Plum HVAC provides a comprehensive, site-specific service for air conditioning installation in Millbrae, CA, guiding homeowners through precise load calculations, equipment selection, duct integrity, electrical upgrades, and code-compliant permitting. Our team outlines a step-by-step process from site assessment and Manual J sizing to commissioning, performance testing, and follow-up care. We emphasize energy efficiency, comfort, and long-term reliability, with clear timelines, expectations, and preparation for a smooth, code-compliant Plum HVAC installation. We stress tailored sizing, sealed ducts, and city-specific permitting, ensuring fewer service calls and predictable performance.

Schedule My Service

(650) 605 – 5986

Air Conditioning Installation in Millbrae, CA

Installing a new air conditioning system is a major home investment. In Millbrae, CA, where marine influence keeps summers mild but humidity and occasional heat spikes still affect comfort, a properly planned air conditioning installation delivers reliable cooling, better indoor air quality, and long-term energy savings. This page explains the full installation process—from site assessment and Manual J sizing to commissioning and follow up—so you know what to expect and can make an informed decision for your Millbrae home.

Why a tailored installation matters in Millbrae, CA

Millbrae homes range from older bungalows and split-levels to newer condos and townhomes. Local climate factors, like coastal fog and moderate humidity, plus California energy codes, mean one-size-fits-all AC installs often underperform. Proper sizing, sealed and insulated ductwork, and code-compliant electrical work are essential to avoid common local problems: short cycling, uneven cooling, high energy bills, and frequent service calls.

Common air conditioning installation issues in Millbrae

Undersized or oversized units that lead to inadequate comfort or short cycling.
Poor ductwork condition: leaks, insufficient insulation, or undersized runs that reduce efficiency.
Inadequate electrical capacity or improperly sized breakers for modern high-efficiency systems.
Incorrect refrigerant charge or airflow leading to poor performance and shortened equipment life.
Permitting and code noncompliance, causing delays or needing rework to satisfy Millbrae building requirements and California Title 24 rules.

The installation process: step by step

Below is a typical, professional installation workflow tailored to meet Millbrae regulations and local home conditions. Plum HVAC ensures every step is handled with expertise.

1. Site assessment

Inspect the house layout, existing HVAC equipment, attic and crawlspace access, and duct configuration.
Check electrical panel capacity, available space for outdoor condensing units, roof or slab suitability, and ventilation.
Identify potential obstacles unique to Millbrae properties, such as limited backyard access or older electrical systems.

2. Proper sizing and Manual J considerations

Perform a Manual J load calculation to determine the exact cooling load for each room. This takes into account orientation, insulation levels, window sizes, shading from local trees, and typical Millbrae temperature/humidity ranges.
Use Manual J results to avoid oversizing or undersizing. Proper sizing maximizes comfort and equipment lifespan and reduces operating costs.

3. Equipment selection

Choose equipment based on capacity from Manual J, efficiency needs, and lifestyle:
High-efficiency split systems or ductless mini-splits for zoned comfort.
Variable-speed compressors and ECM blower motors for better humidity control in coastal climates.
Heat pump options that provide efficient cooling and heating in mild San Francisco Peninsula climates.
Consider SEER and HSPF ratings to match long-term energy goals and compliance with local and state codes.

4. Ductwork and airflow improvements

Assess whether existing ducts can be reused, require modification, or need replacement.
Common upgrades include sealing leaks, adding insulation, resizing underperforming runs, and balancing dampers for even airflow.
Proper duct sealing and insulation are especially important in Millbrae to prevent energy loss and maintain indoor comfort during foggy, humid mornings and warmer afternoons.

5. Electrical upgrades and safety

Verify breakers, wiring, and service capacity meet the new unit’s requirements. Many modern systems need dedicated circuits and specific breaker sizes.
Upgrade panels or add subpanels when required to support new AC and other high-demand appliances.
Install safety devices and ensure grounding, bonding, and disconnects follow California electrical codes.

