Recent Projects · San Jose, CA
San Jose HVAC & Water Heater Replacement: Before and After
In May 2026, Upgrade Home Services replaced the HVAC system and water heater in a San Jose, CA home. A home inspection found mold concerns around an old wood-framed pedestal, so we removed it and rebuilt the setup with non-wood materials, including a custom sheet metal plenum box, for a cleaner, longer-lasting installation.
What did the homeowner need?
During a home inspection, the homeowner discovered mold concerns around an old wood-framed pedestal under the HVAC equipment and water heater. They asked for a quick replacement using durable, non-wood materials for a cleaner, safer and longer-lasting setup.
What did we remove and install?
HVAC replacement
- Recovered the refrigerant from the system so none was released.
- Disconnected and reconnected the line set, the copper pipes that carry refrigerant between the indoor and outdoor units.
- Ran nitrogen and vacuum tests to check the system for leaks and moisture.
- Built a custom sheet metal plenum box and enclosure. The plenum is the box that connects the unit to the ducts.
- Adjusted the supply plenum to fit the new setup.
- Removed and disposed of the old HVAC base box and wood framing.
Water heater replacement
- Removed the old water heater.
- Reconnected the water lines.
- Installed proper strapping to hold the water heater in place, with the extra materials needed for a safe, professional installation.
What was the result?
The finished result turned the area into a cleaner, more reliable HVAC and water heater setup, designed for better airflow, improved safety and long-term performance.
Upgrade Home Services is a family-owned HVAC contractor in Milpitas, serving Santa Clara and San Mateo counties since 2002. Licensed, CSLB #1066776. Free estimates: (408) 649-3198.
Questions about this project
Can you replace a wood base under my HVAC unit?
Yes. In this San Jose home we removed the old wood-framed base box and built a custom sheet metal plenum box and enclosure in its place.
Can you replace my HVAC system and water heater at the same time?
Yes. On this job we handled both together: the HVAC replacement, and a new water heater with reconnected water lines and proper strapping.
We aren't comfortable
until you are.
Service, repair or replacement. Tell us what's going on and we'll take it from there. Free estimates on new and replacement systems.
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