Bay Area · Licensed & Insured

Central AC Installation in the Bay Area

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Why us

Licensed CA Contractor

NATE-Certified Technicians

Permit coordination included

In-home assessment

Pricing review due November 1, 2026

About This Service

A new central air conditioner is one of the most impactful upgrades a Bay Area homeowner can make — but it's also one of the easiest to overpay for. Our fixed-price AC installation process starts with an in-home load calculation so the equipment we spec is the right size for your actual square footage, not a round number. Every installation includes a full refrigerant charge, electrical disconnect, programmable thermostat, and city permit coordination.

Central AC Installation Cost in the Bay Area

Pricing review due November 1, 2026

This pricing guidance was owner-reviewed in August 2026 and is due for review on November 1, 2026. On or after that date, treat these ranges as historical planning guidance until the owner completes a fresh review.

Planning ranges reflect typical equipment, labor, and permit coordination. They are not a final quote; site conditions can change the final scope.

14 SEER2 Central AC (1,200–1,800 sq ft): $7,500–$10,500
16 SEER2 Central AC (1,800–2,400 sq ft): $9,500–$13,000
18 SEER2+ Central AC (2,400+ sq ft): $12,500–$16,000
Add: ductwork repairs or partial replacement: $800–$3,200

Planning ranges reflect typical equipment, labor, and permit coordination. They are not a final quote; site conditions can change the final scope.

What's Included

ACCA Manual J load calculation

New outdoor condenser + indoor air handler or coil

Full refrigerant charge (R-410A or R-454B)

Electrical disconnect and dedicated circuit check

Smart or programmable thermostat

City/county permit and inspection

10-year parts + 2-year labor warranty

How It Works

In-Home Assessment

We measure square footage, ceiling height, window area, and insulation to size the system correctly — not by rule of thumb.

Equipment Selection

We present 2–3 options across efficiency tiers. You choose based on budget and comfort priorities, not upsell pressure.

Permit + Schedule

We pull the permit and coordinate inspection before work begins. Most Bay Area cities require HVAC permits — we handle it all.

Installation Day

Our crew completes a standard replacement in one day. We test airflow, refrigerant pressure, and thermostat calibration before leaving.

Central AC Installation FAQ

How long does a central AC installation take?

A standard replacement (existing ductwork, no major electrical upgrades) takes 6–8 hours in one day. New ductwork or panel upgrades may add a second day.

What SEER2 rating should I choose?

In the Bay Area's mild climate, 14–16 SEER2 is the practical sweet spot. Higher SEER2 makes sense if you run AC heavily or plan to stay 10+ years.

Do I need a permit for AC installation in California?

Yes. California Title 24 requires a permit and HERS (Home Energy Rating System) inspection for new AC installations. We handle the permit, coordination, and scheduling.

Can I keep my existing ductwork?

Often yes — we inspect and pressure-test your ducts during the assessment. If they leak more than 15%, we'll quote a repair or partial replacement separately.

Will the new system qualify for a rebate?

Utility incentive programs for high-efficiency systems change frequently. Ask us at your estimate what's currently available — we document the installation correctly regardless, which keeps your options open.

Cities We Serve

AC Installation installation is available throughout the Bay Area. Find your city for local pricing, permitting, and project details.

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