump rebate path look like in San Francisco and what are the reservation rules? | BayREN Home+ covers San Francisco (one of nine BayREN counties). The heat-pump HVAC rebate is currently up to $1,000 on a point-based system that can stack with TECH Clean California rebates and other local or federal incentives. Reservation order matters; we walk you through which incentive is reserved before which, and we share the reservation numbers in writing. Funding can run out, so we verify availability at the time of contract. | We pre-check BayREN funding and document the reservation in the proposal. | BayREN automatically applies; you do not need to track anything. |
| After we install the heat pump, which PG&E rate plan are you recommending: E-ELEC or staying on E-TOU-C? | We model both with your most recent 12 months of usage. E-ELEC has wider time-of-use spreads and pairs well with electrified loads including HP HVAC and future battery. E-TOU-C is the default residential plan and may still be the cheapest for households with low overnight loads. The PG&E March 2026 rate restructure added a roughly $24/month Base Services Charge across plans, so we factor that in. We share the spreadsheet. | Most heat-pump-plus-future-electrification households we model land on E-ELEC; we walk through both before you commit. | Everybody on a heat pump should switch to E-ELEC. |
| Many older SF homes have no ductwork or hydronic heating only. How do you handle a heat-pump retrofit without ducts? | We assess whether a ductless multi-zone mini-split fits the floor plan, where to place indoor heads (line-of-sight to occupied space, away from beds for noise), and the refrigerant line-set routing. We run Manual J zone-by-zone rather than a single-zone whole-house calculation. We share the proposed indoor-head locations as a drawing before install. | We will assess at the site visit; ducted, ductless, or mixed are all on the table depending on layout. | Ductless mini-splits are always the best choice for SF. |
| How do you account for the leakier envelope on an older Victorian or Edwardian in SF when sizing the heat pump? | We use realistic ACH50 (air changes per hour at 50 Pa) assumptions for the construction era, not a tight new-build default, and adjust the Manual J infiltration inputs accordingly. Where it makes sense we recommend a blower-door test before final sizing. We do not pretend the envelope is tighter than it is; we share the Manual J inputs we used. | We use era-typical infiltration assumptions; a blower-door test is optional but it tightens the Manual J output. | Older SF houses are basically the same as new construction for sizing. |
| What refrigerant does the system use, and how do the A2L safety requirements affect installation in a small SF utility room? | New residential systems use R-454B or R-32 (both mildly flammable A2L refrigerants). Indoor-unit charge limits set a minimum room volume; we measure the actual indoor location and confirm the manufacturer's listed indoor charge fits the room. If the room is too small, we propose either a different unit or relocating the indoor section. We document the refrigerant choice and the room-volume calculation. | We confirm A2L room-volume limits at the site visit; small SF utility rooms sometimes need the indoor section relocated. | A2L safety rules don't matter for homeowners. |
| Where will the outdoor condenser go given SF's narrow lots, neighbor property lines, and noise concerns? | We propose a location that meets SF noise ordinance setbacks from neighboring habitable space and that provides manufacturer-required service clearance and clear airflow. For lots with shared light wells or shotgun side yards we sometimes recommend a roof-mounted or rear-yard pad with a sound blanket. We share the proposed location and decibel rating in the quote. | We will walk the lot at the site visit and propose two locations with the decibel rating noted. | Heat pumps are quiet enough; setbacks do not matter in SF. |
| Beyond Manual J, will you also do Manual S equipment selection and Manual D duct design? | Yes. Manual J gives us the load; Manual S matches a specific equipment model and capacity at the design conditions; Manual D sizes the ducts (or confirms existing duct adequacy) for the airflow the equipment needs. We share all three outputs. Skipping Manual S is the most common way contractors end up oversizing. | We always do Manual J and Manual S; Manual D is required when we touch ductwork. | Manual J is enough; the other steps are for new construction only. |
| Should we go all-electric heat pump or dual-fuel (heat pump plus gas furnace backup) in SF's mild climate? | In SF the design temperature is mild enough that a properly sized inverter heat pump can carry the load down to the coldest hours without backup. Dual-fuel typically does not make sense unless you are keeping a gas appliance for another reason. We share the modeled hours below balance point so the choice is honest, and we note that BAAQMD Rule 9-4 affects future furnace replacements. | All-electric is the more common SF outcome; we will model both before you decide. | Always keep the gas furnace as backup; heat pumps cannot heat in winter. |
| If we go all-electric, what is the backup-heat strategy at the SF design temperature? | We size the heat pump to carry the design-day load without strip heat. Where the manufacturer requires emergency heat for low-stage failure protection, we install a low-kW electric resistance element with a lock-out at outdoor temperatures above the balance point. We share the modeled hours of strip operation per year. | Backup heat is small in SF; we will spec it from the Manual J output. | All electric heat pumps always need 10kW of strip backup. |
