Why we don't publish fixed prices
Fixed prices on a website for custom installation work are either outdated the moment they're published, or they're intentionally vague bait that forces an in-home sales conversation to reveal the real number. We don't do either.
What you'll find below are the cost FACTORS — the variables that explain why one quote is $8,000 and another is $14,000 on apparently similar systems. Understanding these lets you compare quotes honestly, including quotes from contractors we didn't give you.
What moves the number — AC and heat pump replacement
For a residential AC or heat pump replacement, the quote variance usually breaks down like this:
- Tonnage (2 → 5 tons) — larger systems cost more, but proper sizing (not oversizing) saves on both equipment and operating cost
- Efficiency tier — baseline SEER2 vs. 16-18+ SEER2 variable-speed adds $2,000-4,000 in equipment
- Air handler / coil match-up — AC alone vs. AC+coil+furnace is a meaningful difference
- Refrigerant and line set — reusing (with flush) vs. replacing can swing $800-1,500
- Ductwork condition — if ducts are undersized or leaking, duct work adds $3,000-7,000 but often addresses the real bottleneck
- Electrical — new disconnect, service upgrade, or long wire runs add labor
- Permit + HERS testing — $300-800 depending on jurisdiction
- Site conditions — roof access, equipment pad location, fence removal, condensate routing
What moves the number — furnace replacement
Furnace installs are typically less variable than AC installs because the equipment itself is smaller and the install footprint is more constrained. Factors:
- 80% vs. 90%+ AFUE efficiency tier — equipment cost + possible venting rework
- Existing vent compatibility — if you're moving from B-vent to PVC, add $500-1,500
- Gas line sizing — most straight swaps don't need gas line work; higher-BTU furnaces sometimes do
- Condensate drain routing on 90%+ units
- Combustion air supply (fresh-air intake) if the installation is in a confined space
- Permit + inspection fees
What moves the number — ductwork
Duct replacement cost is driven by home size, access, and whether we're reusing the plenum.
- Number of registers (6-register ranch vs. 14-register two-story)
- Attic access — walking-height vs. crawling-only
- R-value upgrade — R-6 baseline vs. R-8
- Plenum reuse vs. replacement
- Pest-damage remediation if rodents are the trigger
- Static-pressure design — sometimes requires a return-air modification
Financing options
Most residential HVAC work in California is financed through either a third-party consumer-finance partner (Synchrony, GreenSky, Service Finance) or a utility on-bill program (where available). We can discuss which options apply when we quote your job.
What to watch for in any HVAC financing offer:
- Promotional 0% APR terms — read what happens after the promo period (often full retroactive interest)
- Dealer markup — some financing products are offered with hidden fees baked into the equipment price
- Total cost comparison — a lower monthly payment at a higher APR often costs more over the full term
- Our quotes include the cash price AND any financed price, so you can compare apples-to-apples
Rebates and incentives
Federal and state incentive programs for high-efficiency HVAC have been generous and change frequently. We don't quote specific rebate dollars on this page because they go stale.
Check current eligibility directly before planning around any specific number:
- Federal 25C tax credit — available via your tax return for qualifying heat pumps, high-efficiency furnaces, insulation
- HEEHRA (Inflation Reduction Act) — income-dependent, state-administered rebates for electrification
- TECH Clean California — state heat pump incentive
- SMUD and PG&E — utility rebates vary by territory and are seasonal
- Local jurisdiction incentives — some cities layer on additional programs
Common questions
Why does one contractor quote $8,000 and another $15,000 for the same job?
Different equipment tiers (SEER2 rating, variable-speed vs. single-stage), different scope (AC alone vs. AC+coil+furnace), different compliance (HERS test, permit, warranty registration included or not), and different margin structures. The variables in this guide let you read both quotes and identify what each one actually includes.
Can you give me a ballpark over the phone?
Yes — a range, not a quote. The actual number depends on the load calculation and site conditions. We give an honest range on the phone so you can plan; a written quote comes after a free in-home evaluation.
Do you offer financing?
Yes, through standard HVAC industry financing partners. We'll show you both the cash price and the financed price so you can compare the true cost over the loan term, not just the monthly payment.
Are the federal 25C tax credit numbers accurate on your site?
We intentionally don't quote specific tax credit dollars on this site because the eligibility rules and amounts change. We'll walk through currently-applicable programs when we quote your job, but you should verify numbers directly with your tax preparer or at energy.gov.
Does a higher-efficiency system actually save money?
Depends on your run hours and your electric/gas rates. A 20 SEER2 variable-speed AC uses meaningfully less power than a 14.3 SEER2 single-stage — but the equipment premium may take 7-10 years of utility bills to pay back in the Sacramento region's climate. We model both options on your quote so you can decide based on real numbers, not sales pressure.