Heating & Air Conditioning in San Rafael, CA
Aarvaks installs and repairs heat pumps, ductless mini-splits, furnaces and air conditioning in San Rafael and across Marin County. Posted prices are the same here as everywhere we work, and every installation starts with a written quote.
What San Rafael’s Codes Mean for an HVAC Replacement
California’s Mechanical Code, which San Rafael enforces, requires a permit to replace HVAC equipment, and Aarvaks handles permit coordination as part of the project scope. Three more sets of rules apply in San Rafael: the city’s FlexPath reach code for remodels, California’s energy code for Climate Zone 2, and the Bay Area Air District’s furnace standard.
San Rafael FlexPath Reach Code
Since October 7, 2024, San Rafael’s Chapter 12.360 applies to additions, alterations, and remodels of single-family homes first permitted before 2011 that affect more than 500 square feet. The project must reach a target score from a menu of energy measures: 12 points for homes built before 1978, 8 for 1978–1991, and 4 for 1992–2010. Replacing all gas and electric-resistance primary heating with an electric-only heat pump earns 23, 18, or 15 points, more than the target for each age.
Energy Code for Climate Zone 2
San Rafael is in California Building Climate Zone 2. Under the 2025 Energy Code, in effect since January 1, 2026, installing new heating or cooling components on a ducted system requires a duct leakage test: 10% leakage or less, 7% or less to the outside, or every accessible leak sealed. New duct sections need R-8 insulation. In Climate Zone 2, refrigerant charge must also be verified when refrigerant components are installed or altered, with airflow of at least 300 cubic feet per minute per ton.
Bay Area Air District — Zero-NOx Furnaces from 2029
The Air District’s Rule 9-4 sets a zero-NOx standard for furnaces with a 2029 compliance date. The District says the requirement applies only when current equipment burns out, so it does not require replacing a working furnace. A heat pump burns no fuel, so it meets the standard.
Heating and Cooling San Rafael Homes
San Rafael has about 23,900 housing units. 54% were built before 1970 and 71% before 1980, and 61% heat with utility gas, according to the Census Bureau’s 2020–2024 American Community Survey.
Replacing Gas Heat
61% of San Rafael homes heat with utility gas. When a gas furnace needs replacing, the choice is a new furnace or a ducted heat pump on the same ducts, which also provides cooling. Furnace installation starts at $7,500 and a single-zone heat pump at $17,000.
Homes From the 1950s and 1960s
39% of San Rafael’s housing was built in the 1950s and 1960s. Under the state energy code, ducts are tested for leakage when new heating or cooling equipment goes in. Duct condition is assessed and documented during the estimate visit before any equipment recommendation is made.
Detached Homes and Apartments
48% of San Rafael’s housing units are detached single-family homes and 32% are in buildings of five or more units. Ductless mini-splits heat and cool homes without ductwork. A single-zone mini-split starts at $6,500.
San Rafael’s Climate and Your Heating and Cooling Load
At NOAA’s San Rafael Civic Center station, average daily highs are 81°F from July through September and average lows are 42–43°F in December and January (1991–2020 normals). The station averages 2,481 heating degree days and 486 cooling degree days a year, about five times as much heating as cooling.
Heating Drives the Load
Heating degree days peak near 475 a month in December and January and stay above 200 a month from November through April. The station averages 3 nights a year at 32°F or below.
Warm Afternoons
The station averages 20 days a year at 90°F or above, and cooling degree days run about 100 to 120 a month from July through September.
One System for Both
A heat pump covers the long heating season and provides cooling for warm afternoons from one outdoor unit.
HVAC Services in San Rafael
Installation, repair, and maintenance for all residential and commercial HVAC systems throughout San Rafael. All brands serviced. $79 residential diagnostic fee. Permit coordination included on all installations.
Heat Pump Installation & Repair
Ducted heat pump installation for San Rafael homes with existing ductwork — replaces gas furnace and central AC in one system upgrade. Single-zone systems starting at $17,000. Carrier Authorized Dealer. 10-year limited parts warranty. All brands serviced for repair.
Mini-Split Installation & Repair
Ductless mini-splits for homes without ductwork. No duct modification required. Single-zone systems starting at $6,500. Carrier, Mitsubishi, and Bosch systems. Multi-zone configurations for whole-home comfort without ductwork.