| Refrigerant line-set length and vertical lift between indoor and outdoor sections can be limiting on SF row houses. How do you handle that? | Each manufacturer publishes a maximum line-set length and vertical lift. We measure both at the site visit and confirm the planned route falls inside the listed limits. If it does not, we either choose a different unit or relocate the outdoor section. We document the route, length, and lift in the proposal. | We confirm at the site visit; SF rear-yard outdoor sections are usually within manufacturer limits, but rooftop installs sometimes are not. | Line-set length is not a real limit; any route works. |
| I rent out the in-law unit downstairs. Who has install authority and who pays for what? | We confirm in writing who the property owner is and which tenant occupancies are affected. SF rent ordinance and tenant rights apply; capital improvements affecting tenants typically require advance notice. We do not pull permits without owner authorization. We recommend the homeowner consult the SF Rent Board on cost-passthrough rules separately. | Owner authorization is required for permits; the SF Rent Board has separate rules on passthrough that we do not advise on directly. | Just install it; tenants do not need to know. |
| What does commissioning at startup look like, and do I get a report? | Commissioning includes measured airflow at each register, static pressure across the indoor coil, refrigerant charge verified by superheat or subcooling per the manufacturer chart, and outdoor-unit ambient and refrigerant temperatures. We give you a one-page commissioning report with all measured values and the technician name. We do not consider the install complete without it. | We do a startup checklist and share the measured values; full Manual D static-pressure verification is included on ducted retrofits. | Commissioning is a buzzword; the system runs, that is enough. |
| Does the federal Section 25C tax credit apply to a 2026 heat-pump install in SF? | Section 25C expired December 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21). Installs placed in service in 2026 or later do not qualify. Any contractor who quotes a §25C federal credit for a 2026 SF install has it wrong; flag that as a red flag and ask for a corrected quote. | §25C does not apply to 2026 installs; state and local stacks (BayREN, PG&E, CleanPowerSF) are the path now. | §25C still applies in 2026; you will get 30 percent back on your taxes. |
| Can we get a HEEHRA rebate for a heat pump install in San Francisco? | HEEHRA single-family rebates were reported fully reserved statewide as of February 24, 2026 (TECH Clean California / CEC), with new reservations going on a waitlist that only pays out if funding reopens. We do not include HEEHRA as a confirmed line item in the quote unless your reservation is already approved; we list it as waitlisted instead. | HEEHRA is waitlisted; we will document the reservation status and not assume it as confirmed savings. | HEEHRA covers every California homeowner; the rebate is yours. |
| Outer Sunset and Outer Richmond get salt air off the ocean. How does that affect warranty terms for the outdoor section? | Manufacturers typically require a corrosion-resistant coil option or coating for coastal installs and may exclude warranty coverage of corrosion-related failures otherwise. We confirm the manufacturer's coastal-install spec, document the coating option in the proposal, and verify the warranty terms (parts, labor, and compressor) in writing. Skipping the coastal option is a recognizable shortcut. | We spec the coastal corrosion package for Outer Sunset and Outer Richmond installs; warranty terms are documented in writing. | Salt air is not a real issue inside SF city limits. |
| Is PG&E's heat pump financing offer something I should use, or is cash plus rebate the better path? | PG&E periodically runs an On-Bill Financing option for residential heat pumps that puts the install on a payment plan against the utility bill, with a credit check. For a homeowner with cash on hand the rebate-only path is usually cheaper because financing costs more than the rebate's time value. We model both with your numbers and share the math, including the March 2026 PG&E Base Services Charge restructure. | Most homeowners with cash are better off paying directly and stacking BayREN plus state rebates; we model both before you decide. | The PG&E loan is free money; always take it. |
Green flags, reasonable caveats, red flags
Green flags
- Manual J / S / D calculation provided with SF ASHRAE 99 percent heating design temp (around 38F)
- BAAQMD Rule 9-4 / 9-6 timing checked against your appliance class
- Inverter-driven heat pump with low minimum stage modulation for SF cooling
- Refrigerant choice (R-454B / R-32) plus A2L safety addressed
- BayREN Home+ and PG&E rebate reservations documented with reservation numbers
Reasonable caveats
- Site visit required before final sizing and quote
- PG&E interconnection or panel-upgrade path may add lead time
- Manual J may indicate ductless mini-split fit for older Victorian or Edwardian envelope
Red flags
- Quotes without Manual J or with rule-of-thumb sizing
- Claims BAAQMD rules do not affect homeowners
- Bundled lump-sum with no permit-fee itemization
- Promises specific kWh savings without modeling your usage
Quote checklist
Check every item before signing.
