HVAC Construction

New Construction HVAC — Built Right from the Ground Up

Getting HVAC right in new construction means getting involved early. Circulating Air partners with general contractors, architects, and developers from the design phase through final commissioning — so the mechanical systems are coordinated with the building, not bolted on as an afterthought. One contractor, one point of accountability, from blueprint to building permit to first cool air.

60 Years Serving Los Angeles

NATE, STAR, and TAB Certified Technicians

24/7 Emergency Dispatch

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The Problem

HVAC Shouldn't Be the Last Decision on a New Build

Too many new construction projects treat HVAC as a procurement task — spec it late, bid it cheap, figure it out during installation. The result: coordination conflicts with other trades, change orders that blow the budget, equipment that doesn’t match the building’s actual load profile, and commissioning delays that push back occupancy.

The mechanical scope on a new building typically represents 15–25% of total construction cost. When it’s not planned and coordinated from the start, that percentage grows — in change orders, rework, and post-occupancy problems that take years to surface.

Coordination conflicts with other trades
Change orders blowing the project budget
Equipment that doesn't match actual loads
Commissioning delays pushing back occupancy
What We Do

Full-Scope HVAC for New Construction Projects

We don’t show up when the ductwork needs to go in. We’re at the table during design development, coordinating with the architect and GC to ensure the mechanical systems integrate cleanly with structural, electrical, and plumbing trades.

Commercial Office and Retail

Rooftop units, split systems, and VAV systems sized for tenant flexibility and energy code compliance. We design for future tenant build-out, not just day-one occupancy.

Institutional and Education

Central plant systems, chilled water loops, and ventilation designs that meet Title 24 and ASHRAE 62.1 requirements for high-occupancy spaces.

Multi-Family Residential

Individual unit systems with common-area conditioning, designed for cost-effective installation across dozens or hundreds of units. See our multi-family capabilities.

Industrial and Warehouse

High-volume ventilation, make-up air units, and process cooling systems sized for large, open floor plans with variable heat loads.

Mixed-Use Developments

Integrated systems that serve retail, office, and residential zones from a coordinated mechanical design, with metering and zoning that keeps operating costs accountable by tenant class.

Why Circulating Air

Why Circulating Air for New Construction HVAC

60 years building Los Angeles — from single-story retail to multi-building campus developments. We know the local codes, the inspection process, and the GCs. Named project experience includes UCLA Life Science Building, LAUSD South Region schools, Westfield Shopping Centers, and Market Street Lofts.

60
Years in Commercial HVAC
150+
Employees
Certified
NATE, STAR & TAB Certified Technicians
24/7
Emergency Dispatch
1 Year
Warranty on New Installs
Proven
UCLA, LAUSD, Westfield & 100s more

Ready to Get HVAC Right from Day One?

Free estimates. Honest assessments. No pressure.

How New Construction HVAC Works

What to Expect

1

Preconstruction Coordination

We review architectural and MEP drawings, identify coordination issues early, and align the mechanical scope with the project schedule and budget.

2

Submittals and Procurement

Equipment submittals, shop drawings, and material procurement happen on the GC’s timeline. We manage lead times and stage deliveries to match the construction sequence.

3

Installation

Ductwork, piping, refrigerant lines, equipment setting, and controls wiring — coordinated daily with electrical, plumbing, and fire protection trades to avoid conflicts and rework.

4

Testing and Balancing

Every system is tested for proper operation, airflow is balanced to design specifications, and controls sequences are verified by TAB-certified technicians.

5

Commissioning and Closeout

Final commissioning confirms complete HVAC operation under real conditions. We provide as-built documentation, O&M manuals, and warranty information. Many clients transition directly into a service agreement.

New Construction HVAC — Common Questions

What general contractors and developers ask when planning HVAC for a new build.

How early should the HVAC contractor be involved in a new construction project?

As early as design development. The earlier we’re involved, the better we can coordinate with the architectural and structural plans, identify potential conflicts, and ensure the mechanical design supports the building’s intended use. Projects that bring HVAC in during preconstruction consistently see fewer change orders and smoother installation phases.

We offer both traditional design-bid-build (where we install to the engineer’s design) and design-build delivery, where we handle both design and installation under one contract. Design-build is particularly effective for projects where the owner wants single-source accountability and faster project timelines.

We work across the full range of commercial new construction in Los Angeles — from single-story retail and restaurant build-outs to multi-story office buildings, school campuses, and large multi-family developments. With 150+ employees and 85+ vehicles, we have the capacity for concurrent large-scale projects without compromising quality or schedule.

Every project gets a dedicated Circulating Air project manager who attends coordination meetings, manages submittals and RFIs on the GC’s schedule, and handles daily field coordination with electrical, plumbing, and fire protection trades. We treat GC relationships as long-term partnerships — many of our GC clients have worked with us across dozens of projects.
We provide complete as-built documentation, O&M manuals, and equipment warranty information at project closeout. For ongoing system protection, we recommend transitioning into a service agreement that covers preventive maintenance, priority service, and performance monitoring. New systems need maintenance from day one to protect the warranty and maintain peak efficiency.
Yes. We have significant experience with projects that require enhanced ventilation, filtration, or environmental control — including K–12 schools (LAUSD), higher education (UCLA), and healthcare-adjacent facilities. These projects require strict compliance with codes like ASHRAE 170, Title 24, and local DSA requirements. Our team knows the documentation, testing, and inspection protocols these projects demand.

Design-Build HVAC

Single-source design and installation for projects that need streamlined delivery and one point of accountability.

Tenant Improvements

HVAC modifications and additions for tenant build-outs within existing shells — the natural next step after core-and-shell new construction.

Commercial Installation

Equipment replacement and new system installation for existing commercial buildings.

Service Agreements

Protect your new construction investment with ongoing preventive maintenance from day one.

Let's Build It Right

From design through commissioning — one team, one point of accountability. 60 years of new construction HVAC experience across Los Angeles.

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