Heating & Air Conditioning
Furnace installation, repair, and tune-up. Central AC installation and repair. All brands serviced. $79 residential diagnostic fee. Furnace installation starting at $7,500. AC installation starting at $10,000. 10-year limited parts warranty.
Heat Pump Incentives for San Rafael Homeowners
The federal heat pump tax credit has expired, and the TECH Clean California and HEEHRA single-family programs are reserved statewide. Program availability changes. We identify what applies to your project during the estimate.
MCE Heat Pump Rebate
San Rafael is in MCE’s service area, with PG&E delivering the power. MCE lists a rebate of up to $400 per 500 square feet for installing a heat pump heating and cooling system, for customers who own and have lived in their single-family detached home for at least 12 months. The system must be installed by an MCE participating contractor, who processes the application.
Carrier Cool Cash
Carrier Cool Cash offers up to $2,100 on qualifying Carrier heating or cooling products purchased August 1, 2026 through November 20, 2026. Equipment must be installed and the claim submitted by December 20, 2026.
Federal & State Programs
The federal Section 25C credit for qualifying heat pumps covered equipment placed in service through December 31, 2025. TECH Clean California’s single-family heat pump HVAC incentives were reserved statewide as of November 14, 2025, and HEEHRA single-family rebates were fully reserved statewide as of February 24, 2026.
All incentive claims should be verified at the time of your installation. Aarvaks does not guarantee rebate availability or tax credit eligibility for any specific installation. Current programs for every county are on our rebates page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to replace my furnace or air conditioner in San Rafael?
Yes. California’s Mechanical Code, which San Rafael enforces, requires a permit to install, alter, repair, or replace a regulated mechanical system, with exemptions such as portable heating and cooling units. Aarvaks handles permit coordination for San Rafael as part of the installation scope.
What does the Bay Area furnace rule mean for my San Rafael home?
The Bay Area Air District’s Rule 9-4 sets a zero-NOx standard for furnaces with a 2029 compliance date. The District says it applies only when current equipment burns out, so a working furnace does not have to be replaced. A heat pump burns no fuel and meets the standard.
What does California’s energy code require when I replace HVAC equipment in San Rafael?
San Rafael is in Building Climate Zone 2. Under the 2025 Energy Code, installing new heating or cooling components on a ducted system requires a duct leakage test, with a limit of 10% total leakage or 7% to the outside, or every accessible leak sealed. New duct sections need R-8 insulation. In Climate Zone 2, refrigerant charge must also be verified when refrigerant components are installed or altered, with airflow of at least 300 cubic feet per minute per ton. Ducts registered as previously sealed, or built with asbestos materials, are exempt from the leakage test.
How much does heat pump installation cost in San Rafael?
Ducted heat pump installation, replacing a gas furnace and central AC with one heat pump on the existing ducts, starts at $17,000 for a single-zone system. Ductless mini-split installation starts at $6,500 for a single zone. Final cost depends on zone count, equipment selection, duct condition, and electrical scope, and we provide a written itemized quote before any work begins. Book online or call 510-848-5010.
Are there heat pump rebates for San Rafael homeowners in 2026?
MCE, which serves San Rafael, lists a heat pump heating and cooling rebate of up to $400 per 500 square feet for customers who own and have lived in their single-family detached home for at least 12 months, installed by an MCE participating contractor. Carrier Cool Cash offers up to $2,100 on qualifying Carrier products purchased through November 20, 2026. The federal Section 25C tax credit covered equipment placed in service through December 31, 2025, so it does not apply to 2026 installations. TECH Clean California’s single-family heat pump HVAC incentives were reserved statewide as of November 14, 2025, and HEEHRA single-family rebates were fully reserved statewide as of February 24, 2026. We identify what applies during the estimate.
Are your prices the same in San Rafael?
Yes. Our posted starting prices are the same in San Rafael as in every city we serve, and each job gets a written, itemized quote before work begins.
Does San Rafael’s FlexPath code apply to my project?
It applies to additions, alterations, and remodels of single-family homes first permitted before 2011 that affect more than 500 square feet of floor area. Those projects choose measures from the city’s menu to reach a target score of 12, 8, or 4 points depending on the home’s age, and replacing all primary heating with an electric-only heat pump earns 23, 18, or 15 points. Projects outside that definition are not covered by the chapter.
Schedule HVAC Service in San Rafael
Get an in-home assessment and a written, itemized quote.