San Leandro Rental Property Furnace Replacement: Keeping Tenants Warm Fast
Not every HVAC project requires a complete system overhaul. Sometimes landlords and property managers need a straightforward, reliable furnace replacement that minimizes downtime for tenants while staying within budget.
This week, we completed exactly that type of project in San Leandro—a simple furnace swap that got heat restored to a rental property in just one day.
The Situation: Aging Payne Furnace in a San Leandro Rental
The Landlord’s Call
Robert, a longtime landlord in San Leandro, reached out to us on a Monday morning. His tenants had reported that the furnace in their single-family rental home was acting up—making strange noises, taking forever to heat the house, and occasionally failing to ignite.
The existing system:
- Furnace: Payne (approximately 22 years old)
- Capacity: Unknown, original to the 1995 installation
- Condition: Cracked heat exchanger suspected
- Ductwork: Original metal ductwork in good condition
- Thermostat: Basic programmable, working fine
After our technician inspected the system, we confirmed the heat exchanger had developed cracks—a common failure point in furnaces over 20 years old, and a potential carbon monoxide hazard. The furnace needed to be replaced immediately.
Landlord’s Requirements
Robert was clear about what he needed:
- Reliable replacement – He wanted a furnace that would last another 15-20 years without constant repairs
- Budget-conscious – As a rental property, premium features weren’t necessary
- Fast installation – His tenants were cold and winter was in full swing
- Minimal disruption – Tenants work from home, needed quiet during business hours
- Reuse existing ductwork – The metal ducts were in excellent shape
This wasn’t a case for a premium dual fuel system or high-efficiency upgrade. Robert needed a dependable, properly sized furnace installed quickly and professionally.
Our Recommendation: Carrier Comfort 80% AFUE Furnace
After measuring the home (1,400 square feet, single-story) and inspecting the existing ductwork, we recommended a straightforward replacement with a Carrier Comfort series furnace.
The Equipment: Carrier 58SB1B070M17
Specifications:
- Input capacity: 60,000 BTU (properly sized for the home)
- Efficiency: 80% AFUE
- Burner: Single-stage for reliable, proven operation
- Blower motor: Multi-speed PSC motor
- Venting: Atmospheric (B-vent compatible)
- Cabinet: Compact 17.5” width
- Warranty: 10-year parts, lifetime heat exchanger
Why 80% AFUE for This Application
For rental properties in San Leandro, an 80% AFUE furnace often makes the most sense:
1. Existing venting compatibility
The home had a standard B-vent (metal flue) running through the roof. An 80% AFUE furnace uses this same venting type, avoiding the cost of running new PVC exhaust pipes for a high-efficiency model.
Benefit: No additional venting modifications needed
2. Lower upfront cost
High-efficiency furnaces (90%+ AFUE) cost significantly more upfront. For a rental property where the landlord pays installation but tenants pay utilities, the payback calculation favors lower upfront cost.
3. Proven reliability
80% AFUE furnaces have fewer components than condensing models—no condensate drain, no secondary heat exchanger, no acid-neutralizing drain traps. Fewer parts mean fewer potential failure points.
4. Familiar service
Any HVAC technician can service an 80% furnace. If the tenants ever need emergency repair, any local company can help.
Carrier Quality at Budget Price
Even at the 80% efficiency tier, Carrier furnaces include:
- Aluminized steel heat exchanger with lifetime warranty
- Silicon nitride igniter for reliable starts (no standing pilot)
- Multi-speed blower for better air distribution
- Quiet operation compared to builder-grade brands
- 10-year parts warranty when registered
This isn’t a “builder grade” furnace—it’s Carrier quality at an accessible price point.
The Installation: One Day, Minimal Disruption
Timeline
8:00 AM - Arrival and Setup
- Arrived at property, introduced ourselves to tenants
- Laid protective covering on floors
- Shut off gas and electrical to old furnace
- Explained the day’s timeline to tenants
9:00 AM - Old Furnace Removal
- Disconnected and removed old Payne furnace
- Inspected the cracked heat exchanger (confirmed our diagnosis)
- Cleaned the furnace closet area
- Checked existing ductwork connections—all in excellent condition
- Verified gas line size adequate for new unit
10:30 AM - New Furnace Installation
- Positioned Carrier 58SB1B070M17 in closet
- Connected to existing supply and return plenums
- Minor transition pieces to match new unit footprint
- Connected gas line with new flexible connector and sediment trap
- Wired to existing electrical (new whip and disconnect)
1:00 PM - Venting and Connections
- Connected to existing B-vent flue
- Sealed all connections with high-temperature tape
- Installed new condensate overflow switch (safety requirement)
- Connected existing thermostat wiring
2:30 PM - Testing and Commissioning
- Tested gas pressure at manifold (3.5” W.C.)
- Verified proper ignition sequence
- Measured temperature rise: 52°F (within 45-75°F spec)
- Checked all safety controls:
- Limit switch ✓
- Rollout switch ✓
- Pressure switch ✓
- Flame sensor ✓
- Tested blower operation on all speeds
- Verified thermostat communication
3:30 PM - Cleanup and Walkthrough
- Cleaned work area completely
- Walked tenants through basic operation
- Left filter replacement instructions
- Installed new carbon monoxide detector near furnace
- Registered warranty online for landlord
4:00 PM - Project Complete
Total installation time: One business day, with heat fully operational before dinner.
