Not every job is a replacement
“Installation” and “replacement” get used interchangeably, but they’re different jobs with different considerations. Installation means adding cooling capacity where none exists yet — or none exists the way it should.
Room addition or ADU
New square footage needs its own capacity calculation — tying into the existing system usually undersizes both the addition and the original space it was never meant to cool.
Window units or swamp cooler only
Older Fresno homes built before central air was standard often still run window units or evaporative cooling. A proper central system means real ductwork, not more window units.
New construction
Ground-up builds need a system sized to the actual house — insulation, window placement, and orientation all factor into a real Manual J calculation, not a rule-of-thumb tonnage guess.
Why “bigger unit” is the wrong answer
The most common mistake in new AC installation isn’t a bad brand — it’s an oversized system installed without a real load calculation. An oversized unit short-cycles: it cools the air fast but shuts off before it removes enough humidity, leaving rooms that feel cold and clammy at the same time. It also wears out the compressor years earlier than a properly sized system would. We run a Manual J calculation on every installation — accounting for square footage, insulation, window orientation, and ductwork condition — before recommending equipment, not after you’ve already agreed to a number.
Fresno AC installation — actual numbers
No “come to your house to see the price” games. Your final quote is locked in writing before we order a single part.
Standard Efficiency (14-16 SEER)
Good for 1,200-1,800 sq ft additions or first-time installs. From $6,500 installed, or $89/month over 144 months. 3-ton split system, 10-year parts warranty, permit included.
Premium Variable-Speed (19+ SEER)
Whisper-quiet, maximum comfort. From $12,400 installed, or $169/month over 144 months. 5-ton variable-speed inverter, 12-year parts warranty, zoning available.
What sets a real installation apart
Fresno-local techs, W-2 employees
We don’t subcontract. Every technician passed our background check and has installed systems across Fresno County for years — not whoever answered the dispatch call.
Written quote before we touch anything
You see the exact price, equipment model, and SEER rating in writing before any work starts. No hourly meter, no surprise add-ons.
$0 down, 0% interest for 18 months
Same-day financing approval, no hard credit pull. Most homeowners qualify in under 10 minutes.
All major brands
Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Rheem, Goodman, York, Bryant, American Standard — we install what fits your home and budget, not just one brand’s lineup.
What Fresno homeowners say
4.8 stars across 1,200+ verified Google reviews — Fresno, Clovis, Madera, Sanger, Selma, and surrounding Fresno County cities.
Had the same AC problem fixed twice by two other Fresno HVAC companies. Grandmark found the real cause on video — a slow refrigerant leak nobody had checked. One repair. No more problems.
AC went out on a Saturday in July. Grandmark came out same day, diagnosed it on video, and had it fixed within two hours. Every other company told me the earliest was Tuesday.
They installed our new 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.
We’ll respond in 20 minutes or less
Tell us about your space — square footage, current setup, and timeline — and we’ll schedule your free in-home estimate. During business hours, that’s typically within 20 minutes.
See the diagnosis before you commit to anything
Every Grandmark job starts with a full video walkthrough — existing ductwork, electrical capacity, attic access, and the specific factors driving your Manual J calculation. You see it before we quote a single dollar. After the install: a completion video documenting every connection, every reading, every seal — a permanent record for your home warranty and future service calls.
AC installation FAQ
What’s the difference between installation and replacement?
Replacement swaps out an existing failed or aging system. Installation adds cooling capacity where none exists — a room addition, a home that’s only ever had window units, or new construction. The equipment is similar, but sizing and ductwork planning differ since there’s no existing system to reference.
How long does a new AC installation take?
Most standard installations are completed in 6-8 hours for a straightforward split system. Installations requiring new ductwork — common for additions or homes converting from window units — typically take 1-2 additional days.
Do I need new ductwork for a room addition?
In most cases, yes. Tying a new room into existing ductwork usually undersizes airflow to both the addition and the rooms already on that duct run. We evaluate your existing system’s capacity before recommending whether to extend or install a dedicated line.
What size AC unit do I need?
There’s no universal answer — it depends on square footage, insulation, window orientation, and ceiling height, calculated through a Manual J load calculation. An oversized unit short-cycles and wears out early; an undersized one runs constantly and never quite keeps up. We calculate it, not guess it.
Do you offer financing for new installations?
Yes — $0 down, 0% interest for 18 months, with same-day approval and no hard credit pull in most cases. See our Fresno HVAC financing options → for full details.
Get your free in-home estimate
Real Manual J calculation. Written quote before any work begins. $0 down financing available.
More ways we help Fresno homeowners
Fresno HVAC Hub →
Every HVAC service we offer, all in one place.
AC Replacement →
Have an existing system that’s failing or past its useful life? See replacement options instead.
Installation Cost Guide →
Full pricing breakdown by system size, SEER rating, and ductwork scope.
Serving Fresno & Fresno County
Based in Fresno, dispatching crews across Fresno County and surrounding cities.
(559) 245-1485 · CSLB #1030917