Ductwork Services in San Rafael, CA

Signs include uneven temperatures between rooms, excessive dust, high energy bills, rooms that don't cool/heat properly, and visible duct damage in attics or crawlspaces. In San Rafael homes with attic ductwork, heat-damaged ducts are very common.

Professional duct sealing in the San Rafael area costs $300–$1,000 depending on the size of your system and accessibility. Aeroseal (a pressurized sealant sprayed inside ducts) costs $1,500–$2,500 but is more thorough. Duct sealing typically pays for itself in 1–2 years through energy savings.

Full ductwork replacement in a San Rafael home costs $2,000–$5,000 for a typical single-story home and $4,000–$8,000 for two-story homes. The cost depends on home size, duct material chosen, and accessibility. Older San Rafael homes with attic-mounted ductwork may need complete replacement due to heat degradation.

Leaky ducts can waste 20–30% of the conditioned air your HVAC system produces. In San Rafael's summers, when your AC runs 8–12 hours a day, that translates to $50–$150 per month in wasted energy. Sealing and insulating ductwork is one of the most cost-effective home efficiency upgrades.

New ductwork installation and major modifications require a mechanical permit in San Rafael County. Minor duct repairs and sealing typically do not require permits. California's Title 24 energy code has specific requirements for duct insulation and sealing that must be met during any permitted work.

Duct cleaning ($300–$500) is sufficient if your ducts are structurally sound but dusty or have minor mold. Replacement is needed when ducts are crushed, disconnected, poorly designed, or heavily deteriorated. Many San Rafael homes built in the 1970s–1990s have flexible ductwork in attics that has deteriorated from decades of extreme heat exposure.

Sheet metal ducts are the most durable and efficient option for San Rafael's extreme attic temperatures, which can exceed 150°F in summer. Flexible duct is more affordable and easier to install but degrades faster in heat. We recommend insulated R-8 sheet metal for attic runs and flexible duct for shorter, protected runs.

Yes, duct modifications are often the best solution for uneven temperatures. Causes include undersized ducts, long duct runs, disconnected sections, or poor initial design. We perform airflow testing to identify restrictions and can add dampers, resize ducts, or reroute sections to balance temperatures throughout your home.

SMUD and PG&E occasionally offer rebates for duct sealing and insulation improvements as part of their energy efficiency programs. SMUD's Home Performance program may cover a portion of duct sealing costs. We stay current on available rebates and help you apply for any that your project qualifies for.