HVAC Contractor for Builders in Las Vegas
Reliable HVAC installation for tract homes, custom homes, and multi-unit residential developments
Short answer: The Cooling Company is a licensed HVAC contractor serving residential builders across the Las Vegas Valley. We provide production home HVAC packages with volume pricing, custom home HVAC design with Manual J load calculations, rough-in coordination with your construction schedule, HERS testing support, energy code compliance, and builder warranty programs. Our team integrates with your build timeline — no delays, no callbacks, no warranty headaches. Call (702) 567-0707 or Schedule Now to discuss your project.
Builders need an HVAC subcontractor who shows up on schedule, installs correctly the first time, passes inspection without callbacks, and does not generate warranty claims after closing. That sounds basic, but in a market like Las Vegas — where the construction pipeline is active, labor is tight, and the climate demands equipment that actually performs in 115-degree heat — finding an HVAC contractor who consistently delivers is harder than it should be.
The Cooling Company has worked with Las Vegas builders since 2011, installing HVAC systems in production subdivisions, custom homes, and multi-unit residential developments across the valley. We understand that a builder's HVAC contractor affects permit timeline, inspection pass rates, energy code compliance, construction schedule, and post-closing warranty costs. We treat every one of those as our responsibility.
Production Home HVAC Packages
For tract builders installing HVAC in 10, 50, or 200+ homes per year, consistency and efficiency drive costs down and quality up. We offer production home HVAC packages designed for builders who need:
Standardized Equipment Packages
We work with builders to establish equipment specifications for each floor plan — tonnage, SEER2 rating, brand, and configuration. Once specifications are set, every unit in that plan gets the same equipment, the same installation procedure, and the same quality. This eliminates the variability that comes from crew-by-crew decision-making and ensures consistent performance across the development.
Our standard production home equipment packages feature:
- Lennox, Carrier, Goodman, or other major brands based on builder preference and budget
- SEER2 ratings that meet or exceed current energy code minimums for Clark County
- Equipment sized using Manual J calculations for each floor plan — not rules of thumb
- Options for single-stage, two-stage, or variable-speed systems depending on price point and buyer expectations
- Heat pump or gas furnace configurations depending on the development's energy plan
Volume Pricing
Volume pricing means lower per-unit costs for builders. Our pricing is structured to reward commitment — the more homes on a project, the more competitive the per-unit price. Volume pricing includes equipment, labor, materials, permits, and inspections. We provide fixed per-unit pricing that builders can carry through their pro formas without worrying about cost surprises during construction.
Consistent Installation Quality
Production housing requires installation consistency across every unit. Our crews follow standardized installation procedures for each floor plan, including duct routing templates, equipment placement standards, and connection specifications. This consistency means:
- Higher first-time inspection pass rates — fewer delays, fewer re-inspections
- Fewer warranty callbacks — installation quality drives post-closing HVAC complaint rates
- Predictable installation timelines — our crews know the plan, the procedure, and the schedule
Custom Home HVAC Design
Custom homes require custom HVAC design. Unlike production housing where a standard plan can be replicated across dozens of units, every custom home has unique architecture, window configurations, ceiling heights, and owner preferences that demand an individualized HVAC solution.
Engineering for Each Home
We perform room-by-room Manual J load calculations for every custom home. The calculation accounts for the home's specific:
- Building envelope — insulation type and R-value, wall construction, roof material
- Window package — size, orientation, glazing type, and shading from overhangs or landscaping
- Ceiling heights — vaulted ceilings, two-story great rooms, and other architectural features that increase the conditioned volume
- Solar orientation — west-facing glass creates massive afternoon heat gain in Las Vegas; our designs account for directional loads
- Owner requirements — home theater rooms, wine cellars, separate bedroom zones, and other specialty spaces that need independent climate control
Ductwork Design
Custom homes often have complex architectural features — coffered ceilings, soffits, built-in millwork, and open floor plans — that constrain duct routing. We design ductwork using Manual D calculations and coordinate with the builder's framing and drywall schedules to ensure ducts fit within the available space without requiring bulkheads or dropped ceilings that the architect did not intend.
For custom homes, we also specify:
- Low-velocity ductwork in bedroom zones for quiet operation
- Oversized return air plenums that reduce fan speed and noise
- Sealed and insulated duct systems that prevent energy loss in unconditioned attics where temperatures reach 160°F in Las Vegas summers
- Register placement that delivers conditioned air where occupants are — not where it was easiest to route a duct
For high-end custom homes, see our luxury home HVAC page for additional specialty services including whole-home air purification, humidity control, wine cellar cooling, and smart home integration.
Rough-In Coordination
The HVAC rough-in phase — when ductwork, refrigerant lines, drain lines, and electrical connections are installed inside wall and ceiling cavities — must happen at exactly the right point in the construction schedule. Too early, and other trades damage or move ductwork. Too late, and the framing crew has closed up wall cavities before ducts are installed.
