HVAC in San Carlos, California
New furnace in San Carlos? Get the permit.
San Carlos requires a permit to replace a furnace, and its own words say the mechanical contractor usually obtains it. Below is what the city says, who to call, and the heat pump rebate terms.
Do I need a permit to replace a furnace in San Carlos?
Yes. The City of San Carlos says most furnaces are replaced by mechanical contractors, and that they obtain the permit for the homeowner.
Whoever you hire, ask before the work starts who is filing the permit and when. A swap with no permit on file can cause trouble when you sell.
Source: City of San Carlos Building Permits, checked 2026-10-17
What other work needs a building permit in San Carlos?
In general, the city counts mechanical and structural work, plumbing work and electrical work, appliances and furnaces included, as needing a building permit.
For a specific project, call the Building Division at (650) 802-4261.
Is there a rebate for a heat pump in San Carlos?
Yes, from Peninsula Clean Energy, which serves all of San Mateo County, San Carlos included. Its current terms pay $1,500 per heat pump condensing unit, or packaged unit, that replaces a gas heater or furnace, with a limit per electric account.
The rebate covers any fully electric system, ducted or ductless. A hybrid dual-fuel system, a heat pump with gas backup heat, does not qualify.
Source: Peninsula Clean Energy, Home Upgrade Rebates Terms and Conditions (updated May 18, 2026), checked 2026-10-17
Planning a replacement in San Carlos?
Call and tell us what you have now and what you're thinking of, or book a visit online.
Tell us what it's doing. We'll take it from there.
Call and describe the problem: the noise, the smell, the room that never warms up. Or book a visit online.
