Heat Pump Service in Menlo Park
Heat Pump Installation and Repair in Menlo Park, CA
Heat pump installation, replacement and repair, ducted or ductless, for Menlo Park homeowners from our shop in San Jose. This page covers the local side: the City rule that turns most AC condenser replacements into heat pumps, the permit package, where the outdoor unit may sit, Title 24 checks and WestLight Energy's heat pump rebate.
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Heat Pump Services for Menlo Park Homes
- Heat pump installation and repairDucted systems, sizing, service
- Ductless mini-splitsSingle and multi-zone
- Heat pump water heatersEfficient electric hot water
- Duct repair and replacementLeaky or undersized ducts
- HVAC rebatesPrograms for heat pumps and more
- Federal tax creditWhat qualifies and how to claim
Heat Pumps in Menlo Park: What's Different
Menlo Park amended the state green building code so that replacing an air conditioner usually means installing a heat pump, and its electricity comes from WestLight Energy, not a Santa Clara County provider.
A new AC condenser becomes a heat pump
Under the City's 2025 CALGreen amendment, replacing or upgrading an existing AC condensing unit means installing a heat pump instead, unless the hardship cost test or the duct and charge path applies.
Furnace swap, gas or heat pump
The City lets a furnace be replaced with a gas furnace or a heat pump. A heat pump needs a lot plan with the panel, receptacle and circuit amperage, and Title 24 form CEC-CF1R-ALT-02-E.
Units can sit 3 feet from the side line
Zoning lets equipment enclosures and unenclosed units reach 4 feet into a required side or rear setback, staying at least 3 feet from the lot line. Units up to 4 feet tall may sit in front if screened.
50 dBA at night
The City's noise rules cap sound at 60 dBA from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 50 dBA from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., measured on the neighbor's property nearest the source. A heat pump runs on winter nights.
WestLight rebate, no dual-fuel
WestLight Energy, formerly Peninsula Clean Energy, rebates heat pumps that replace a gas, propane, oil or wood-stove heater, per outdoor unit. Systems that keep a gas furnace as backup don't qualify.
Charge and duct checks
Under the 2025 Energy Code, a heat pump's refrigerant charge is verified in every climate zone, and replacing either half of a split system triggers duct sealing and ECC-Rater testing.
A Homeowner’s Guide to Heat Pump Installation and Repair in Menlo Park
In Menlo Park, replacing an air conditioner’s outdoor unit usually means installing a heat pump, under the City’s own amendment to the state green building code. A furnace may still be replaced with gas or a heat pump; either way the job takes an online City permit, and a heat pump adds a lot plan showing the panel and circuit. WestLight Energy, not a Santa Clara County provider, runs the local rebate.
The City’s AC-to-heat-pump rule
Menlo Park added section 4.507.3 to the 2025 CALGreen code (Municipal Code § 12.18.110). When a project replaces or upgrades an existing air conditioning condensing unit, a heat pump goes in instead. Two exceptions:
- Cost: the heat pump isn’t required if the cost difference between the AC and heat pump condenser exceeds 20% of the construction cost, shown on the City’s AC to HP Unreasonable Hardship Form filed with the permit.
- Verified AC system: an AC condenser may be used if, on existing ducts, the system meets the Energy Code’s airflow and refrigerant charge checks; on new or fully replaced ducts, they are insulated to R-8 in unconditioned space and leak no more than 5% of airflow, verified by an ECC-Rater; and the thermostat meets Energy Code section 110.12.
What the permit package needs (October 2026)
| Job | Plans | Documents |
|---|---|---|
| Heat pump replacing a furnace | Lot plan; floor plan if the air handler moves; structural plan if it goes to the attic | Application, product specs, CEC-CF1R-ALT-02-E, structural calculations for an attic move |
| Heat pump replacing an AC condenser | Lot plan | Application, product specs, CEC-CF1R-ALT-02-E |
| Gas furnace, same location | None | Application, product specs, Title 24 form |
The lot plan shows existing and new equipment, distances to property lines, the panel, and the receptacle and circuit amperage. Everything is filed through Accela Citizen Access; inspections are booked online or at 650-330-6767.
