Duct Replacement in San Antonio, TX — New R8 Ducts, R-38 Insulation, UV Light | Honeycomb

Duct Replacement in San Antonio, TX Snapshot

The Problem: Old Ducts, Poor Air Quality, and 4 Estimates to Compare

David’s home on Silver Wagon in San Antonio, TX 78254 had an aging duct system that needed to go. The air quality wasn’t where it should be, and he knew a full replacement was coming he just wanted to make sure he was making the right call with the right company.

So he did what any smart homeowner would do: he got four estimates from different HVAC companies. His original plan was straightforward find the lowest price and go with it. Honeycomb Heating and Cooling wasn’t the cheapest option on the table.

But something changed when Aaron Botts came out to do the estimate. Instead of a quick look and a number on a paper, Aaron sat down with David, walked him through everything he found, and explained what the best solution actually looked like and why. That transparency made a difference.

How the Job Was Done — Two Days, Four Techs, Full Scope

After David signed the estimate on March 18, 2026, the job was scheduled and completed by April 9, 2026. The installation crew Angel, Manny, Sergio, and Gil handled the full scope in two days.

Step 1 — Remove Old Duct System and Insulation

The crew removed the existing air duct system and old insulation from the attic clearing everything out before any new materials went in. This isn’t a shortcut job; a proper duct replacement starts with a clean slate.

Step 2 — Install New 3-Ton R8 Duct System with Plenums

The new duct system is a 3-ton R8 configuration R8 flex duct has a higher insulation rating than the standard R6, which means less energy loss between the air handler and each room. New plenums were installed as part of the replacement, ensuring proper airflow distribution throughout the home.

Step 3 — Install R-38 Blown Insulation in Attic

With the old insulation removed, the crew installed new R-38 blown insulation at 15-inch depth across the attic floor. R-38 is the recommended insulation level for attics in South Texas climate zones it significantly reduces heat transfer from the attic into the living space, which directly affects how hard the AC has to work during summer.

Step 4 — Chemical Growth Treatment in Air Handler

A chemical treatment was applied inside the evaporator and air handler housing to eliminate existing biological growth and prevent future buildup. In South Texas humidity, untreated air handlers can develop mold and bacterial growth that circulates through the duct system this treatment addresses that at the source.

Step 5 — Pull, Clean, and Reinstall Blower Motor Assembly

The blower motor and assembly were pulled, professionally cleaned, and reinstalled. A dirty blower motor runs less efficiently and can reduce airflow across the whole system cleaning it as part of the replacement ensures the new duct system performs at full capacity from day one.

Step 6 — Install UV Light Air Purifier

A 120V UV light air purifier was wired into the air handler and installed with a UV bulb. UV light systems neutralize airborne bacteria, mold spores, and viruses as air passes through the system — an IAQ upgrade that works passively, 24/7, without filters to replace.

What Was Installed — Full Scope Breakdown

This was a full indoor air quality overhaul — not just a duct swap. Here’s what went into the job:

3-Ton R8 Duct System with Plenums

R8 flex duct provides superior thermal insulation compared to standard R6 duct — reducing energy loss in hot attic conditions. For a San Antonio home running AC from May through October, this difference adds up across every cooling cycle.

R-38 Blown Attic Insulation (15-inch depth)

R-38 is the Department of Energy’s recommended insulation level for attics in Climate Zone 2, which covers San Antonio and most of South Texas. Installing at 15-inch depth with blown insulation ensures even coverage across the entire attic floor, including hard-to-reach corners that batt insulation often misses.

Chemical Growth Treatment

Applied inside the evaporator coil housing and air handler, this treatment addresses existing microbial growth and creates an inhospitable environment for future buildup. For homes with visible moisture or humidity issues, this step is critical new ducts circulating through an untreated air handler will develop the same problem again.

UV Light Air Purifier

The 120V UV light purifier is wired directly into the air handler, positioning the UV bulb in the path of circulating air. This is a set-and-forget IAQ solution no filter changes, no cartridges, no maintenance beyond an annual bulb replacement. It’s particularly effective against mold spores, which are a persistent issue in South Texas homes.

Discounts Applied

Honeycomb Heating and Cooling offers a 5% discount for teachers, first responders, police officers, military, and seniors — as well as a 5% cash/check/ACH payment discount. David’s final investment reflected both discounts applied to the original project total.

