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Ductwork Installation in Los Gatos, CA

Ductwork installation in Los Gatos, CA improves comfort and energy efficiency with a full process from design to testing. Learn more.

Our Los Gatos ductwork installation services deliver custom-designed systems that enhance comfort, efficiency, and air quality year-round. We handle every step—from assessment, load calculations, and design to material selection, insulation, air sealing, and final balancing—ensuring full code compliance and optimal performance. Proper duct design reduces leaks, noise, and temperature imbalances, while post-install testing, warranty coverage, and maintenance guidance help protect your investment. Count on our team for an energy-efficient, reliable system built for long-term comfort.

Ductwork Installation in Los Gatos, CA

Upgrading or installing new ductwork is one of the most impactful investments you can make for year-round comfort and energy efficiency in Los Gatos homes. Properly designed and installed duct systems deliver consistent temperature, reduce utility bills, and improve indoor air quality. This page explains the full ductwork installation process in Los Gatos, CA, from initial assessment and custom design through testing, code compliance, and aftercare, so you can make an informed decision for your home.

Why ductwork matters in Los Gatos

Los Gatos experiences warm, dry summers and mild, wetter winters, with many homes built across flat neighborhoods and steep, hillside lots. That combination creates unique challenges: older homes often have undersized or leaky ducts, and attic or crawlspace duct runs can lose efficiency without proper insulation and sealing. Well-installed ductwork improves cooling performance during hot months and maintains comfort during cooler periods while reducing strain on your HVAC equipment.

Common ductwork problems we address

  • Leaky or disconnected ducts leading to wasted conditioned air and higher energy bills
  • Undersized or poorly designed runs that cause uneven temperature or noisy vents
  • Inadequate insulation in attics or unconditioned spaces resulting in heat gain or loss
  • Blocked or collapsed ducts in older homes causing restricted airflow
  • Lack of airflow balancing producing hot and cold spots in the home

Understanding these issues helps homeowners prioritize replacements or full installations instead of temporary fixes that do not solve root causes.

Our installation process — what to expect

  1. Initial home assessment and load calculations
  • We start with a walkthrough to evaluate home layout, existing duct locations, attic and crawlspace access, and any limitations from structural or architectural features common in Los Gatos neighborhoods.
  • A Manual J load calculation establishes heating and cooling requirements. This ensures the new system capacity and duct sizing match your actual needs rather than rule-of-thumb estimates.
  1. Custom duct design and sizing
  • Using the load results and your floor plan, we design a duct layout that optimizes airflow and minimizes run length, bends, and fittings.
  • Designs factor in room-by-room requirements so registers deliver the right volume of conditioned air to each space.
  1. Materials and insulation choices
  • Common duct materials include sheet metal for durability and flexible ducts for tight or retrofit spaces. We recommend rigid sheet metal for main trunks and high-quality insulated flex for branch runs when appropriate.
  • For Los Gatos homes with attic runs or unconditioned crawlspaces, we specify duct insulation with appropriate R-values to reduce thermal losses. Local climate and space constraints guide material selection.
  1. Air sealing and compliance with local codes
  • Every connection, joint, and transition is sealed using industry-accepted methods to minimize leakage. Air sealing is one of the most cost-effective ways to boost system efficiency.
  • Installations comply with California energy codes and local Los Gatos permitting requirements. We account for Title 24 requirements where applicable and ensure work aligns with local inspections and documentation.
  1. Airflow balancing and testing
  • After installation, we balance the system so each room receives its designed airflow. Technicians measure airflow in cubic feet per minute (CFM) at registers and adjust dampers and grille positions for even comfort.
  • Performance testing can include pressure or leak tests and verification that static pressures are within recommended limits to protect equipment life.
  1. Project timeline and coordination with other trades
  • Typical timelines depend on scope: a single-level replacement may take a day or two while whole-house installations in older, multi-level Los Gatos homes can require several days.
  • We coordinate with electricians, insulation contractors, and other trades to streamline inspections and avoid rework. For hillside or access-limited projects, scheduling accounts for protective measures and safety.

Energy-efficiency benefits and cost considerations

Well-designed ductwork improves HVAC efficiency by delivering conditioned air where you need it, reducing runtime and equipment wear. Benefits include:

  • More consistent indoor comfort and fewer hot or cold spots
  • Reduced energy consumption compared to leaky or undersized systems
  • Extended life for your heating and cooling equipment by lowering strain

Cost estimates vary by home size, complexity, materials, and whether structural modifications are needed. Key cost drivers include total duct length, use of sheet metal versus flex, insulation needs, and access challenges common in Los Gatos’ older or hillside properties. While upfront investment depends on these specifics, homeowners often see measurable savings in monthly energy bills and improved comfort that justify the upgrade over time.

Warranty and aftercare

  • Most professional duct installations include workmanship warranties and manufacturer warranties on materials. Warranty length varies by material and installer policy.
  • Aftercare recommendations: schedule annual HVAC checkups, replace filters regularly, and inspect accessible ductwork every few years for damage, disconnections, or insulation degradation. Routine maintenance keeps systems operating near peak efficiency and preserves warranty coverage.

Testing and verification for peace of mind

We recommend post-installation verification to confirm the system performs as designed. Typical checks include:

  • Static pressure and airflow measurements to ensure efficient equipment operation
  • Duct leakage testing where needed, especially in retrofit or older-home projects
  • Visual inspection of seals, insulation, and connections in attics, basements, and crawlspaces

These objective tests protect your investment and document performance for local inspections or future home sales.

Maintenance tips for Los Gatos homeowners

  • Replace HVAC filters every 1 to 3 months depending on use and indoor air quality needs
  • Keep attic and crawlspace insulation in good condition to protect duct R-values
  • Ensure vents and returns remain unobstructed by furniture or landscaping changes
  • Schedule a seasonal system tune-up to catch issues early and maintain efficiency

Installing new ductwork is a long-term improvement that enhances comfort, saves energy, and protects HVAC equipment. In Los Gatos, where homes range from newer builds to historic properties on slopes, a custom approach to duct design and installation is essential for reliable results. This page covers the process, compliance, testing, and maintenance details you need to evaluate a professional ductwork installation for your home.

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.

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