Where the outdoor unit can sit
Section 16.60.010 of the zoning code lets equipment enclosures, and unenclosed equipment, extend up to 4 feet into a required side or rear setback, as long as they stay at least 3 feet from the lot line. Heat pump compressors and AC units no taller than 4 feet may sit between the house and the street, front setback included, when screened with landscaping or fencing to their height.
Noise matters too. The City lists limits of 60 dBA from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 50 dBA from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., measured at the point on the receiving property nearest the loudest sound. A heat pump runs on cold nights, so the night limit usually decides placement. See common HVAC noises.
Title 24 checks on a changeout
The California Energy Commission’s 2025 guidance for single-family alterations sets these checks:
- Refrigerant charge is verified for heat pumps in every climate zone.
- Ducts are sealed and tested when either the indoor or outdoor unit is replaced: 10% total leakage or 7% to outside, or a smoke test confirming accessible ducts are sealed.
- Refrigerant recovery from the old system is done by an EPA 608 Type II or Universal technician.
See duct repair if testing finds leaks.
WestLight rebates, panels and remodels
WestLight Energy pays a rebate per outdoor or packaged unit, up to two per account, when a heat pump replaces gas, propane, oil or a wood stove; ducted and ductless both qualify, and dual-fuel systems don’t. No pre-approval is needed: install, then apply within 90 days with the City permit. A panel upgrade within 6 months earns a bonus. See WestLight Energy rebates.
If the main panel is replaced, the City’s pre-wiring amendment makes it reserve room for future electric loads. And on remodels of pre-2011 homes above the City’s valuation threshold, swapping a gas furnace for a heat pump is one of the energy measures an owner can choose. The Air District’s Rule 9-4 applies to furnaces manufactured after January 1, 2029.
Sources
City of Menlo Park: Furnace/air conditioner replacement submittal requirements · CALGreen: replacing A/C condenser with heat pump · CALGreen pre-wiring for future electrification · Single-family building energy efficiency requirements · Noise ordinance · Municipal Code § 16.60.010. California Energy Commission: 2025 Single-Family HVAC. WestLight Energy: Appliance rebates · Heating and cooling upgrades. Bay Area Air District: Building Appliances Rule Implementation. Checked October 2026.
Certified technicians. Danny (Plumbing Superintendent), Luis (Plumbing Superintendent), Antonio (Senior Plumbing Technician), Dustin (Senior Plumbing Technician) and Joel (Senior Plumbing Technician) are Rheem heat pump certified.Meet the team
Heat Pump Prices in Menlo Park
Most repairs are quoted as a fixed price before we start, so you approve the cost before any work begins. These are typical prices for common jobs in our service area.
| Service | Typical price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Ducted heat pump system | $8,000–$25,000 |
| Heat pump with new air handler | $12,000–$22,700 |
| Dual-fuel system (heat pump + furnace) | $10,000–$20,000 |
| Ductless mini-split, single zone | $3,000–$8,000 |
| Ductless mini-split, multi-zone | $9,000–$15,000 |
| Inspection feeWaived for service plan members | $59 |
Prices are installed, before any current special, and depend on access, materials and what we find.
In Menlo Park a heat pump that replaces a furnace needs a lot plan, Title 24 paperwork and ECC-Rater duct testing, so leaky ducts get sealed before the final. An air handler moved into the attic adds a structural plan and calculations. If the panel can't carry the load, panel work is done by a licensed electrician, and a new main panel must also reserve space for future electric loads.
Get a free estimate →Our new heat pump system has just been installed and we are very pleased with CPI and the new equipment. We are especially grateful for the knowledgeable and hard-working technician Bunhak, who worked throughout our recent heatwave to finish the job. We would highly recommend CPI for any HVAC installation or maintenance.
