AC Installation Cost Estimator

All-in pricing for central air conditioning systems in the Bay Area — equipment, labor, permits & warranty. Free in-home quote, financing available.

Licensed #1145667Pro Installation

AC Installation Cost Estimator

Estimated Total$12,900 – $14,300*

2-Ton Central AC System

Estimated Installed Price

$12,900 – $14,300

Standard installation in most homes

  • Equipment
  • Professional Installation
  • City Permit
  • HERS Verification
  • System Startup & Testing
  • Manufacturer Warranty

Price Breakdown

Equipment

Ideal for homes up to 1,200 sq ft — small homes, condos, or apartments.

$8,900

Installation

Standard installation of the condenser, evaporator coil, and refrigerant lines, plus commissioning — 1-year labor warranty.

$3,500 – $4,500

City Permit

Varies by city — passed through at cost.

What does a city permit actually do? See it in diagrams →

$250 – $650

HERS Verification

Independent third-party testing required by CA Title 24.

$250

Additional Costs (If Needed)

  • New dedicated electrical circuit — $950 + electrical permit ($150 – $275 by city)
  • Longer line set (over 25 ft)
  • Difficult equipment access — upper-level or complex installs

What's Included

Price will be higher if the installation requires a line set longer than 25 ft.

* Prices shown are estimated installation ranges for standard installations. Final price may vary depending on electrical requirements, line-set length, equipment placement, permits, and site conditions. A final written quote will be provided after inspection.

Get your written quote in 24 hours

What size AC system do you need?

Labor & Manufacturer Warranty

Every installation comes with a labor guarantee and the manufacturer's limited parts warranty — and a maintenance plan extends your labor coverage to five years.

🛡 Multi-Zone, Premium & Central AC

Multi-zone systems, premium single-zone equipment, and central AC systems

  • 1-year labor warranty — full installation labor coverage, included at no extra cost.

  • 10-year limited parts warranty — manufacturer coverage on mechanical and electrical components.

Extend labor coverage to 5 years with a maintenance plan — $250/year.

Permitted, HERS-verified installation keeps your manufacturer warranty valid.

Documented annual maintenance is required to keep both the extended labor coverage and the manufacturer's parts warranty valid. Coverage does not include failures due to power surges, lack of maintenance, or “Acts of God” (e.g., fire, flood, or extreme weather).

No ductwork in your home? See ductless mini split pricing →

GoogleYelpReviews

What Our Customers Say

5.0
Anup N.

Anup N.

4 weeks ago · Menlo Park, CA

Yelp

I had BK and Jose show up today to look at my mini split after it started leaking water from the front the unit. I had a different shop come in yesterday who looked at the same issue and quoted me 15k to replace it telling me the shower pan is broken. I immediately knew I was being taken a for a ride. I thanked them and called Vargas the next day. I didn't know much about Vargas to be honest but I felt their pricing on website for mini splits seemed much more reasonable. They came in today, they diagnosed the issue, cleaned up all the wet components, serviced it clean and reassured me the unit was doing great and were on their way. This is what professional, honest service looks and sounds like. I was deeply impressed and promised them I would call them for future service and repairs. They look like an honest shop and we need more of them. So call them. Tip them as I did for a great and honest service. This is not a paid review. I am just a happy customer who got saved from getting ripped off because of Vargas.

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AC Installation Cost Questions, Answered

Straight answers — no jargon, no pressure.

Why might my final quote differ from the online estimate?

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The estimator covers a standard installation. Ductwork condition, electrical requirements, the size and SEER2 rating of the system, and site conditions can move the price — that's why we confirm everything with a free in-home visit and give you a firm written quote before any work begins.

Are permits and inspections included in the price?

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Yes — every install includes permits and inspections so your system is up to code and your warranty stays valid. We handle the paperwork with your local building department.

How long does a central AC installation take?

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A straightforward replacement is usually completed in a single day. Jobs that involve new ductwork, electrical upgrades, or a more complex configuration can take 2–3 days. We confirm the timeline in your written quote.

Do you offer financing or payment options?

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Yes — financing is available for approved homeowners, with details provided at your free in-home quote visit so you can choose the option that fits your budget.

Will a new AC system lower my energy bills?

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A properly sized, high-efficiency system (higher SEER2 rating) typically uses noticeably less energy than an older unit. We size your system to your home so you get reliable comfort without paying to over-cool empty space.

Book Your Free In-Home Quote

Tell us when to reach you — written quote, no pressure, no obligation.

  • See the price before you call — instant online estimate.
  • Free in-home visit, written quote within 24 hours.
  • Financing available for approved homeowners.
  • 5-star rated by local homeowners.

Prefer to talk? Call (510) 227-8383

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