Comprehensive Ductwork Installation in San Bruno, CA provides design, fabrication, and precise installation of modern duct systems. The page outlines load and airflow calculations, material options, layout and sizing, sealing, insulation, and connections to furnaces, air handlers, and mini splits. It emphasizes on-site considerations, permitting, testing, and balancing, plus warranty coverage and long term maintenance. Clients gain improved comfort, energy efficiency, and code compliance through professional design, meticulous workmanship, and post installation testing. This approach ensures durable performance and peace of mind for years.

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Ductwork Installation in San Bruno, CA

A properly designed and installed duct system determines how comfortable your San Bruno home feels year round and how efficiently your HVAC equipment performs. Ductwork Installation in San Bruno, CA covers full-service design and installation: load and airflow calculations, material selection, custom layout and sizing, sealing and insulation, connections to furnaces, air handlers and mini-splits, permitting and code compliance, on-site considerations, testing and balancing, and warranty coverage. This page explains what to expect from a professional installation so you can make an informed decision for your property.

Why ductwork matters in San Bruno homes

San Bruno sits on the Bay with cool marine influence, frequent fog in summer, and mild winters. That coastal climate and older housing stock here mean systems often run longer or fight temperature swings and salt air exposure. Poorly sized or leaky ducts increase energy use, reduce comfort in rooms far from the HVAC unit, and can accelerate equipment wear. Upgrading or installing new ductwork improves airflow, reduces drafts and hot/cold spots, and helps your system meet California energy rules like Title 24 and any HERS requirements for certain projects.

Common ductwork issues in San Bruno, CA

Undersized or oversized runs causing weak airflow or high energy use
Leaks at seams, boots, or connections that waste conditioned air and draw in outdoor air
Poorly insulated ducts in unconditioned attics or crawl spaces causing heat gain or loss
Improperly balanced systems that create uneven temperatures between rooms
Incompatible connections to mini-splits or modern high-efficiency air handlers
Code compliance gaps for remodels or additions that trigger Title 24 or HERS testing

Types of ductwork services provided

Full system design and replacement for new construction or whole-home upgrades
Partial replacements and rework for remodels and add-ons
New installations for furnaces, air handlers, packaged units, or mini-split integrations
Custom sheet metal duct fabrication for tight spaces or high-efficiency designs
Flexible duct installations where appropriate, with proper supports and transitions
Sealing, insulation, and testing packages to meet performance and code standards

Design process: load and airflow calculations

Professional duct design begins with a Manual J load calculation to determine heating and cooling needs for each room. From that output, a Manual D duct design is created to size trunk lines, branches, and registers for proper CFM delivery. Designers also check static pressure limits for the selected equipment to prevent excessive fan strain and noise. These calculations ensure balanced airflow, right-sized rooms, and predictable comfort throughout your home.

Material options and when to use them

Sheet metal: Best for long-life, high-performance systems and rooftop or exposed runs. Resistant to pests and easier to seal for tight installations.
Flexible duct: Useful for short runs and retrofit situations; must be properly stretched and supported to avoid airflow loss.
Insulated runs: Critical in attics or unconditioned spaces to reduce heat gain and condensation risk; foil-faced insulation or duct board options are selected based on access and performance needs.
Material choice depends on layout, space constraints, budget, and long-term efficiency goals.

Layout, sizing, and on-site considerations

Custom layouts account for attic access, crawl space height, existing framing, and noise-sensitive rooms. Designers plan register placement to avoid short-circuiting airflow, and account for elbows and transitions that increase pressure drop. On-site factors in San Bruno like narrow crawl spaces in older homes, moisture from coastal air, and rooftop unit anchoring are evaluated to create a practical, code-compliant design.

Sealing and insulation best practices

Sealing duct seams and connections with approved mastic or foil-backed tape prevents energy loss and indoor air quality issues. All joints, boots, and penetrations should be sealed; flex ducts require proper collars and clamps. Insulation level is selected based on location: R-6 or greater in unconditioned attics is common for Bay Area installations to limit heat transfer and condensation.

Connecting to furnaces, air handlers, and mini-splits

Modern furnaces and air handlers have stricter static pressure tolerances; ductwork must match those parameters to preserve efficiency and warranty. Mini-split indoor units sometimes require short conditioned flex runs or small sheet metal transitions when integrating multiple zones. Proper turning vanes, transitions, and support help maintain airflow and minimize noise when connecting to different types of equipment.

Permitting and code compliance in San Bruno

Installations are performed to comply with California Title 24 energy standards and local San Mateo County or City of San Bruno permit requirements. Projects that add conditioned area or replace systems often require documented load calculations, insulated ductwork details, and may trigger HERS testing for new construction or certain alterations. A complete permit package and coordination with local inspectors ensures the work passes code review and final inspection.

Project timeline and typical on-site workflow

Initial site visit and measurements (1 visit)
Load/duct design and material selection (1 to 5 business days depending on complexity)
Permit submission and approval (timeline varies by project and local jurisdiction)
Installation phase: rough ductwork, sealing, insulation, and equipment tie-in (1 to several days based on home size)
Final testing, balancing, and inspection scheduling
Expect on-site planning for access to attics, basements, rooftops, and for protecting finishes during work.

Post-installation testing and HERS coordination

After installation, airflow testing and system balancing (measuring CFM at each register) confirm deliverable performance and comfort. Static pressure checks and duct leakage testing verify the system meets design targets. When HERS verification is required, a certified rater performs specified tests and documentation to satisfy Title 24 or permitting conditions. Testing ensures the system operates as intended and supports any energy compliance reporting.

Warranty and long-term considerations

Professional duct installations typically include workmanship warranties on sealing, connections, and installation practices, plus material warranties from manufacturers. Keep records of design calculations, duct layouts, insulation R-values, and test reports for future service or compliance checks. Regular visual inspections, occasional re-sealing of joints in older homes, and keeping attic or crawl spaces dry will prolong duct life and efficiency.

Benefits of a quality ductwork installation in San Bruno

Improved year-round comfort with balanced airflow and fewer hot or cold spots
Lower energy use and longer equipment life by reducing leakage and proper sizing
Compliance with California and local codes, simplifying future renovations or resale
Better indoor air quality by preventing outdoor air infiltration and moisture issues
Measured performance backed by testing and documentation for peace of mind

Choosing a complete ductwork design and installation tailored to San Bruno conditions ensures your system meets local climate demands, code requirements, and long-term comfort goals. Proper calculations, materials, sealing, insulation, and post-install testing form the foundation of a reliable, efficient duct system 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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