Standard vs. premium — the real price difference
Most Fresno installations fall into one of two tiers. Here’s what each one actually includes.
Standard Efficiency (14-16 SEER)
Good for most 1,200-1,800 sq ft homes and first-time installs. From $6,500 installed. 3-ton split system, 10-year parts warranty, permit included. At 4.99% APR over 144 months, that’s roughly $89/month.
Premium Variable-Speed (19+ SEER)
Whisper-quiet, maximum comfort and efficiency, zoning available. From $12,400 installed. 5-ton variable-speed inverter, 12-year parts warranty. At 4.99% APR over 144 months, that’s roughly $169/month.
Both tiers also qualify for $0 down, 0% interest for 18 months on qualifying systems — see our Fresno HVAC financing options → for the full breakdown.
What the installed price actually covers
Manual J load calculation
Every quote starts with a real sizing calculation based on your home’s square footage, insulation, and window orientation — not a guess matched to your old unit.
Equipment, labor & permit
The unit itself, full installation labor, and the required permit are all included in the quoted price — not itemized as separate surprise line items later.
Manufacturer parts warranty
10 years on standard-efficiency systems, 12 years on premium variable-speed systems — included in the price, not sold as an add-on.
Why two homes with the same size unit get different quotes
The SEER tier is only part of the equation. A few other factors commonly shift the final number up or down:
Ductwork condition
If existing ductwork needs repair, resizing, or full replacement to handle the new system properly, that’s additional scope beyond the base installed price.
New construction or room additions
Installing where no ductwork exists yet is a larger scope than swapping an existing system — more materials, more labor, but also a system built correctly from the start.
Electrical capacity
Older homes sometimes need an electrical panel upgrade or new dedicated circuit to safely support a new system — identified during the free in-home estimate, never as a surprise mid-install.
System size (tonnage)
Larger homes need larger tonnage systems, which costs more upfront — but an oversized system for your actual square footage costs you more long-term in wear and inefficiency, which is why we calculate rather than guess.
What Fresno homeowners say
4.8 stars across 1,200+ verified Google reviews — Fresno, Clovis, Madera, Sanger, Selma, and surrounding Fresno County cities.
Our old unit was on its last leg — Grandmark showed us the numbers on video and it was clear repair wasn’t worth it anymore. New system installed same week, no pressure the whole time.
They replaced our AC and sealed the ducts at the same time. Didn’t know that was even possible with one company. House is cooler than it’s been in years and I have video proof of every step.
Three companies gave me quotes without even looking at the system. Grandmark ran a diagnostic and found the real issue. Saved me over $2,000 and my AC has been perfect ever since.
We’ll respond in 20 minutes or less
Tell us about your space and current setup, and we’ll schedule your free in-home estimate. During business hours, that’s typically within 20 minutes.
Cost questions Fresno homeowners ask
Is the $6,500 starting price the final price?
It’s the typical starting price for a standard-efficiency system in a straightforward installation. Your exact price is confirmed in writing after a free in-home estimate — the same crew that quotes it is the one that installs it, so there’s no bait-and-switch between the estimate and the invoice.
Does the price include removing my old system?
For replacements, yes — removal and disposal of the old unit is part of the quoted installed price, not billed separately.
Why do variable-speed systems cost more?
Variable-speed compressors run at partial capacity most of the time instead of cycling fully on and off, which improves efficiency, comfort, and noise levels — and typically extends the system’s working life. The higher upfront cost is offset over time by lower energy bills and fewer full-cycle stress events on the compressor.
Can I finance the full installed price?
Yes — $0 down and 0% interest for 18 months is available on qualifying systems, or 4.99% APR over 144 months for larger installations. Most homeowners qualify same-day with no hard credit pull.
More ways we help Fresno homeowners
AC Installation →
See the full installation process, sizing approach, and scenarios where installation applies.
Financing →
See the full breakdown of every financing option available.
What Every HVAC Service Costs →
See cost ranges for every HVAC service, not just installation.
Get your exact number in writing
Free in-home estimate. Real Manual J calculation. $0 down financing available.