Linda G.Google review
CPI Service is a great company to use for HVAC too! Our A/C stopped working during the recent heatwave & another company wanted to replace our whole unit. Then we called CPI & they found it didn’t need to be replaced, they fixed it that day! I really appreciate a company that responds quickly, is very professional & reasonably priced!!! I’ll be using them for sure in the future.
Jaycee V.Google review
CPI and Alex were extremely helpful when our local church’s water heater kept malfunctioning and needed replacing. From the initial diagnosis, explanation and recommendation of replacement, we always felt that our needs were being tailored to. Not only were they extremely kind, knowledgeable and professional, but they also were diligent and efficient during their time.
We’re truly grateful for their excellent work and would highly recommend CPI to anyone in need of plumbing or heating services, especially for those in larger community buildings like churches like ours.
Stephen S.Google review
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Heat Pump Service in Menlo Park FAQs
Do I need a permit to install a heat pump in Menlo Park?
Yes. The City takes building permit applications online only, through its Accela Citizen Access portal. A heat pump replacing a furnace needs a lot plan showing the existing and new equipment, its distance to property lines, the electric panel, and the receptacle and circuit amperage; a floor plan if the air handler moves; and a structural plan if it goes into the attic. Add the application, product specifications and Title 24 form CEC-CF1R-ALT-02-E. Questions go to 650-330-6704. See heat pump installation.
My air conditioner died. Do I have to replace it with a heat pump?
Usually. Menlo Park's amendment to the 2025 CALGreen code (section 4.507.3, Municipal Code 12.18.110) requires a heat pump in place of an AC condensing unit when an existing one is replaced or upgraded. There are two ways out: the City's Unreasonable Hardship Form showing that the cost difference between the AC and heat pump condensers exceeds 20% of the construction cost, or an AC system that meets airflow and refrigerant charge checks, duct leakage of 5% or less on new or replaced ducts, and an Energy Code thermostat.
Can I keep my gas furnace?
The City allows a furnace to be replaced with either a gas furnace or a heat pump. If you pair a new heat pump with your existing furnace as backup, WestLight Energy won't rebate it, because dual-fuel systems don't qualify. The Air District's Rule 9-4 sets a zero-NOx standard for furnaces manufactured after January 1, 2029, which today means electric. See Bay Area zero-NOx rules.
Where can the outdoor unit go?
Under section 16.60.010 of the zoning code, an equipment enclosure or an unenclosed unit may extend up to 4 feet into a required side or rear setback but must stay at least 3 feet from the lot line. Units no taller than 4 feet, heat pump compressors included, may sit between the house and the street, even in the front setback, if screened with landscaping or fencing to their height. The unit still has to meet the noise limits at the neighbor's property.
Will a heat pump need a bigger electrical panel?
Sometimes. The City notes heat pumps need more electrical power than a gas furnace, which is why the lot plan shows the panel and circuit. If the panel has to be replaced, the work goes to a licensed electrician, and the City's pre-wiring amendment makes the new panel reserve capacity and breaker space for future loads, including a 240-volt heat pump water heater circuit. WestLight adds a bonus for a panel upgrade done within 6 months of the heat pump.
Do ductless mini-splits qualify for WestLight's rebate?
Yes. WestLight's heat pump rebate covers ducted and ductless systems, one rebate per outdoor or packaged unit, up to two per account, when the heat pump replaces gas, propane, oil or a wood stove. A heat pump that only replaces electric baseboard heat or a fireplace doesn't qualify. Install first, then apply within 90 days with the City permit. See WestLight Energy rebates and ductless mini-splits.
How much does heat pump installation and repair cost in Menlo Park?
Most jobs are quoted as a fixed price before we start, so you know the cost up front. Typical prices: ducted heat pump system $8,000–$25,000; heat pump with new air handler $12,000–$22,700; dual-fuel system (heat pump + furnace) $10,000–$20,000; ductless mini-split, single zone $3,000–$8,000; ductless mini-split, multi-zone $9,000–$15,000. The inspection fee is $59, waived for service plan members.
Need a heat pump in Menlo Park? Call us.
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