AC installation in San Bernardino, CA
A new air conditioner in San Bernardino typically costs about $5,300 to $8,600 installed for common 2 to 4 ton systems. In a climate with months of heat, dust and older ducts, the sizing and the duct work matter as much as the unit.
We size the system for your home, handle the permit and explain your options before you commit. Emergency service is available 24/7.
The price in plain numbers
Average installed prices in San Bernardino from our pricing guide are about $5,300 for a 2 ton system, $6,900 for a 3 ton and $8,600 for a 4 ton. See the AC installation pricing guide.
| System size | Typical home size | San Bernardino average installed |
|---|---|---|
| 2 ton | 1,000 to 1,400 sq ft | $5,300 |
| 3 ton | 1,800 to 2,200 sq ft | $6,900 |
| 4 ton | 2,600 to 3,200 sq ft | $8,600 |
Examples of our work
Signs it is time to replace
- The system is 10 to 15 years old or more.
- It has needed more than one repair recently.
- A compressor or coil failed on an older unit.
- Summer bills keep climbing, or some rooms never cool.
- It uses R-22 refrigerant, which is no longer produced.
Ductwork decides how it feels
Many older San Bernardino homes have ducts that are undersized for central AC, or that leak into a hot attic. A new, efficient unit connected to those ducts delivers far less comfort than it should.
We check the ducts during the estimate and tell you if sealing, insulation or a larger return would help. California's Title 24 energy standards can also require duct testing and sealing when a system is replaced.
Sizing for Inland Empire heat
The right capacity comes from the home, not the old unit: floor area, layout, insulation, windows and ducts. An oversized system cycles in short bursts and wears faster, while an undersized one never keeps up on a 105 degree day.
Ask how the unit performs at high outdoor temperatures, not only at the standard rating.
AC or heat pump?
A heat pump cools like an AC and also heats. Because the heating season here is mild, one heat pump can replace both an AC and a furnace, which makes the most sense when both are old.
See our heat pump installation pricing guide.
Rebates and rules
The big California heat pump rebate, HEEHRA, stopped taking new single family reservations on February 24, 2026, and the federal tax credit ended after 2025. See our California HVAC rebates and rules guide.
On gas furnace rules: in June 2025 the South Coast Air Quality Management District, which covers the San Bernardino valley, voted 7 to 5 not to approve proposed rules that would have phased out gas furnaces and water heaters, so the earlier Rule 1111 remains in effect.
The proposals went back to committee, so check the district's page for updates.
Most San Bernardino homes get electricity from Southern California Edison and gas from SoCalGas. Ask your utility what programs are open.
How a replacement works
- We look at the home. Equipment, ducts, attic and panel.
- We size and select. With efficiency options explained.
- You get options and prices. Including duct or electrical work, before work begins.
- We handle the permit and code steps.
- We install, start up and test. Airflow and refrigerant charge are checked, not guessed.
- We walk you through it.
Where we install air conditioners
We serve San Bernardino, Rialto, Fontana, Colton, Highland, Redlands, Loma Linda and Ontario. See AC repair in San Bernardino if you are deciding between repair and replacement, and all of our locations.
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.
San Bernardino, CA on the map
Common questions
How much does a new AC cost in San Bernardino?
Average installed prices in our guide are about $5,300 for a 2 ton, $6,900 for a 3 ton and $8,600 for a 4 ton.
What size AC do I need?
It depends on layout, insulation, windows and ducts, not only square footage. We size it for your home.
Can my old ducts handle a new system?
Sometimes. We test them and tell you if sealing or changes would help.
Is the $8,000 California heat pump rebate available?
As of February 24, 2026, single family HEEHRA rebates were fully reserved statewide and not accepting new reservations. See our rebates and rules guide.
Is there a federal tax credit?
No. The federal 25C credit ended after December 31, 2025.
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.