New Construction HVAC in Las Vegas
Complete HVAC design, installation, and commissioning for new builds across the valley
Short answer: The Cooling Company designs and installs HVAC systems for new construction throughout Las Vegas — from custom homes to multi-unit commercial buildings. We handle Manual J load calculations, equipment selection, ductwork design, multi-zone layouts, code compliance, and full system commissioning. Our team coordinates directly with general contractors to keep your project on schedule. Call (702) 567-0707 or Schedule Now to discuss your build.
Installing HVAC in a new building is fundamentally different from replacing equipment in an existing one. You are starting from a blank slate — no existing ductwork to work around, no outdated wiring to accommodate, no compromises forced by someone else's design decisions. That blank slate is an opportunity to get everything right: precise load calculations, optimal equipment sizing, efficient duct routing, and a system that delivers even comfort to every room without wasting energy or fighting the building envelope.
It is also where things go wrong most often. An oversized system short-cycles and creates humidity problems. An undersized system runs continuously and never reaches setpoint during a Las Vegas summer. Poorly designed ductwork creates pressure imbalances, hot spots, and noise. These are not problems you discover during construction — they show up after occupants move in, and they are expensive to fix retroactively.
The Cooling Company has been designing and installing new construction HVAC systems across the Las Vegas Valley since 2011. We work with general contractors, builders, and developers on projects ranging from single-family custom homes to multi-unit commercial buildings. Our approach is engineering-driven: we calculate loads, design systems, coordinate installation with your construction timeline, and commission every system before handover.
Why New Construction HVAC in Las Vegas Demands Specialized Design
Las Vegas is not a typical climate zone for HVAC design. The combination of extreme summer heat, low humidity, intense solar radiation, and desert dust creates conditions that standard HVAC sizing methods underestimate. Here is what makes Las Vegas new construction different:
Extreme Cooling Loads
Las Vegas design temperatures reach 108 to 112 degrees Fahrenheit — well above the 95-degree standard most HVAC equipment is rated for. A system sized using generic rules of thumb (like 400 to 500 square feet per ton) will be undersized for a Las Vegas home or commercial space. Proper Manual J calculations account for outdoor design temperature, solar heat gain through windows and walls, insulation R-values, infiltration rates, and internal heat sources. Without these calculations, your system will struggle on the hottest days of the year — exactly when you need it most.
Solar Heat Gain
Southern Nevada receives over 300 days of sunshine per year. West-facing and south-facing windows create massive solar heat gain during summer afternoons. In a new build, you have the opportunity to address this at the design stage: selecting appropriate window glazing, positioning equipment to handle directional loads, and sizing zones to account for solar exposure patterns that shift throughout the day.
Low Humidity Challenges
Las Vegas humidity regularly drops below 10 percent. While this eliminates many moisture-related problems common in humid climates, it creates its own issues. Oversized cooling systems that short-cycle in dry climates still remove some moisture from indoor air, pushing humidity even lower and creating discomfort, static electricity, and damage to wood finishes. Correct sizing prevents short-cycling, and in luxury builds, dedicated humidification systems can be integrated from the start.
Desert Dust and Air Quality
Construction in the Las Vegas Valley generates significant dust, and the surrounding desert contributes year-round particulate. New construction HVAC should include high-efficiency filtration — MERV 13 or higher — and sealed ductwork that prevents unfiltered air from entering the system. In commercial builds, fresh air ventilation must be designed to meet ASHRAE 62.1 standards while managing the particulate load that Las Vegas outdoor air carries.
Our New Construction HVAC Process
Step 1: Manual J Load Calculation
Every new construction project starts with a room-by-room Manual J load calculation. This is the engineering foundation for everything that follows. We analyze the building plans and calculate heating and cooling loads based on:
- Wall, ceiling, and floor insulation values
- Window size, orientation, glazing type, and shading
- Building orientation and solar exposure
- Infiltration rates based on construction type and air sealing methods
- Internal heat gains from occupants, lighting, and equipment
- Las Vegas outdoor design conditions (108-112°F cooling, 28-30°F heating)
- Ventilation requirements per code and occupancy type
The result is a precise tonnage requirement for each zone — not a guess, not a rule of thumb, but an engineered number that ensures the system is neither oversized nor undersized.
Step 2: Equipment Selection
With load calculations complete, we select equipment that matches the building's requirements. For residential new construction in Las Vegas, this typically means high-efficiency split systems or packaged units with SEER2 ratings of 15 or higher. For commercial projects, we specify rooftop units, split systems, or VRF systems depending on the building type and occupancy. Equipment selection factors include:
- Capacity matched to calculated loads (not oversized "just in case")
- Efficiency ratings that meet or exceed current energy code requirements
- Reliability track record in desert climates — not all brands perform equally in 115-degree heat
- Parts availability and local service support
- Warranty terms and manufacturer support
- Noise ratings, especially for residential applications near bedrooms
As a Lennox Premier Dealer, we have deep experience with Lennox equipment and can also specify and install Carrier, Trane, Daikin, Mitsubishi, and other major brands based on project requirements and budget.
