Failing Furnace
Failing Furnace | HVAC Unit Replacement | Heating and Air Conditioning | Monterey
When Monterey’s sea mist turns chilly or a surprise heat wave rolls in, a failing furnace or sputtering A/C can make home feel anything but comfortable. HEP’s certified technicians diagnose issues fast and swap outdated equipment with high-efficiency systems that cut energy bills and keep your indoor climate steady year-round. From precise load calculations to spotless cleanup, every step is handled with the care you’d expect from a local team that’s been serving the peninsula for decades.
If constant repairs are draining your wallet, it’s time to consider an HVAC unit replacement. We’ll walk you through rebate options, upfront pricing, and flexible scheduling, then back the install with robust warranties and 24/7 support. Call, click, or drop by our Monterey office today and breathe easy tomorrow.
FAQs
How can I tell whether my furnace or HVAC system really needs to be replaced instead of repaired?
In Monterey’s mild but damp marine climate, a well-maintained furnace or air conditioner should last 12–20 years. Replacement becomes the smarter choice when you notice two or more of these warning signs: • The unit is 15+ years old and uses obsolete R-22 refrigerant or has an 80 % AFUE furnace. • Monthly PG&E bills keep creeping up even after filter changes and tune-ups. • Hot or cold spots develop in rooms that were once comfortable, indicating declining airflow or a failing heat exchanger. • Repairs are becoming more frequent (two or more breakdowns in a season) or a single repair is quoted at over one-third of the cost of a new system. • Visible corrosion, cracks in the heat exchanger, or refrigerant leaks have been confirmed by a technician. Our NATE-certified team can perform a full diagnostic and give you a written “repair-vs-replace” cost comparison so you can decide with confidence.
What does a complete furnace and air-conditioning replacement typically cost in the Monterey area?
Pricing varies with efficiency ratings, equipment size, and any duct or electrical upgrades, but most homeowners invest $8,500–$15,000 for a matched furnace/AC or heat-pump system in Monterey County. • 80 % AFUE furnace + 14.3 SEER2 AC: $8,500–$10,000 • 96 % AFUE furnace + 16–18 SEER2 AC: $10,000–$13,000 • High-efficiency variable-speed heat pump (all-electric): $11,000–$15,000 The quote we provide is turnkey—equipment, labor, permits, haul-away, start-up, and the first year’s maintenance visit are all included. We also offer 0 % APR financing up to 12 months or low-payment plans up to 120 months.
How long will I be without heating or cooling during the replacement process?
Most standard change-outs in Monterey take one full working day (about 6–8 hours). If new ductwork, electrical upgrades, or attic platform repairs are needed, the job can extend to two days. We schedule replacements early in the morning, bring all materials pre-staged, and test the new system before we leave. For winter swaps, we can provide space heaters at no charge; for summer work, we carry portable room coolers so you’re never uncomfortable.
Are there rebates, tax credits, or other incentives for installing a high-efficiency HVAC unit in Monterey County?
Yes. Right now residents can combine: • Central Coast Community Energy electrification rebates —up to $3,000 for a qualifying heat pump or $1,000 for a high-efficiency gas furnace. • PG&E Energy-Efficiency Rebate—typically $200–$800 depending on SEER2/AFUE ratings. • Federal tax credit (Inflation Reduction Act, 25C)—30 % of project cost, up to $2,000 for heat pumps or $600 for high-efficiency AC/furnace components. • HERO/California GoGreen financing programs—fixed low-interest loans that require no equity. Our office handles the paperwork and supplies you with the model numbers, invoices, and forms needed to claim every available dollar.
Do I need a permit to replace my furnace or air conditioner, and who arranges the inspection?
Yes. The California Mechanical Code requires a building permit for any HVAC equipment replacement. Each city in Monterey County—Monterey, Pacific Grove, Seaside, Carmel, etc.—has its own permit desk and inspection schedule. We pull the permit on your behalf, post it on day one, and coordinate the final inspection. You’ll receive a signed permit card and a copy for your records, ensuring your installation meets code and keeps your home insurance valid.
What type and size of HVAC unit works best in Monterey’s coastal climate?
Because our temperatures are moderate (rarely below 40 °F or above 75 °F) but humidity and salt air are high, we recommend: • A variable-speed or two-stage 95 – 98 % AFUE gas furnace or, better yet, a cold-climate heat pump rated down to 5 °F. • A corrosion-resistant outdoor unit with epoxy-coated coils to withstand salty fog. • SEER2 ratings of 16–18 (going higher yields minimal savings in our mild summers). Proper sizing is critical; we perform a Manual J load calculation that considers insulation, window area, and coastal breezes. Oversizing can cause short cycling and excess moisture, while undersizing strains the system on rare hot or cold days. We provide a detailed load report and at least two right-sized equipment options for you to choose from.