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HVAC / Air Conditioning Cost in California
California hvac / air conditioning prices are 35% higher than the national average.
California Average Cost
$6,750 - $20,250
Based on local labor and material costs
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California Climate & Regional Factors
High labor costs and strict building codes. Wildfire zones require special materials. Coastal areas face salt air corrosion.
HVAC / Air Conditioning Costs by Material in California
| Material | California Cost/Sq Ft | National Average | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central AC Only | $2.70 - $5.40 | $2.00 - $4.00 | 15-20 years |
| Heat Pump | $4.05 - $8.10 | $3.00 - $6.00 | 15-20 years |
| Furnace + AC | $5.40 - $10.80 | $4.00 - $8.00 | 15-25 years |
| Ductless Mini-Split | $6.75 - $13.50 | $5.00 - $10.00 | 20 years |
| Geothermal | $16.20 - $33.75 | $12.00 - $25.00 | 25-50 years |
HVAC / Air Conditioning Cost by Size in California
1,000 sq ft (1.5-2 ton)
$4,725 - $9,450
National: $3,500 - $7,000
1,500 sq ft (2-2.5 ton)
$6,075 - $12,150
National: $4,500 - $9,000
2,000 sq ft (2.5-3 ton)
$7,425 - $14,850
National: $5,500 - $11,000
2,500 sq ft (3-3.5 ton)
$8,775 - $17,550
National: $6,500 - $13,000
3,000 sq ft (3.5-4 ton)
$10,125 - $20,250
National: $7,500 - $15,000
4,000 sq ft (4-5 ton)
$12,150 - $24,300
National: $9,000 - $18,000
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a new HVAC system cost in California?▼
Complete HVAC systems cost $5,000-$15,000 for typical homes. Central AC alone runs $3,000-$7,000. Furnace replacement costs $2,500-$6,000. Heat pumps cost $4,000-$10,000. Prices include equipment and installation.
How long does HVAC installation take in California?▼
Replacing like-for-like equipment takes 4-8 hours (1 day). Full system replacement takes 1-2 days. New installations requiring ductwork take 3-5 days. Complex installations or ductwork modifications may take a week.
What size AC do I need in California?▼
General rule: 1 ton (12,000 BTU) per 400-600 sq ft. A 2,000 sq ft home typically needs a 3-ton unit. Factors include climate, insulation, windows, and ceiling height. Undersized units run constantly; oversized units short-cycle and dehumidify poorly.
Is a heat pump better than AC in California?▼
Heat pumps provide both heating and cooling, making them more efficient in moderate climates. They cost 10-30% more than AC only but save on heating costs. In very cold climates (below 30°F regularly), a furnace backup may be needed.
How often should HVAC be replaced in California?▼
AC units and heat pumps last 15-20 years; furnaces last 15-25 years. Replace when: repair costs exceed 50% of replacement, efficiency drops significantly, refrigerant type is phased out (R-22), or system can't maintain comfort.
HVAC / Air Conditioning Costs in Nearby States
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