HVAC Installation, Repair & Replacement

Sized correctly. Permitted. Marine-grade where it matters.

South Bay HVAC has two non-negotiables most contractors skip: a real Manual J heat-load calculation that sizes the system to your specific home, and corrosion-resistant equipment for properties within the salt-air zone. Paragon does both. We install central AC, heat pumps, mini-split systems, and gas furnaces, replace failing ductwork to Title 24 leakage standards, and pull permits on every install — including the HERS verification that California requires for system replacements.

Why South Bay HVAC Is Different

Our HVAC Installation Process

1. 01On-site assessment and Manual J load calculation — we measure the home, count windows, evaluate insulation and infiltration, and calculate the actual heating and cooling load.
2. 02Equipment specification and proposal — you receive a written equipment list with model numbers, SEER2/HSPF2 ratings, warranty terms, and a fixed price. Marine-rated equipment is called out where applicable.
3. 03Permit submission — every install over a defined scope requires a permit in South Bay cities. We pull it.
4. 04Old-system removal and refrigerant recovery — performed to EPA standards by 608-certified technicians.
5. 05Equipment installation — condenser pad set, line set run, air handler/furnace installed, condensate management installed, and electrical disconnect verified.
6. 06Ductwork inspection and sealing — we pressure-test the duct system, seal leaks with mastic (not tape), and replace failed sections to bring the system to Title 24 leakage spec.
7. 07Startup, commissioning, and homeowner walkthrough — we measure delta-T across the coil, verify static pressure, balance the system, and document the install.
8. 08HERS rater coordination — when required, we schedule the third-party HERS test and deliver the certificate.

HVAC Capabilities

• Central AC installation and replacement (single-stage, two-stage, variable-speed)
• Heat pump systems (electric heat conversion, all-electric homes)
• Gas furnace installation and replacement
• Ductless mini-split systems (single-zone and multi-zone)
• Ductwork replacement and sealing to Title 24
• Zoning systems and motorized dampers
• Smart thermostat installation (ecobee, Nest, Honeywell)
• Whole-house dehumidification and indoor air quality systems
• HVAC diagnostic repair and refrigerant service
• Manual J load calculation and equipment sizing
• City permit management and HERS verification coordination
• Marine-grade coil specification for coastal homes

HVAC — Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need a Manual J load calc, or is square footage enough?

Square footage rules-of-thumb (e.g., 1 ton per 500 sq ft) consistently oversize South Bay HVAC systems by 25–40%. Oversized systems cool fast but never run long enough to dehumidify, leaving the marine layer's moisture inside the home. A real Manual J takes about 90 minutes on-site and saves you both upfront equipment cost and decades of comfort issues.

Why do my neighbor's coastal AC units rust out so quickly?

Standard aluminum-fin condenser coils oxidize aggressively in salt air. The corrosion looks like white powder on the outdoor unit and reduces heat-transfer efficiency until the system fails. Marine-rated coils with copper construction or factory anti-corrosion coatings cost 10–15% more and last roughly twice as long in the coastal strip.

Do I need a permit to replace my AC?

Yes. Every South Bay city requires a mechanical permit for AC and furnace replacement, and California Title 24 requires HERS field verification on most changeouts. Contractors who skip the permit save the permit fee but expose you to disclosure issues at resale and to potential insurance complications. Paragon pulls the permit on every install — it's not optional.

Are mini-splits a good fit for older South Bay homes?

Often, yes. Many homes built before 1980 in Old Torrance, the Tree Section of Manhattan Beach, and Hollywood Riviera have no existing ductwork or have ducts so leaky they're not worth saving. Multi-zone mini-split systems deliver cooling and heating without the cost and disruption of installing new ducts in an existing slab or finished home.

How long does a full HVAC replacement take?

A straight equipment swap (same location, same ductwork) typically runs 1–2 days. A full system replacement with ductwork modifications, electrical upgrade, or condenser pad relocation runs 3–5 days. We give you a written timeline at proposal, and the HERS test typically schedules within 1–2 weeks of system startup.