Step 3: Ductwork Design
Ductwork design determines whether your HVAC system delivers comfort evenly or creates hot rooms, cold rooms, and noise complaints. We design duct systems using Manual D calculations that specify duct sizes, routing, and register placement to deliver the correct CFM (cubic feet per minute) to each room. Key design considerations include:
- Correct duct sizing to maintain proper air velocity without generating noise
- Return air placement and sizing — insufficient return air is the most common ductwork design failure
- Duct routing that minimizes length and turns to reduce friction losses
- Insulation requirements for ducts in unconditioned spaces (attics in Las Vegas reach 160°F in summer)
- Sealing specifications to prevent air leakage — sealed ductwork can improve system efficiency by 20 to 30 percent
- Register placement that promotes air circulation without creating drafts
Step 4: Multi-Zone System Design
Many new construction projects benefit from zoned HVAC systems that allow different areas of the building to be controlled independently. In a two-story Las Vegas home, the upstairs is always warmer than the downstairs — a single-zone system forces you to overcool the first floor to keep the second floor comfortable, or accept an uncomfortable second floor. Zoning eliminates this compromise.
We design multi-zone systems using motorized zone dampers, multiple thermostats, and bypass or variable-speed equipment that adjusts output to match the demand from each zone. For larger projects, we may specify multiple independent systems — each serving a defined area of the building — rather than a single large system with zone dampers.
Step 5: Installation and Construction Coordination
HVAC installation in new construction happens in phases that must coordinate with the overall construction schedule:
- Rough-in phase: Ductwork, refrigerant lines, drain lines, electrical connections, and equipment pads are installed before walls are closed. This is the most critical phase — ductwork routing and sizing cannot be changed once drywall goes up.
- Equipment set: Indoor and outdoor equipment is placed and connected after the building is enclosed and electrical service is live.
- Trim-out: Registers, grilles, thermostats, and controls are installed after painting and finishing.
- Start-up and commissioning: The system is charged, started, tested, and tuned after all connections are complete.
We coordinate directly with general contractors to schedule each phase at the right point in the construction timeline, avoiding delays and conflicts with other trades.
Step 6: Commissioning and Testing
Commissioning is the final step that separates a professional installation from a basic equipment hookup. We test every aspect of the system before handover:
- Refrigerant charge verification — weighed in to manufacturer specifications, not estimated
- Airflow measurement at every register — verifying that each room receives the CFM specified in the design
- Static pressure testing — ensuring ductwork is not creating excessive resistance that reduces equipment life
- Temperature split verification — confirming that supply air temperature is within manufacturer specifications
- Thermostat programming and zone control testing
- Duct leakage testing where required by code or energy programs
- System documentation including equipment specifications, warranty information, and maintenance schedules
Building Code Compliance in Clark County
New construction HVAC in Clark County must comply with the International Mechanical Code (IMC), the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), and local amendments adopted by the Southern Nevada jurisdiction. Key code requirements that affect HVAC design include:
- Minimum efficiency standards: Equipment must meet or exceed the federal minimum efficiency requirements in effect at the time of permit application
- Duct insulation: Ducts in unconditioned spaces must be insulated to a minimum R-value specified by code — critical in Las Vegas where attic temperatures reach extreme levels
- Duct sealing and testing: Many jurisdictions require duct leakage testing to verify that ductwork does not exceed maximum allowable leakage rates
- Ventilation: Mechanical ventilation must meet ASHRAE 62.2 (residential) or 62.1 (commercial) requirements for fresh air delivery
- Refrigerant management: Refrigerant line routing, protection, and labeling must comply with current mechanical code
- HERS testing: Energy code compliance may require Home Energy Rating System testing for residential projects, including duct leakage and equipment verification
We handle all code compliance requirements, permit coordination, and inspection scheduling as part of our new construction HVAC service. Your general contractor should not need to manage HVAC code compliance separately.
New Construction HVAC Cost Factors
New construction HVAC costs depend on the size and complexity of the project, equipment efficiency levels, ductwork design requirements, and zoning configuration. General cost ranges for Las Vegas new construction HVAC:
| Project Type | Typical Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single-family home (1,500-2,500 sq ft) | $8,000 - $15,000 | Standard efficiency, single zone |
| Single-family home (2,500-4,000 sq ft) | $14,000 - $25,000 | May require dual systems or zoning |
| Custom home (4,000+ sq ft) | $25,000 - $60,000+ | Multi-zone, high efficiency, custom ductwork |
| Multi-unit residential (per unit) | $6,000 - $12,000 | Volume pricing available for production builds |
| Commercial tenant improvement | $15 - $35 per sq ft | Depends on existing infrastructure |
| Commercial new build | $20 - $50 per sq ft | Full system including rooftop units and controls |
All pricing is approximate and depends on equipment brand, efficiency tier, ductwork complexity, zoning requirements, and project timeline. We provide detailed written proposals for every new construction project.
