Most permitted installs start around $10,000
A fully permitted AC installation in Central California typically starts at $10,000 and can run up to $35,000 for elite high-efficiency systems paired with new ductwork. Ductless mini-split systems are the exception and can come in under that $10,000 floor, since they skip the ductwork entirely. The number that actually matters is the one you get after a real inspection — system type, home size, existing ductwork condition, and electrical capacity all move the price. We provide a firm written quote before any commitment, after a free AC installation inspection.
AC installation cost by system type
A general guide for Central California homes. Your actual quote depends on system type, ductwork condition, and electrical setup — this table is a starting point, not a substitute for a real inspection.
| System type | Typical installed cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ductless mini-split | $4,500 – $9,500 | No ductwork needed — the one system type that can fall under the standard floor |
| Standard central AC (permitted) | $10,000 – $16,000 | Typical single-stage system, most common install |
| High-efficiency central AC | $14,000 – $22,000 | Variable-speed or two-stage systems, lower energy bills |
| Elite system + new ductwork | $22,000 – $35,000 | Full duct replacement paired with a top-tier high-efficiency system |
If your ductwork needs replacement or sealing, that’s what pushes a project toward the higher end of this range — it’s rarely included in a base system-only quote unless specifically scoped.
Four factors that move the number
System type
A ductless mini-split, a standard central system, and an elite high-efficiency system with new ductwork are three very different price points — not just a size difference.
Efficiency rating (SEER2)
Higher-efficiency systems cost more upfront but lower monthly energy bills, especially significant given how much AC runs in a Central Valley summer.
Ductwork condition
If your ducts are leaking, undersized, or original to an older home, new ductwork can add substantially to the project — this is what drives many installs toward the $22K-$35K range. See duct replacement if this applies to your home.
Electrical panel capacity
Older homes sometimes need an electrical panel upgrade to support a new system, particularly with heat pumps or larger systems. This gets identified during the inspection, not after the job starts.
Not sure which page you need?
If your current system is failing and you’re deciding between fixing it and replacing it, start with AC repair to see what a diagnostic actually costs. If you’ve already decided to replace an existing system, AC replacement covers that process specifically. This page covers new installations — a system going into a home for the first time, or a full swap where sizing and ductwork are being reassessed from scratch. If it’s your furnace instead of your AC, see furnace repair.
$0 down turns a $17,500 install into $972/month
At 0% interest over 18 months, a $17,500 system is about $972/month. Longer terms are available for a lower monthly payment. Most homeowners are approved same day with no hard credit pull. See HVAC financing for full terms and other project examples.
Check My Financing OptionsThe same standard as every other job
Every AC installation quote follows The Grandmark Standard → — a free video inspection before any number gets discussed, a written scope covering exactly what’s included, and a completion video once the system is running. The price you’re quoted is the price you pay, whether the job is a straightforward mini-split or requires ductwork and electrical work most companies would discover halfway through and use to justify a change order.
What our customers say
4.8 stars across verified Google reviews. Read every review →
Very professional, detailed and friendly. Diagnosed the problem quickly and had it fixed the same day. Tune-up price was reasonable.
Raul really explained everything and took pictures so we could see before and after. Typing this in the cool comfort of my fixed AC. Thanks!
Tony was very professional and thorough. He took the time to answer my questions and listen to my concerns about my AC unit.
See pricing specific to your city
Statewide ranges are a starting point — local labor rates, permit costs, and typical home sizes vary slightly by market. See the numbers specific to where you live.
AC installation cost FAQ
Why do AC installation quotes vary so much between companies?
Some companies quote based on square footage alone without a real load calculation, which either under-sizes the system (poor performance) or over-sizes it (higher cost, shorter equipment life). We size systems based on an actual inspection, which is why our quote may differ from a phone estimate you got elsewhere.
Can a system really cost less than $10,000?
Yes — ductless mini-splits are the one common exception, since they don’t require ductwork. A permitted central AC system, by contrast, typically starts around $10,000.
Does the quote include ductwork?
Only if ductwork is specifically scoped in. A base system quote covers the equipment itself; if your ducts need replacement or sealing, that’s quoted separately after inspection — see duct replacement for that scope.
Is a more expensive, higher-efficiency system worth it?
It depends on how long you plan to stay in the home and how many months a year you run AC. In areas with long cooling seasons, higher-efficiency systems often pay back their higher upfront cost through lower summer electric bills faster than in milder climates. We currently install HVAC systems in Fresno and Visalia — see local pricing below for either market.
Do you offer financing for AC installation?
Yes — $0 down, 0% interest for up to 5 years on qualifying installs, with same-day approval and no hard credit pull in most cases. See HVAC financing for full terms.
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