Our Rough-In Process
- Pre-construction meeting: We review plans with the GC and identify the rough-in window, equipment placement locations, and any coordination requirements with electrical, plumbing, and framing
- Material staging: Ductwork, fittings, and materials are pre-cut and staged before the rough-in date so our crew arrives ready to install — not ready to measure and fabricate on-site
- Installation: Trunk lines, branch runs, refrigerant lines, condensate drains, and thermostat wiring are installed per the design
- Inspection: We schedule the mechanical rough-in inspection with the building department and are present for inspection — no surprises for the GC
- Protection: After inspection, we protect open duct ends to prevent construction debris from entering the system before final connections
We schedule rough-in crews with lead times that work with builder construction schedules. For production builders with multiple homes in various stages, we maintain rolling crew schedules that keep our teams moving through your development without gaps or conflicts.
HERS Testing and Energy Code Compliance
Residential HVAC in Clark County must comply with the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) as adopted and amended by the local jurisdiction. Key compliance requirements that affect HVAC installation include:
HERS Testing
The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) test is a third-party verification that the HVAC system as installed meets energy code requirements. HERS testing typically includes:
- Duct leakage testing: Measures air leakage from the duct system to verify it does not exceed the maximum allowable percentage. Poorly sealed ductwork wastes energy and reduces system performance.
- Refrigerant charge verification: Confirms that the system is charged to the manufacturer's specification — not over- or under-charged
- Airflow verification: Measures total system airflow to verify it meets the equipment manufacturer's required CFM per ton
- Fan watt draw: Measures the energy consumed by the blower fan to verify it is within code limits
We install with HERS testing in mind. Our duct sealing procedures, refrigerant charging practices, and airflow setup are designed to pass HERS testing on the first attempt — not require rework after a failed test that delays your certificate of occupancy.
Equipment Efficiency Requirements
Federal minimum efficiency standards for residential HVAC equipment are set by the Department of Energy and vary by region. For the Southwest region (including Las Vegas), current minimums for split systems are SEER2 14.3 for cooling and HSPF2 7.5 for heat pumps. We specify equipment that meets or exceeds these minimums and can provide higher-efficiency options for builders who want to differentiate on energy performance or qualify for green building certifications.
Duct Insulation and Sealing
All ductwork in unconditioned spaces — attics, garages, and exterior chases — must be insulated to the R-value specified by the energy code. In Las Vegas, where attic temperatures reach 150 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit in summer, duct insulation is not just a code requirement — it is essential to delivering conditioned air at the designed temperature. We seal all duct joints with mastic or UL-listed tape and insulate with R-6 or R-8 duct wrap as required.
Builder Warranty Programs
Post-closing HVAC warranty claims are one of the top three warranty cost categories for Las Vegas builders. In a climate where HVAC systems run under extreme stress from day one, equipment and installation issues surface quickly. We offer builder warranty programs designed to minimize post-closing callbacks and protect your warranty budget:
Installation Warranty
We warranty our installation labor for a defined period from the date of occupancy. If an HVAC issue results from an installation defect — improper ductwork connection, incorrect refrigerant charge, wiring error, or any other workmanship issue — we correct it at no cost to the builder.
Manufacturer Equipment Warranty
We register all equipment warranties with the manufacturer on behalf of the builder and homeowner. Lennox, Carrier, Goodman, and other major brands offer 5 to 10 year parts warranties on residential equipment when properly registered. We manage warranty claims and coordinate with manufacturers to resolve covered failures.
Warranty Response
For builders with active warranty obligations, we provide defined response times for warranty service calls. Homeowners contact us directly for HVAC warranty issues — keeping warranty calls out of the builder's customer service queue. We track warranty claims by development, lot, and issue type, and provide the builder with periodic warranty reporting that identifies trends.
Warranty Cost Control
The best warranty program is one that is rarely used. Our focus on correct sizing, quality installation, HERS-ready duct sealing, and proper refrigerant charging at initial installation minimizes the warranty claims that drive post-closing costs. Builders who have worked with us consistently report lower HVAC warranty callback rates compared to their previous HVAC subcontractors.
Timeline Coordination
Construction schedules in Las Vegas residential building are tight. Delays in one trade cascade to every trade that follows. We manage our installation schedule to support your construction timeline:
- Committed scheduling: We confirm rough-in, equipment set, trim-out, and start-up dates in advance and honor them. If a scheduling conflict arises, we communicate immediately — not on the day of the missed appointment.
