Aarvaks central air conditioning installation runs from $10,000 to $15,000, depending on system size and scope. We install Carrier and Bosch air conditioners and can add AC to a home that has a furnace but no cooling.
What Changes an AC Quote
- System size. We size with a load calculation for your home.
- Existing furnace and ducts. AC shares the furnace blower and ductwork, so their condition matters.
- Electrical work. A new outdoor unit may need a new circuit.
- Efficiency. Variable-speed systems cost more and run more quietly and evenly.
AC or a Heat Pump?
A heat pump looks like an air conditioner but also heats. If your furnace is aging too, a heat pump starting at $17,000 can replace both. Read heat pumps vs. air conditioners.
Signs Your AC Needs Replacing
- Repairs every cooling season, especially refrigerant leaks
- A system that runs constantly and still cannot hold the temperature
- An old unit that uses a refrigerant no longer produced
- Rising electric bills with no change in use
Matching the AC to the Furnace
A central AC shares the furnace blower and ductwork. A new AC paired with an old furnace may not reach its rated efficiency, so we check the furnace and coil at the estimate and tell you whether they match. If the furnace is aging too, replacing both at once, or switching to a heat pump, often makes more sense.
What a Good Quote Includes
- The model and efficiency rating (SEER2)
- Whether a new indoor coil is included
- Electrical work and a new pad if needed
- Labor and parts warranty terms
In Moraga, we added a Carrier AC to an existing two-stage furnace. Book an estimate or see AC installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does central AC cost in Berkeley?
Aarvaks central AC installation runs $10,000 to $15,000 depending on system size and scope.
Can you add AC to a house that only has a furnace?
Yes, when the furnace and ductwork can support it. We added a Carrier AC to an existing two-stage furnace in Moraga.
Is central AC worth it in a mild Bay Area climate?
It depends on your home and microclimate. Inland and hillside homes see more hot days than bayside homes. A heat pump adds cooling and replaces gas heat in one system.
How long does AC installation take?
Most central AC replacements are completed in a day when the furnace and ducts can be reused. Adding AC to a home that never had it can take longer.