When should I replace my AC instead of repairing it?

Replace when any of these apply: the system is 10-15+ years old, repair costs exceed 50% of replacement, you've had 3+ repairs in the past year, energy bills are steadily climbing, or the unit uses R-22 refrigerant (phased out, expensive to service). A 14-year-old system with an $1,800 repair quote is a strong replacement candidate.

What size AC unit do I need for my San Francisco home?

San Francisco cooling loads typically require 25-30 BTU per square foot due to climate demand — higher than the 20 BTU national average. A 2,000 sqft home often needs a 4-5 ton system. A Manual J load calculation from a licensed contractor provides accurate sizing based on your specific home and climate exposure.

How long does AC replacement take?

Most San Francisco AC replacements complete in 4-8 hours for standard central systems reusing existing ducts. Full replacements with new ductwork or electrical upgrades can take 2-3 days. Same-day completion is standard for most contractors when all parts and equipment arrive on schedule.

Are there rebates or tax credits for AC replacement in California?

Yes. Federal tax credits offer up to $2,000 for qualifying high-efficiency heat pumps (ENERGY STAR Most Efficient certification). California utility companies frequently offer rebates of $100-$1,500 for SEER2 15+ systems. Check the ENERGY STAR rebate finder and your local utility website for current programs.

What's the best time of year to replace an AC in San Francisco?

Schedule replacement during shoulder seasons (March-April or October-November) when San Francisco contractors have more availability and often discount older inventory. Emergency replacements during peak heat can cost 10-20% more and face 1-2 week wait times for high-efficiency equipment.

81 AC Replacement Contractors in San Francisco, CA

4.8 avg rating

·2,446 total reviews·5 offer 24/7 service

Need emergency service? 46 HVAC providers in San Francisco offer 24/7 availability→

AC Repair(310)HVAC Maintenance(319)AC Installation(189)HVAC Service(388)HVAC Repair(229)Emergency HVAC(151)AC Replacement(81)Commercial HVAC(99)

Top-Rated AC Replacement Contractors in San Francisco

Discount Plumbing San Francisco

5.0(481 reviews)

24/7 Highly Rated

“All 481 reviews award 5 stars, with multiple customers specifically naming technicians (Kyle P., Kevin, Ricardo, Miguel, Josue, Omar) and praising their clear…”

4321 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94114

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Art Electrical Services And More

5.0(353 reviews)

24/7 Highly Rated

“All five-star reviews across 353 ratings praise the contractor's diagnostic skill and transparent pricing. Reviewers frequently mention same-day availability…”

1588 20th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122

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Arch Plumbing Inc.

4.9(294 reviews)

24/7 Highly Rated

“Nearly 300 reviewers consistently praise the team's technical skill and dedication, with specific technicians like Carissa, Erick, Gerson, Mark, and Clarice…”

121 Quint St Ste 5E, San Francisco, CA 94124

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All AC Replacement Contractors (81 total)

J&A Plumbing and Rooter

4.8(264)

Highly Rated

“All eight sampled reviews award five stars, with technicians Roger, Rojelio, Alex, and Jose named…”

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Lutz Plumbing Inc

4.9(120)

Highly Rated

“120 reviews averaging 4.9 stars, with named technicians Edwin, Sean, Jimmy, Julian, and Phil appearing across…”

3123 17th St, San Francisco, CA 94110

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Vent Mg Air Duct Cleaning

5.0(103)

Highly Rated

“All 103 reviews award 5 stars, with customers consistently praising improved airflow, professional equipment,…”

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J J Rooter & Plumbing

4.9(94)

“Ninety-four reviewers award J J Rooter an exceptional 4.9-star average, with multiple five-star reviews…”

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Duboce Triangle Air Conditioner Repair

5.0(55)

“All 8 sampled reviewers award 5 stars, with consistent praise for same-day emergency response, technician…”

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HVAC Expert Inc Twin Peaks

5.0(52)

“All 52 reviews award 5 stars, with seven named customers praising specific scenarios: same-day heatwave…”

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Harris Water Heaters, Inc

4.3(86)

“86 reviews yield a 4.3-star average, with customers consistently praising specific technicians Jorge, Randy,…”

Accomplish Water Heater Service

5.0(41)

“All 41 reviews award 5 stars, with Beni named across multiple reviews for same-day response and consultative…”

Call

Rooter Hero Plumbing & Air of San Leandro

4.8(37)

“All 37 reviews award 5 stars. Reviewers frequently mention specific technicians by name, with Francisco,…”

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Inner Sunset Top Heating and Air

4.9(34)

24/7

“All 34 reviews are 5-star ratings, with customers repeatedly mentioning prompt arrival, thorough diagnostics,…”

2151 Irving St, San Francisco, CA 94122

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Animo Plumbing

4.2(59)

“Positive reviews emphasize same-day emergency response and thorough diagnostics that uncover hidden problems.…”

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Air Control Incorporated

5.0(28)

“All 28 reviews award 5 stars, with multiple customers specifically praising same-day arrival during…”

Call

Ingleside Air Duct Cleaning

5.0(28)

“All 28 reviews award 5 stars, with customers specifically praising same-day service availability, technician…”

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Valencia Electric

5.0(24)

“All 24 reviews award 5 stars, with customers specifically naming Pedro as the technician who resolved complex…”