- Crew capacity: We maintain sufficient crew capacity to handle production builder schedules with multiple homes in various stages simultaneously
- Same-day inspections: We schedule building department inspections promptly after completing each phase to avoid inspection backlogs that delay your project
- Punch list response: Pre-close punch list items related to HVAC are addressed within the builder's punch timeline — typically 24 to 48 hours
Why Las Vegas Builders Work with The Cooling Company
- On-schedule installation: We show up when scheduled, complete work within the agreed timeline, and do not create delays for other trades
- First-time inspection passes: Installations designed to pass mechanical, energy code, and HERS inspections without callbacks or re-inspections
- Low warranty callback rates: Correct sizing, quality installation, and proper commissioning mean fewer post-closing warranty claims
- Volume pricing: Competitive per-unit pricing for production builders that scales with volume
- Custom home capability: Full design services for custom homes that require individual engineering — from Manual J calculations through commissioning
- Energy code expertise: We understand Clark County's energy code requirements and install to pass HERS testing on the first attempt
- Desert climate specialization: Equipment selection and installation practices specifically calibrated for Las Vegas conditions — 115-degree summers, 160-degree attics, desert dust, and hard water
- Communication: A dedicated builder contact who manages scheduling, resolves issues, and keeps you informed without requiring you to chase us
Related Services
- New Construction HVAC — complete HVAC design, installation, and commissioning for new builds
- Luxury Home HVAC — custom climate solutions for high-end homes
- AC Installation — residential air conditioning installation
- Commercial HVAC Installation — commercial new construction and tenant improvement
- HVAC Zoning — multi-zone comfort control systems
- Heat Pump Installation — heat pump systems for energy-efficient homes
- Energy Ratings — equipment efficiency information and comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
What does your production home HVAC package include?
Our production home HVAC package is a complete turnkey installation that includes Manual J load calculations for each floor plan, equipment (indoor and outdoor units), ductwork fabrication and installation, refrigerant lines, condensate drain, thermostat, electrical connections, all necessary materials and fittings, permits, inspections, start-up, and commissioning. We provide a fixed per-unit price that covers everything — no extras, no change orders for standard installations. Equipment brand, efficiency level, and zoning configuration are customized to the builder's specifications.
How do you handle scheduling across a subdivision with homes at different construction stages?
We maintain rolling crew schedules that align with your production calendar. At the start of each month (or more frequently for high-volume builders), we coordinate with your construction superintendent to map rough-in, equipment set, trim-out, and start-up dates for every lot in progress. Our scheduling team tracks these dates and dispatches crews accordingly. If your construction schedule shifts — as it often does — we adjust our schedule within 24 to 48 hours. The goal is zero delays attributable to HVAC on any lot.
What is your inspection pass rate for rough-in and final mechanical inspections?
Our first-time inspection pass rate consistently exceeds 95 percent for both rough-in and final mechanical inspections in Clark County. The remaining 5 percent typically involve interpretation differences between inspectors rather than installation deficiencies. When a correction is required, we address it within 24 hours and reschedule the inspection immediately. Failed inspections delay certificates of occupancy and closing dates — we treat inspection readiness as a critical quality metric.
Do you install both gas furnace and heat pump systems for builders?
Yes. We install gas furnace/AC split systems, heat pump split systems, packaged units, and dual-fuel systems depending on the builder's product specifications. For production builders, we can standardize on a single equipment configuration per floor plan or offer buyers upgrade options (such as variable-speed or higher SEER2) as part of the builder's options program. We install and commission all configurations to the same quality standard. See our heat pump installation page for details on heat pump options.
How do you handle HERS testing failures?
We install to pass HERS testing on the first attempt — sealed duct joints, correct refrigerant charge, verified airflow, and fan watt draw within code limits. If a HERS test identifies an issue, we correct it immediately. For duct leakage failures, we locate and seal the leak and request a retest. For refrigerant charge or airflow issues, we adjust and reverify. Our installation procedures are designed around HERS test criteria, so failures are uncommon, but when they occur, we resolve them within 24 hours to keep your project on schedule.
What warranty do you provide for builder installations?
We provide a labor warranty on our installation workmanship from the date of occupancy. Equipment is covered by the manufacturer's warranty — typically 5 to 10 years on parts depending on brand and registration. We register all equipment warranties with the manufacturer at the time of installation. For warranty service calls, homeowners contact us directly — we handle the warranty claim, dispatch the technician, and resolve the issue without involving the builder's customer service team. Builders receive periodic warranty reports tracking claims by development, lot, and issue type.
Can you provide options pricing for buyer upgrades?
Yes. We provide builders with a structured options list that buyers can select during the purchase process. Common upgrade options include higher SEER2 efficiency equipment, variable-speed or two-stage systems, multi-zone upgrades, smart thermostats, enhanced filtration, and whole-home humidification. Each option has a fixed price that the builder can include in their options program. We coordinate with the builder's design center or sales team to ensure selected options are captured before the rough-in phase.
Partner with The Cooling Company on Your Next Development
The right HVAC subcontractor keeps your construction on schedule, your inspections passing, and your warranty costs low. The wrong one creates delays, callbacks, and homeowner complaints that damage your reputation. Call (702) 567-0707 to discuss HVAC for your current or upcoming residential development, or book online to schedule a project meeting.
Need HVAC Service in Las Vegas?
The Cooling Company provides expert HVAC service throughout Las Vegas, Henderson, and North Las Vegas. Our licensed technicians deliver honest assessments, upfront pricing, and reliable results.
Call (702) 567-0707 or visit AC repair, maintenance, heating, or installation for details.