New Construction and Remodel HVAC for Contra Costa Builders
HVAC design and install for new homes and remodels
We design and install heating and air systems for new homes, additions, remodels and light commercial buildings, working from the architect's or engineer's plans. Under California's 2025 Energy Code, the baseline for a new single-family home is a heat pump, so most new projects start there. From a simple single-zone system to a multi-zone design with electronic dampers, air purification and humidity control, we size the equipment, lay out the ducts and keep our work on the builder's schedule.
Why choose Blue Star
Builders need an HVAC sub who is ready when framing is and doesn't hold up an inspection. Blue Star has handled ground-up construction and remodels since 2006 under CSLB license #880647 (C-20). We handle purchasing, fabrication and shop drawings, and we coordinate with City and County inspectors so rough and final inspections go smoothly. We also work on apartment complexes and commercial buildings, so multi-unit and mixed-use projects are familiar ground. Your quote is the number you can build into the budget.
- Design from architect plans
- Load calcs and duct layout
- Heat pump systems for Title 24
- Multi-zone with dampers
- Shop drawings and fabrication
- Inspection and ECC coordination
Where we work
Recent and planned building in East County includes Antioch's Sand Creek area, where The Ranch has 1,177 homes approved, and new phases at Pittsburg's San Marco. Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley, Pittsburg, Concord, Walnut Creek and the other cities run their own building departments, while Bay Point, Discovery Bay, Byron, Knightsen and Bethel Island go through Contra Costa County. The County's all-electric ordinance is suspended, but the state code still makes heat pumps the default. Rio Vista projects permit through the City of Rio Vista.
Major corridors
- SR-4
- Sand Creek Rd
- Deer Valley Rd
- San Marco Blvd
- East Cypress Rd
- Vasco Rd
- I-680
- SR-242
We do this across our service area:
Each link opens that town's heating and air page.
4.9 stars on Google
Read more reviewsColton was great. He found the problem right away and did a temporary fix to get my a/c running until he could get the right part ordered. He also made sure every inside was working well.
Questions we hear
Do new homes in California have to use heat pumps?
Not strictly, but close. The 2025 California Energy Code, which applies to permits applied for on or after January 1, 2026, uses a heat pump as the standard design for new single-family homes. You can still use a gas furnace, but you have to show compliance through the performance method, usually by adding other efficiency measures. In practice, most new homes are now designed around heat pumps from the start.
When should we bring in the HVAC contractor?
As early as you can, ideally while the plans are being finalized. Equipment locations, duct routes through trusses or floor joists, return air paths and space for a heat pump water heater are much easier to solve on paper than after framing. We can review drawings, flag conflicts and work from the energy compliance documents so the installed equipment matches what the Title 24 report assumed.
Do you handle remodels and additions?
Yes, from a one-room addition to a whole-house remodel. Adding square footage usually means checking whether the existing system can carry the new load, and often extending or replacing ducts. Sometimes a separate ductless system for the addition makes more sense than stretching the old one. Title 24 rules for additions and alterations differ from new construction, and we'll explain which ones apply to your project.
Who does the ECC (HERS) testing on new homes?
An independent ECC rater, formerly called a HERS rater, does the testing, as the code requires. We install with those tests in mind, including duct leakage, airflow, fan efficacy and refrigerant charge, and coordinate with the rater and the builder so testing is done before final inspection. Ducts that are sealed right the first time don't hold up the schedule.
Do you work on multifamily and commercial new construction?
Yes. Along with single-family homes, we work on apartment complexes and light commercial buildings, including rooftop package units. On multi-unit projects we can plan for consistent equipment across units, which makes later service simpler for owners and property managers. Send us the scope, the plan set and your schedule, and we'll tell you how we'd approach the job.
Related services
All servicesBlue Star Heating & Air is just a call away!
Call (925) 584-2428 to talk through your project and get us the plan set. We'll review the drawings and give you a written quote for the HVAC scope.