Required
Optional but recommended
Quote comparison worksheet
Print this and fill in by hand, or capture quotes side-by-side as you receive them.
| Line item | Contractor 1 | Contractor 2 | Contractor 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quote includes heat pump HVAC equipment model, capacity (tons / BTU), efficiency ratings (SEER2 / HSPF2), and warranty. (required) | |||
| Quote includes a Manual J load calculation, or commits to performing one before final sizing. (required) | |||
| Quote includes a duct inspection, return-air assessment, and any duct modifications needed. (required) | |||
| Quote includes electrical panel/service assessment and any load-calculation requirements. (required) | |||
| Quote explains whether a panel upgrade, service upgrade, or smart load management is needed. (required) | |||
| Quote separates confirmed incentives from assumed or maybe incentives with reservation requirements noted. (required) | |||
| Quote notes the refrigerant type and confirms it meets current EPA rules (R-454B / R-32 for systems installed after the A2L transition). | |||
| Quote notes the heat pump's published HSPF2 / COP at local design temperature and whether backup heat is required. (required) | |||
| Quote includes a startup / commissioning procedure: charge verification, airflow measurement, static pressure check. | |||
| Quote specifies the labor warranty (in addition to manufacturer parts warranty) and what voids each. | |||
| Quote names whether BAAQMD Rule 9-4 / 9-6 affects the replacement timing for this appliance class. (required) | |||
| Quote acknowledges SF microclimate sizing assumptions (ASHRAE 99 percent heating design temp around 38F; minimal cooling load). (required) | |||
| Quote names who pulls the SF DBI mechanical and electrical permit and itemizes the fee. (required) |
Incentive verification worksheet
| Program | Amount | Eligibility | Pre-approval? | Confidence | Verified | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (heat pumps) | Expired Dec 31, 2025. For 2023–2025: up to $2,000/yr (30% of project cost, capped) for qualifying heat pumps and heat pump water heaters. | EXPIRED: This federal credit ended Dec 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21, signed July 4, 2025). Installations completed in 2026 or later do not qualify, regardless of when payment was made. For installations completed during 2023–2025, the credit applied to U.S. primary residences with heat pumps or heat pump water heaters that met or exceeded the highest CEE efficiency tier in effect at the start of the install year; starting 2025, the manufacturer's Qualified Manufacturer Identification Number (QMID) was required on the tax return. Homeowners with eligible 2025 installations may still claim the credit on their 2025 federal tax return. Verify with a qualified tax professional. | Verify | high | 2026-05-30 | Internal Revenue Service, Internal Revenue Service, ENERGY STAR (EPA/DOE) |
| California Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEEHRA) — single-family | When available, up to $8,000 (households below 80% AMI) or $4,000 (80–150% AMI) for a qualifying heat pump HVAC system, with additional rebates for heat pump water heaters, electrical panel upgrades, and wiring inside the per-household envelope. Phase I single-family funds are currently fully reserved (waitlist active). | PROGRAM STATUS: Single-family Phase I is FULLY RESERVED statewide as of 2026-02-24 — new single-family applications are not being accepted and a waitlist is in place. Multifamily applications remain open. Phase II is under development pending DOE approval. HEEHRA is California's implementation of the federal IRA Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates program, administered by the California Energy Commission (CEC) with single-family implementation through TECH Clean California. When open, eligibility requires income-qualified single-family homeowners (or landlords with income-qualified tenants) at or below 150% of Area Median Income; income tiers determine rebate amount (below 80% AMI vs 80–150% AMI). Projects must obtain an approved reservation before installation; rebates only apply to heat pumps installed after the reservation is approved. Income verification is required before a contractor can submit a reservation. Replacement of an existing non-heat-pump space heating system is required for the HVAC rebate. Homeowners should check techcleanca.com and the CEC IRA rebate page for re-opening announcements before signing a contract. | Yes | high | 2026-06-08 | California Energy Commission (CEC), California Energy Commission (CEC) / Energy Solutions |
