AC Installation in Berkeley & the East Bay
Central AC installation by Carrier Authorized Dealer technicians. Written quote before any work begins. CSLB #1146520.
★★★★★
“Very happy with the quality of service over the last decade+. So when it came time to replace our old A/C and gas furnace with a new and efficient heat pump, we naturally went with Aarvaks and have not been disappointed by their professionalism and quality of work. This is an expensive investment in our home, something I wouldn’t go with just anybody on.”
Installation Scope
What’s Included in Every AC Installation
Every Aarvaks AC installation covers the full scope — from removing your old system to verifying the new one is cooling correctly.
- In-home assessment and cooling load calculation — we size the system to your home before recommending equipment
- Written equipment recommendation and price quote — no work begins without your written approval
- Removal and disposal of existing AC system — we haul away the old unit
- Installation of new AC system — by EPA 608 certified, factory-trained technicians
- Refrigerant line installation and pressure testing — all connections verified to code
- Ductwork connections and sealing — existing ductwork inspected and connected to the new system
- Thermostat installation and programming — new or existing thermostat set up and tested
- System startup, testing, and performance verification — we don’t leave until the system is cooling correctly
- Permit application where required — we handle the permit process for Berkeley and East Bay jurisdictions
What We Install
Carrier and Bosch AC Systems
We install standard and high-efficiency central air conditioners.
Carrier Central Air Conditioners
As a Carrier Authorized Dealer, we install the full Carrier AC lineup — single-stage and two-stage models across a range of efficiency ratings. Factory-backed warranty applied at installation.
Bosch Central Air Conditioners
Bosch AC systems offer inverter-driven compressors for quiet, precise cooling at variable output. Well-suited for East Bay homes where consistent low-level operation outperforms on/off single-stage systems.
Replacing Any Brand
Replacing a Lennox, Trane, Goodman, Rheem, or American Standard? We install Carrier or Bosch into any existing system configuration. We service all brands after installation.
Transparent Pricing
AC Installation Cost
The final cost depends on the system selected, existing ductwork condition, and any additional work required — electrical upgrades, line set replacement, or duct repairs. We provide a written quote before any work begins.
$10,000
Starting installation price
Varies by system and scope
10yr
Limited parts warranty
On all new installations
1 Day
Typical installation time
Most replacements completed same day
AC installation ranges from $10,000 to $15,000 depending on system size and scope. 3-year labor warranty included. Extends to 5 years with annual maintenance plan enrollment. Financing available.
Recent Installations
Two recent central air conditioning projects we completed in the East Bay.
Carrier Infinity 2-Zone Modulating HVAC — Oakland, CA
The customer wanted a quieter 2-zone heating and AC system. His 27-year-old single-zone furnace was inefficient, rattled constantly, and the ductwork was severely damaged — and he had no way to control the temperature on the two levels of his home independently. We installed a Carrier Infinity Modulating 2-zone HVAC system with a custom closed-loop ductwork design. The new ductwork drastically reduced noise and improved airflow, and the customer now controls heating and cooling independently on each floor.
Carrier AC Added to Existing 2-Stage Furnace — Moraga, CA
We installed this customer’s Carrier Performance 96 two-stage furnace in 2016. With warmer East Bay summers, he wanted to add central air conditioning. Because the furnace was relatively new, we kept it and added the AC components — repositioning the existing system to fit both in a very small mechanical space.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does AC installation cost in Berkeley?
Central AC installation at Aarvaks ranges from $10,000 to $15,000 for a residential split system. The final cost depends on the unit’s cooling capacity, existing ductwork condition, and any additional work required such as electrical upgrades. We provide a written quote before any work begins. Call 510-848-5010 or book online for a free estimate.
Is central AC worth it in Berkeley’s mild climate?
Berkeley averages fewer than 10 days per year above 90°F, but heat events have become more frequent and more intense. For homeowners who already have ductwork, central AC is the most cost-effective path to whole-home cooling — the system runs perhaps 30–40 days per season and installation ranges from $10,000 to $15,000. Those without existing ductwork should consider a ductless mini-split system, which requires no duct modification and starts at $6,500 for a single zone.
How long does AC installation take?
Most AC replacements are completed in a single day. A straightforward swap of an existing system typically takes 4–6 hours. If ductwork modifications, electrical panel upgrades, or line set replacement is required, the timeline extends — we’ll include that scope in the written quote before the job begins.
Is a permit required for AC installation in Berkeley?
Yes. AC installation in Berkeley and most East Bay jurisdictions requires a permit. We handle the permit application process as part of every installation. All work is inspected and meets local code requirements.
Does AC installation qualify for tax credits or rebates in the Bay Area?
Not the federal tax credit. The Section 25C credit, up to $600 for a qualifying central air conditioner, covered improvements made through December 31, 2025, so it does not apply to systems installed in 2026. We identify any rebates that apply during the estimate process. See current East Bay rebates.
Do I need to replace my ductwork when installing a new AC system?
Not necessarily. We inspect your existing ductwork during the site assessment. If ducts are in good condition and properly sized for the new system, we connect the new AC to the existing infrastructure. If duct repairs, sealing, or resizing is required, we’ll include that scope and cost in the written quote before any work begins.
Ready to Replace Your AC?
Written quote before any work begins. 10-year parts warranty on every installation. Serving Berkeley and the East Bay since 1929.