HVAC in San Jose, California
How close to the fence can a heat pump go in San Jose?
Between 3 feet and 5 feet from the property line, with a 3-foot clear path to the fence, and quiet enough at the line. San Jose's permits, and the San José Clean Energy rebate that has to come first.
On file for San Jose
Where it sits, what it takes, what it earns
On file, last checked 2026-10-22
Read next
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Placement
Where can the outdoor unit sit in San Jose?
The outdoor heat pump compressor unit is allowed between 3 feet and 5 feet from the property line, and a 3-foot clear path between the equipment and fences must be kept.
A sound pressure level of 55 dBA must be maintained at the property line, and a unit under 5 feet from the line has to meet the city's limits by its product specification.
Source: City of San Jose, Air Conditioning, Heating and Fireplaces. Rules and programs change: last checked 2026-10-17.
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Permit
How many permits does a furnace take in San Jose?
Installing or replacing a furnace generally requires three permits, mechanical, electrical and building, and they can all be obtained through one application at SJPermits.org.
A heat pump is simpler: the online heat pump permit covers both the mechanical and the electrical permit.
Source: City of San Jose, Air Conditioning, Heating and Fireplaces. Rules and programs change: last checked 2026-10-17.
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Rebate
When do I apply for the San José Clean Energy rebate?
Before installation begins. Rebate applications must be approved first, and once approved the funds are reserved for 120 days. The application needs a photo of your existing equipment, so take it before anything comes out.
The rebate is $1,500 for a heat pump system replacing gas, or $2,500 in an Environmental Justice Community, and proof of final permitting is required for all installations.
The system needs a cooling efficiency of 17 or greater (SEER), or a SEER2 of 16 or greater. Dual fuel systems are not eligible.
Source: San Jose Clean Energy, EcoHome Rebate. Rules and programs change: last checked 2026-10-22.
Source: San Jose Clean Energy, EcoHome Equipment Specifications (updated 7/1/2026). Rules and programs change: last checked 2026-10-22.
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Inspection
What does the San Jose inspector need on the day?
The permit card, on site and available to the inspector. Have the plans, the HERS report and any manufacturer instructions ready, make sure every area of the work can be reached, and provide a ladder if one is needed.
Source: City of San Jose, Air Conditioning, Heating and Fireplaces. Rules and programs change: last checked 2026-10-17.
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Panel
Will a heat pump mean a bigger electrical panel?
Not always. San José Clean Energy notes that circuit pauser and splitter devices can help avoid electrical panel upgrades. Where a panel is upgraded, its panel rebate requires it to be upgraded to at least 200 Amps.
Source: San Jose Clean Energy, EcoHome Equipment Specifications (updated 7/1/2026). Rules and programs change: last checked 2026-10-22.
Where we work
The Peninsula line
Our shop is in San Mateo. Every stop below is a city we work in, from San Francisco's neighborhoods down to Gilroy, over to the coast and across to the East Bay. The stops in white have their own page.
- Our shop, San Mateo
- A city with its own page
- We work there too
Along the Bay and El Camino
- San Francisco
- Daly City
- Colma
- Brisbane
- South San Francisco
- San Bruno
- Millbrae
- Burlingame
- Hillsborough
- San Mateo
- Foster City
- Belmont
- San Carlos
- Redwood City
- Atherton
- Menlo Park
- East Palo Alto
- Palo Alto
- Mountain View
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- San Jose (this page)
- Morgan Hill
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- Gilroy
The hills
- Emerald Hills
- Woodside
- Portola Valley
- Stanford
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- Los Altos
- Cupertino
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- Saratoga
- Monte Sereno
- Los Gatos
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The coast
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.