6. Permitting and inspections

Obtain required permits from the City of Millbrae Building Division and ensure equipment and installation meet California building and energy codes.
Coordinate inspections at appropriate stages to avoid delays and ensure the installation is code-compliant and safe.

7. Installation timeline

Typical timeline:
Site assessment and load calculation: 1 day
Equipment procurement and permitting: 1 to 2 weeks depending on permit turnaround
Installation (system swap or new install): 1 to 3 days for standard single-family homes
Complex projects with extensive ductwork or electrical upgrades may take longer
Expect scheduling variables based on permit processing and product availability.

8. Commissioning and performance testing

Final commissioning includes:
Verifying airflow, static pressure, and duct balance
Checking refrigerant charge and measuring superheat/subcooling if applicable
Calibrating thermostats and controls, confirming proper refrigerant routing, and measuring system efficiency
Running performance tests to ensure the system meets design specifications and provides consistent comfort
Document test results and explain findings so homeowners understand system performance.

Customer preparation and what to expect during installation

Clear access to installation areas: indoor unit locations, attic access, and outdoor space.
Move fragile items and secure pets. Expect some noise and light disruption during installation.
Prepare for temporary stoppage of HVAC services during swap-out; installers typically minimize downtime.
Keep receipts and permit documents for your records and any future home sale disclosure needs.

Follow-up, maintenance, and warranties

After installation, schedule initial follow-up inspections to verify continued performance and address any settling issues.
Regular maintenance extends equipment life: annual professional cleaning, filter replacement, and mid-season checkups for coastal humidity control.
Register warranties and retain installation documentation to ensure coverage and simplify future service interactions.

Benefits of a properly executed AC installation in Millbrae

A well-planned air conditioning installation in Millbrae, CA starts with accurate load calculations and includes thoughtful equipment selection, duct and electrical work, and thorough commissioning. Attention to these details reduces common problems, ensures code compliance, and delivers predictable performance and efficiency for years to come.

testimonials

hear what our satisfied clients have to say

5.0

We found Plum HVAC in 2024 after spending more than 2 months searching and comparing estimates. The owner Sam gave us a very competitive price for a Mitsubishi mini-split and the installation went off without a hitch. Our experience was so positive that we later requested their services twice more to also install A/Cs for our 2 other rooms. Their technician, Jake, led our installations each time and we were very impressed by their professionalism and quality of work. Now 1 year in and we could not be any happier, nor have we encountered any issues with our models.

Jesse Y.

5.0

Sam of Plum HVAC, responded to our Heat Pump installation request promptly and provided a very competitive estimate after an onsite visit. He was very flexible and patient to answer and explain our questions. After we signed the contract, he and his team of 4 worked very hard to deliver and install the whole Heat Pump system on time with good quality. I am particularly impressed by their problem solving skills to overcome different connection challenges for the attic installation. Each day before they started, they covered the floors with protection blankets and cleaned after they were done for the day. They also revised the drainage and electric work per the city inspection guidance. Sam and his team were professional and honest so we highly recommend Plum HVAC to any customers who need HVAC work done for their houses.

Chunshi C.

5.0

We needed to install a mini-split in a backyard unit. Sam and his team helped with this, and they did a fantastic job. Sam visited our place and clearly explained to me what needed to be done, and offered a great price. He scheduled the job for a few days later, and his team performed the job with extraordinary quality. Later, I noticed a minor issue and reached out to them. Sam helped me to fix the issue on a second visit by his team later in the week, providing top-notch customer service. I will work with them in the future for my HVAC jobs, and highly recommend them given their excellent work quality and customer service.

Majid J.