Why Builders Choose The Cooling Company
- Engineering-first approach: Every project starts with Manual J load calculations and Manual D duct design — not rules of thumb or past-project templates
- Construction schedule coordination: We understand the builder's timeline and schedule our phases to avoid trade conflicts and delays
- Code compliance expertise: We handle permits, inspections, and energy code compliance so your GC does not have to manage HVAC regulatory requirements
- Commissioning included: Every system is tested, measured, and documented before handover — not just turned on and walked away from
- Warranty support: We stand behind our installations with labor warranties and manage manufacturer equipment warranty registration
- Las Vegas specialization: We have designed HVAC for Las Vegas conditions since 2011 — our specifications account for 115-degree summers, desert dust, hard water, and the specific building practices used in Southern Nevada construction
- Volume capacity: We can staff multiple projects simultaneously for builders with production schedules
Related Services
- AC Installation — residential air conditioning installation for existing homes
- Commercial HVAC — commercial heating and cooling for businesses across Las Vegas
- Commercial HVAC Installation — new equipment for commercial buildings
- HVAC for Builders — tract home and custom home HVAC programs for residential builders
- Luxury Home HVAC — custom climate solutions for high-end homes
- Ductless Mini-Split Systems — zoned cooling and heating without ductwork
- HVAC Zoning — multi-zone comfort control for homes and businesses
Frequently Asked Questions
How early in the construction process should I engage an HVAC contractor?
Ideally, engage an HVAC contractor during the design phase — before construction begins. Load calculations and duct design should be completed before framing so that the building layout accommodates optimal duct routing, equipment placement, and register locations. Waiting until the framing phase often forces compromises in duct routing that affect system performance for the life of the building. Call (702) 567-0707 to schedule a design consultation.
What is a Manual J load calculation and why does it matter?
Manual J is the industry-standard method for calculating how much heating and cooling a building needs. It analyzes insulation, window area and orientation, building tightness, occupancy, and local climate data to determine the exact tonnage required. In Las Vegas, where outdoor temperatures exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit, accurate load calculations are critical. Oversized systems short-cycle, waste energy, and fail to manage humidity. Undersized systems cannot maintain comfort during peak heat. Manual J eliminates the guesswork.
How long does new construction HVAC installation take?
HVAC installation spans multiple phases across the construction timeline. Rough-in (ductwork, refrigerant lines, and wiring) typically takes 1 to 3 days for residential and 1 to 2 weeks for commercial. Equipment set takes 1 to 2 days. Trim-out and commissioning add another 1 to 2 days. The total elapsed time depends on the construction schedule — our phases are typically spread across 4 to 12 weeks of overall construction.
Should I install a single-zone or multi-zone system in my new home?
For single-story homes under 2,500 square feet, a single-zone system often provides adequate comfort. For two-story homes, large single-story homes over 2,500 square feet, or homes with significant solar exposure variation, multi-zone systems provide noticeably better comfort and efficiency. In Las Vegas, the second floor of a two-story home can be 5 to 10 degrees warmer than the first floor without zoning. Multi-zone systems add cost upfront but pay for themselves through energy savings and comfort improvement.
What SEER rating should I specify for new construction in Las Vegas?
The federal minimum for the Southwest region is currently SEER2 14.3 for residential systems. However, given the extreme cooling loads in Las Vegas, we typically recommend SEER2 15 to 17 for production homes and SEER2 17 to 21 for custom homes. Higher SEER systems cost more upfront but deliver meaningful energy savings in a climate where air conditioning runs 6 to 8 months per year. We can model the payback period for different efficiency levels on your specific project.
Do you handle permits and inspections for new construction HVAC?
Yes. We handle the complete permit and inspection process for HVAC in new construction. This includes mechanical permit applications, energy code compliance documentation, scheduling rough-in and final inspections with the local building department, and coordinating with HERS raters when required. Our permits and inspections are managed in-house so your general contractor does not need to coordinate HVAC regulatory compliance separately.
Can you work with my architect's HVAC specifications?
Absolutely. If your architect or mechanical engineer has specified equipment, duct sizes, or system configurations, we can install to those specifications. We will review the design and flag any concerns — for example, if specifications do not fully account for Las Vegas design conditions or if equipment selections have availability issues. For projects without engineering specifications, we provide complete design services from load calculation through equipment selection and ductwork layout.
Start Your New Construction HVAC Project
Whether you are building a single custom home or managing a multi-unit development, getting the HVAC design right from the start saves money, prevents comfort complaints, and avoids costly retrofits. Call (702) 567-0707 to schedule a design consultation for your new construction project, or book online to get started.
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.