What’s Included in a San Leandro Furnace Replacement
For landlords and property managers considering similar projects, here’s what a typical furnace replacement includes:
This Project Included
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Carrier 58SB1B070M17 furnace | New equipment with warranty |
| Standard installation labor | Professional installation |
| Permit and inspection | All permits handled |
| New gas connector and sediment trap | Code-compliant connections |
| Thermostat | Existing reused |
| Ductwork | Existing reused |
Furnace Efficiency Options
Budget option (80% AFUE)
- Best for: Rentals, older homes with B-vent, budget-conscious homeowners
- Brands: Carrier Comfort, Payne, Bryant Legacy
Mid-range option (90-95% AFUE)
- Best for: Owner-occupied homes, those wanting efficiency improvement
- Requires: PVC venting modifications
- Brands: Carrier Performance, Bryant Preferred
Premium option (96-98% AFUE)
- Best for: Homes where efficiency is priority, high heating usage
- Features: Two-stage or modulating, variable-speed blower
- Brands: Carrier Infinity, Bryant Evolution
Contact us for a free estimate on your specific situation.
Why This Was the Right Choice for a San Leandro Rental
For the Landlord
Reasonable investment: Robert got a quality Carrier furnace that will last 15-20 years with minimal maintenance—a smart long-term investment for reliable heating.
Minimal vacancy risk: With same-day installation, his tenants never missed a night of heat. No emergency hotel stays, no unhappy renters.
Reduced liability: The old Payne furnace with a cracked heat exchanger was a carbon monoxide risk. The new Carrier unit eliminates that liability concern.
Easy maintenance: One filter change every 3 months is the only regular maintenance needed. Robert can even have his tenants handle filter changes with the right size filters left on site.
For the Tenants
Immediate comfort: Heat was restored the same day. No freezing nights waiting for parts or scheduling.
Quieter operation: Modern Carrier furnaces run significantly quieter than 22-year-old units. The tenants immediately noticed the difference.
Reliable heating: Silicon nitride igniters in modern furnaces are far more reliable than the old hot surface igniters or standing pilots. No more “furnace won’t start” calls at 2 AM.
Safety: New furnace, new carbon monoxide detector, peace of mind.
Furnace Replacement Tips for San Leandro Landlords
Based on our experience with rental properties throughout San Leandro, Hayward, and Castro Valley:
When to Replace vs. Repair
Replace if:
- Furnace is 18+ years old
- Heat exchanger is cracked or corroded
- Repair costs are approaching replacement cost
- Furnace has needed 3+ repairs in past 2 years
- Tenants are complaining about inconsistent heat
Repair if:
- Furnace is under 12 years old
- Issue is simple (igniter, flame sensor, blower motor)
- Repair is minor and cost-effective
- Heat exchanger is sound
Choosing the Right Efficiency Level
80% AFUE makes sense when:
- Property has existing B-vent (atmospheric venting)
- Landlord pays for equipment, tenants pay utilities
- Budget is primary concern
- Home is smaller (under 1,800 sq ft)
90%+ AFUE makes sense when:
- Landlord pays all utilities (incentive to reduce bills)
- Existing venting needs replacement anyway
- Home is larger or poorly insulated
- Long-term ownership planned
Working with Tenants
- Communicate timeline clearly – Let tenants know exactly when work will happen
- Respect their schedule – Avoid early morning starts if possible
- Protect their space – Use drop cloths, wear shoe covers
- Clean up completely – Leave the area cleaner than you found it
- Provide documentation – Leave operating instructions and emergency contact info
San Leandro HVAC Service Area
We serve landlords, property managers, and homeowners throughout San Leandro and surrounding communities:
- San Leandro – All neighborhoods including Estudillo Estates, Bay-O-Vista, Washington Manor
- Castro Valley – Including unincorporated Alameda County areas
- Hayward – All areas from downtown to the hills
- San Lorenzo – Quick access from our service area
- Ashland/Cherryland – Unincorporated Alameda County
Why San Leandro Landlords Choose Bay Area Climate Control
Fast response: We understand rental properties can’t wait. Emergency situations get priority scheduling.
Fair pricing: We provide honest quotes with no hidden fees. What we quote is what you pay.
Tenant-friendly service: Our technicians are professional, courteous, and respectful of tenants’ homes and schedules.
Permit handling: We pull all required permits and schedule inspections. You don’t have to deal with the city.
Warranty support: If anything goes wrong during the warranty period, we handle it directly with Carrier.
Ready for a San Leandro Furnace Replacement?
Whether you’re a landlord with a rental property or a homeowner in San Leandro, we provide:
- Free estimates for furnace replacement
- Multiple options at different price points
- Fast scheduling often within 48 hours
- Same-day installation for most replacements
- Financing available for homeowners
📞 Call us today: (510) 391-5597
Serving San Leandro, Hayward, Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, Oakland, and all Alameda County communities.
Related Resources
- San Leandro HVAC Services - All our services in San Leandro
- Furnace Installation San Leandro - Furnace options
- Furnace Repair San Leandro - Repair services
- Best Gas Furnace Brands 2025 - Brand comparison
- Furnace Lifespan Bay Area - When to replace
- Carbon Monoxide and Furnace Safety - Safety guide
- HVAC Installation Cost Estimator - Get an estimate
- Financing Options - Payment plans available