AC installation in Richmond, CA
Many Richmond homes were built without air conditioning, and heat waves keep getting longer. A new AC in Richmond typically costs about $7,000 to $11,200 installed for common 2 to 4 ton systems, and often a heat pump that also heats is the smarter buy.
We size the system for your home, check your electrical panel and ducts, handle the permit and explain every option before you commit. Emergency service is available 24/7.
The price in plain numbers
Average installed prices in Richmond from our pricing guide are about $7,000 for a 2 ton system, $9,200 for a 3 ton and $11,200 for a 4 ton. Bay Area labor and permit costs put Richmond among our higher priced markets.
See the AC installation pricing guide.
| System size | Typical home size | Average installed |
|---|---|---|
| 2 ton | 1,000 to 1,400 sq ft | $7,000 |
| 3 ton | 1,800 to 2,200 sq ft | $9,200 |
| 4 ton | 2,600 to 3,200 sq ft | $11,200 |
Examples of our work
Adding air conditioning to an older East Bay home
Victorian and mid century homes in Richmond, El Sobrante and Berkeley often have no ducts for cooling, tight attics and electrical panels that were never meant to carry a modern system. That changes the job.
Before we quote, we look at the panel, the attic and the layout, and we tell you which option fits: a ducted system, a heat pump, or a ductless mini split that needs no ducts at all.
The ductless route is common here, because it avoids opening walls in older homes. See the ductless mini split installation pricing guide.
A mild climate still needs the right size
Richmond is cooler than the Central Valley, so a system chosen by copying a hot inland neighbor will be too large. An oversized unit cools in short bursts and wears faster.
We size from your home: floor area, layout, insulation, windows and shade.
Air conditioner or heat pump?
Because Richmond homes also need heat, a heat pump can replace an old furnace and add cooling at once. The Bay Area's rule on new gas furnaces starts in 2029, so it is worth pricing both.
See heat pump installation in Richmond and furnace installation in Richmond. The U.S. Department of Energy explains how heat pumps work.
How an AC installation works
- A walk through. We see the space, the ducts and the electrical panel.
- A written plan. Size, model, efficiency and price, with no work started yet.
- Permit and scheduling. We handle the paperwork and tell you what to expect on the day.
- Installation. Equipment, lines, electrical and drain, then startup checks.
- Handoff. We show you the thermostat, the filter and what to watch for.
What moves the price of a Richmond cooling job
- A ducted system versus a ductless mini split, since ductless avoids opening walls.
- Electrical panel capacity, which is common to check in older homes.
- Attic access, since many East Bay attics are tight.
- Permit and Title 24 requirements for a replacement.
- Whether you want cooling only, or a heat pump that heats too.
The cheapest bid is often the one that left something out. Compare what each quote includes.
Questions worth asking any Richmond contractor
- Did you look at my panel before quoting?
- Is a ductless system a better answer for my house?
- How did you choose the size, since Richmond is milder than inland cities?
- Is the permit included?
- What does the warranty cover, and who services it?
Where we serve
We serve Richmond, El Sobrante, Berkeley, El Cerrito, San Pablo, Pinole, Hercules and Albany. See AC repair in Richmond and HVAC in Richmond.
Brands we service
We repair and install all major brands. Each brand page lists the models we install, the problems we see most and what the warranty typically covers. See how we match a technician to your brand.
Richmond, CA on the map
Common questions
How much does a new AC cost in Richmond, CA?
Average installed prices in our guide are about $7,000 for a 2 ton, $9,200 for a 3 ton and $11,200 for a 4 ton.
My home has no ducts. Can it still have AC?
Yes. A ductless mini split cools without ducts.
Will my electrical panel handle a new system?
Sometimes. We check the panel during the estimate and tell you if an upgrade is needed.
Is a heat pump better than an AC here?
Often, since it also heats. It depends on your panel, ducts and costs.
Do I need a permit?
In most cases yes. We handle it.
Talk to a person
Call any hour for emergency service, or reach us during business hours for a visit or a quote.