The five things that move the price
- System size, set by a load calculation rather than square footage
- Efficiency and compressor type: single-stage, two-stage or variable-speed
- Ductwork condition, since leaky or undersized ducts add repair or replacement
- Access: attic air handlers and steep hillside lots take more labor
- Electrical work: a new disconnect, circuit or panel capacity
| System | Typical installed price |
|---|---|
| AC condenser + coil on existing furnace | $6,500–$11,000 |
| Complete AC + furnace system | $11,000–$19,000 |
| Ducted heat pump (heating + cooling) | $12,000–$24,000 |
| Single-zone ductless mini-split | $4,500–$8,500 |
| Duct sealing or repair add-on | $800–$3,500 |
Permits and testing are not optional
California’s energy code requires a permit and, in most replacement cases, third-party HERS verification of things like duct leakage and refrigerant charge. A quote that leaves these out is not cheaper; it is incomplete. Every ComfortFlow AC installation quote includes the permit and testing.
Hotter neighborhoods, bigger loads
Homes in Warm Springs and on the Mission San Jose hillsides generally need more cooling capacity than similar homes near the bay. Two-story homes there often benefit from zoning or a variable-speed system to keep upstairs bedrooms comfortable, which adds cost but solves the most common complaint we hear.
Rebates and credits in 2026
The federal 25C tax credit, which had covered part of qualifying AC and heat pump installations, ended for equipment placed in service after December 31, 2025. Regional heat pump incentives in the Bay Area have continued in various forms. If you are replacing both heating and cooling, a heat pump is more likely to qualify for whatever is currently available.
How to compare quotes
Ask every contractor for the same things in writing: the load calculation result, exact model numbers for the outdoor and indoor units, whether the line set is new or reused, the permit and HERS test, and the warranty terms for parts and labor. When those match, comparing price is fair.