5.0

I reached out to 4 companies for mini split quotes; Plum HVAC pricing came in the lowest. Beyond that, Sam was very knowledgeable and kind during the in home consultation. He offered a quote in person, & stuck by it. They removed our old furnace, and installed a two head mini split in our two story townhouse. The work as you can see is very clean! The guys who installed it were very fun & professional. Sam & his team were communicative the whole way through including the permitting process. They took roughly one full day for install, which was very fast! Including removal & disposal of our old furnace. Natalie was very helpful throughout the Bayren Rebate process & always available for any questions! This system has changed our lives, wish we would have gotten it done sooner! It’s way better than we could have imagined.

Bobby R.

5.0

Plum HVAC exceeded my expectations in every way. Sam and his installer team were not only professional but also incredibly responsible throughout the entire process. They provided top-notch service at a very reasonable price, which is hard to come by these days. I highly recommend Plum HVAC to anyone looking for quality HVAC services. You won't be disappointed!

A Chui

5.0

I recently engaged Plum HVAC to install two mini-split units at my residence, and I'm thrilled with the outcome.Throughout the entire process, from the initial consultation to the project's completion, Plum HVAC showcased professionalism and expertise. The technician, Sam, arrived promptly and conducted a comprehensive assessment of my HVAC system. Sam took the time to thoroughly explain the technicians' tasks, the estimated duration of the project, and provided transparent pricing options.

Romero J.

5.0

Wonderful experience with Plum HVAC on a heat pump installation! I checked several companies, compared their recommendations, timelines, reputations and prices.Sam, the owner, was very professional and has almost 2 decades of experience in HVAC. When I asked dumb questions, he answered most graciously. And when I noted that some companies we queried said we could get away WITHOUT replacing our original ductwork from 1965, he gave us his honest opinion why that wasn't a good idea. (Hubby remembered later that people who worked in our attic adding insulation told us there were lots of duct leaks.)

Marlene S.

5.0

I called 8 different HVAC companies for quotes for a heat pump heating/ac system because I want to save money by switching from a forced air gas furnace to an electric heat pump system which will give me both heating and air conditioning. In addition my old furnace (circa 1991) was way oversized for my home and the air coming out too noisy. The New heat pump system is quieter and more efficient. Back to the quotes for the system, all the other 7 companies sent a salesperson/advisor to give the quote. Sam, the owner of Plum HVAC came our to give the quote. He was quick with his quote and was very knowledgeable. He didn't try to upsell me on anything and have the lowest quote of them all. His price was 60% less than the highest quote and 15% lower than the next second lowest quote.

Michael C.

5.0

Plum HVAC is an extremely professional, knowledgeable, and an established company to hire. I highly recommend Plum HVAC! Sam and his crew did a wonderful job. Sam worked with my schedule and his crew had completed the job with ease.

Blake

5.0

Sam was one of the most professional business owners I had the chance to meet over the past few years and I'm so happy I trusted him to install our new A/C unit.- He showed up on time- He was transparent (and reasonable) regarding pricing- He offered 2-3 options- His crew did a very clean/thorough jobWhat I loved the most though, was the fact he was very easy to communicate with. I would definitely use him again and recommend him to our neighbors/friends.

Bruno L.

5.0

We recently had a complicated Bryant Evolution dual fuel system with variable speed and zoning installed in our home by Plum HVAC, and we are very pleased! The team also changed the entire crawl space ducting, ensuring a comprehensive upgrade. The price was fair, and the team was always on time and easy to contact. Sam Mousavi, the head of the team, paid great attention to detail and demonstrated a strong understanding of systems. His expertise in HVAC systems and his friendly character made us feel comfortable throughout the process. We highly recommend Plum HVAC for their professionalism and excellent service.

Amirali B.

5.0

I cannot say enough about Plum HVAC, who replaced my aging heater furnace, and in particular Sam. Sam was very highly recommended by my sister, who replaced her furnace and added air conditioning.First, they gave me a good deal for a 2-stage, at the same cost as the lowest bid for a 1-stage. The other bids were dancing around some gas line work made by previous owners.

Kumar S.

Leave a Review

View All Reviews