| TECH Clean California — heat pump HVAC incentive (single-family, market-rate) | Currently unavailable: single-family heat pump HVAC incentives are fully reserved as of 2026-05-30. Historical incentive amounts varied by utility service territory and customer income tier — verify against techcleanca.com for re-opening announcements. | PROGRAM STATUS: Single-family heat pump HVAC incentives are FULLY RESERVED as of 2025-11-14 — new single-family reservations are not being accepted. Multifamily program activity continues. TECH Clean California is a statewide CEC initiative administered by Energy Solutions under contract with Southern California Edison on behalf of California utilities under CPUC oversight, designed to accelerate adoption of clean space and water heating. When open, single-family eligibility requires the homeowner to be a customer of a participating California utility, the installation to use an enrolled TECH contractor (1,600+ contractors enrolled statewide), and the project to obtain a reservation before installation. Specific dollar amounts varied by service territory and income tier — refer to techcleanca.com for the next-funded round's amounts and any income-qualified bonus structure. Homeowners should not assume an incentive is available; verify current reservation status with techcleanca.com before signing a contract. | Yes | high | 2026-06-08 | California Energy Commission (CEC) / Energy Solutions, California Energy Commission (CEC) / Energy Solutions |
| California Equitable Building Decarbonization (EBD) Direct Install Program | No-cost direct-install upgrades for income-qualified households — homeowner does not pay out-of-pocket for covered measures. Measures may include heat pump HVAC, heat pump water heater, induction stove, electrical panel upgrade, and weatherization, subject to a per-household scope set by the regional implementer. | Administered by the California Energy Commission (CEC) as the statewide Equitable Building Decarbonization Direct Install Program, with delivery through regional implementers and a separate Tribal Direct Install track. Targets low- and moderate-income households in low-income communities; specific AMI thresholds and per-region eligibility rules are set by the regional implementer rather than statewide. Both single-family homeowners and renters in eligible buildings may qualify, though scope and contractor selection are determined by the implementer (homeowners do not freely choose contractors). The program is funded through California IRA HOMES funding (60% allocation to Direct Install, approximately $130.3M) plus state appropriations. Direct Install retrofits began rolling out in summer 2025. Homeowners interested in EBD should contact the CEC at equitablebuildingdecarb@energy.ca.gov or watch for their regional implementer's launch announcement; the program does not accept open online applications the way TECH or HEEHRA do. | Yes | medium | 2026-05-30 | California Energy Commission (CEC), California Energy Commission (CEC) |
| PG&E Heat Pump HVAC Rebate — current status | Not currently available as a standalone PG&E rebate | As of 2026-05-30 PG&E does not advertise a standalone utility-funded residential heat-pump HVAC rebate on its rebates index. Heat-pump HVAC incentives for PG&E-served homes have flowed through (a) TECH Clean California (single-family fully reserved since November 14, 2025; see ca-tech-heat-pump-hvac), (b) HEEHRA-CA (single-family fully reserved since February 24, 2026; see ca-heehra-single-family), and (c) BayREN Home+ for Bay Area homeowners outside PG&E's direct rebate stack. Homeowners may want to verify with PG&E and check whether any successor utility program has launched. | Verify | high | 2026-05-30 | Pacific Gas & Electric |
Permit verification worksheet
| Permit | Jurisdiction | Applies to | Confidence | Verified | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical + electrical permit | city | Heat Pump HVAC | high | 2026-05-31 | City and County of San Francisco, City and County of San Francisco, City and County of San Francisco, City and County of San Francisco |