Angel, Manny, Sergio, and Gil completed the full installation in two days. Before leaving, Angel walked David through before and after photos of the attic showing exactly what was removed, what was installed, and what the finished job looked like.

David, who had originally been looking for the cheapest price, posted a 5-star Google review. He called Honeycomb professional and transparent, praised the crew’s efficiency, and closed with something most HVAC companies rarely earn: “You have gained a long-term customer.”

Before going with Honeycomb, I got 4 estimates from different companies. Originally I was looking for the cheapest price and running with it. Although Honeycomb was not in the top spot price wise, I decided to commit to them.

Just felt this company really cares about the customers and truly doing honest work. Aaron came by and did the estimate for us. He sat down and explained top to bottom on what he found and what was the best solution.

He also showed passion on what he does and for what the company stands for. Angel, Manny, Sergio, and Gil… Thank you so much for your hard work and dedication. Yall were awesome! They came in and worked efficiently as a team. 2 days they knocked out on removing the air duct system and insulation and also installing new air ducts and insulation.

Angel showed me the before and after pictures and explained on what they did. I appreciate yall doing what yall do.

Thank you Honeycomb for being professional and transparent. You have gained a long term customer.–David SM, San Antonio TX 78254 | Google Review

Frequently Asked Questions — Duct Replacement in San Antonio, TX

How much does duct replacement cost in San Antonio, Texas?

Full duct replacement in San Antonio, TX typically ranges from $8,000 to $16,000+ depending on home size, duct configuration, and whether additional work like insulation, UV light, or growth treatment is included. In this San Antonio 78254 case, a 3-ton R8 duct replacement with new R-38 attic insulation, UV light air purifier, growth treatment, and blower motor cleaning came in at approximately $13,000–$14,000 — with discounts applied for cash payment.

How long does a full duct replacement take in San Antonio?

Most full residential duct replacements in San Antonio take 1 to 3 days depending on home size and scope of work. In this Silver Wagon Drive job, a crew of four — Angel, Manny, Sergio, and Gil — completed the full scope (duct removal, new R8 duct install with plenums, R-38 insulation, UV light, growth treatment, and blower motor cleaning) in two days.

What is R8 duct and why is it better than standard duct?

R8 flex duct has an insulation rating of R-8, compared to the more common R-6 used in many residential installations. In climates like San Antonio, where attic temperatures can exceed 130°F in summer, the higher insulation value of R8 duct significantly reduces heat transfer into the conditioned air moving through the system — which means less energy wasted and lower cooling costs over time.

Do I need to replace insulation when I replace my ducts in San Antonio?

Not always — but it’s often the right move. If the existing attic insulation is old, compressed, or below R-38 (the recommended level for San Antonio’s climate zone), replacing it at the same time as the duct system maximizes the efficiency gains of the new ducts. In this job, the old insulation was removed and replaced with new R-38 blown insulation at 15-inch depth during the same 2-day installation.

What does a UV light air purifier do for my HVAC system?

A UV light air purifier installed inside your HVAC air handler neutralizes airborne bacteria, mold spores, and viruses as air circulates through the system. In South Texas homes, where humidity levels support mold growth in ductwork and air handlers, a UV light system provides continuous passive protection — 24 hours a day, without additional filters or maintenance beyond an annual bulb replacement.

Why should I get multiple estimates before replacing my HVAC ducts?

Getting multiple estimates helps you understand the market rate for the work, compare scopes (not all duct replacement quotes include the same items), and evaluate which contractor is actually explaining the work vs. just giving you a number. In David’s case in San Antonio 78254, after 4 estimates, he chose Honeycomb Heating and Cooling — not because they were the cheapest, but because of how thoroughly Aaron Botts explained the findings and the solution during the estimate visit.

Does Honeycomb Heating and Cooling offer discounts on duct replacement in San Antonio?

Yes. Honeycomb Heating and Cooling offers a 5% discount for teachers, first responders, police officers, active military, and seniors. A separate 5% discount is also available for customers who pay by cash, check, or ACH transfer. Both discounts were applied to David’s duct replacement project in San Antonio, TX 78254. Contact Honeycomb at honeycombair.com to confirm current discount availability.

Ready to Replace Your Ducts or Upgrade Your Air Quality?

Honeycomb Heating and Cooling handles full duct replacements, insulation upgrades, and IAQ installs across San Antonio, TX.

📞 Call or Book Online → honeycombair.com

Ask about discounts for seniors, military, first responders, and teachers.