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Healthy Duct Cleaning

3.6(79)

“Of 3 reviews analyzed, 2 award 5 stars citing professional communication and quality work, while 1 assigns 1…”

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AttiCal Insulation and Rodents

5.0(22)

“All 22 reviewers awarded 5 stars, with multiple customers specifically naming David, Adrien, and Angel S. as…”

Call

Visitacion Valley Heating and Air Conditioning

5.0(21)

“All 21 reviews award 5 stars, with recurring praise for same-day heating repair, thorough ductwork sealing,…”

Call

ARIAS CONTRACTOR

5.0(21)

“All 21 reviews award 5 stars, with clients specifically praising Tomas's project coordination, communication,…”

450 Justin Dr, San Francisco, CA 94112

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Bay Air Heating & Cooling

5.0(20)

“All 20 reviews award 5 stars, with emergency response during heatwaves, honest diagnostics without…”

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Acosta Heating & Sheet Metal

5.0(18)

“All 18 reviewers award 5 stars, with 5 specifically naming Ron as the technician who performed the work.…”

1000 California St, San Francisco, CA 94108

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Castro Air Conditioner Repair

5.0(17)

“Eight reviewers mention emergency same-day or same-hour arrival, with several praising the technician for…”

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Maintech Service

4.9(16)

“All 16 reviewers awarded 5 stars, with Ron and Kenton named across multiple reviews for water heater…”

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Apollo Heating & Ventilating

5.0(15)

“All eight publicly visible reviews award 5 stars, with four reviewers specifically naming technicians Chris…”

1005 Geneva Ave, San Francisco, CA 94112

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Pacific Radiant Heat & Construction

4.3(23)

“All five reviewers awarded 5-star ratings, with each mentioning specific technicians by name. Emergency…”

1039 Goettingen St, San Francisco, CA 94134

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Bay Quality Comfort

5.0(14)

“All 14 reviews award 5 stars, with customers specifically naming Tylor, Tyler Bruns, and Jonathan for their…”

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Allen Plumber Sewer & Drain

4.9(14)

“All 14 reviews award 5 stars, with customers specifically naming Patrick (3 mentions), Bruce (2), Leonard,…”

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AAA HVAC Repair San Francisco

5.0(13)

24/7

“All 13 reviews award 5 stars, with customers frequently praising same-day response, sub-hour repair…”

2238 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110

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AC Replacement Costs in San Francisco

Replacement costs for aging systems in San Francisco. If repair cost exceeds 50% of replacement, replacement is usually more economical.

Service	Low	Average	High
Central AC (3-ton, basic)	$5,060	$7,360	$10,120
Central AC (4-ton, mid-efficiency)	$6,900	$9,660	$12,880
Central AC (5-ton, high-efficiency)	$8,740	$11,500	$14,720
Full HVAC system (AC + furnace)	$10,663	$12,356	$12,972
Plus ductwork replacement If existing ducts are aged/leaking	$1,932	$2,760	$3,680
Repair cost threshold	50% rule: if repair > 50% of replacement, replace

Prices reflect Pacific coast metro averages compiled from published industry cost guides, contractor surveys, and regional labor data. Last updated: April 2026.

AC Replacement in San Francisco, CA: What to Expect

San Francisco's cool marine Mediterranean climate, marked by foggy summers averaging 68 F and mild winters near 46 F, keeps cooling demand among the lowest in California. The persistent marine layer pushes most HVAC work toward heating and ventilation rather than air conditioning, yet when AC Replacement in San Francisco becomes necessary, homeowners find 81 contractors serving the area with an average rating of 3.9 across 2,657 reviews.

Modern AC replacement costs in San Francisco reflect system specifications and installation complexity. A basic 3-ton central AC runs $5,060 to $10,120, while a mid-efficiency 4-ton unit costs $6,900 to $12,880. High-efficiency 5-ton systems reach $8,740 to $14,720. California requires HVAC contractors to hold the C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning Contractor license from the CSLB, ensuring professional installation standards.

Homeowners consistently highlight specific technicians across top-rated firms. Discount Plumbing San Francisco earns perfect 5-star ratings across 481 reviews, with clients naming Kyle P., Kevin, and Ricardo for clear communication and on-time arrival. Art Electrical Services And More receives similar praise for diagnostic skill and transparent pricing, while Arch Plumbing Inc. draws commendations for technical expertise with technicians like Carissa and Erick named repeatedly.

Frequently Asked Questions

AC replacement in San Francisco runs $1,932-$14,720 depending on system size and efficiency. A 3-ton basic central AC costs $5,500-$11,000 installed, a 4-ton mid-efficiency system $7,500-$14,000, and a 5-ton high-efficiency unit $9,500-$16,000. Full HVAC replacement (AC + furnace combined) averages $11,590-$14,100.

Other HVAC Services in San Francisco, CA

HVAC Service(388)HVAC Maintenance(319)AC Repair(310)HVAC Repair(229)AC Installation(189)Emergency HVAC(151)Commercial HVAC(99)

AC Replacement in Nearby Cities

Los Angeles, CA(576)San Diego, CA(211)Riverside, CA(204)Sacramento, CA(193)San Jose, CA(130)Fresno, CA(84)Anaheim, CA(66)Modesto, CA(56)

81 AC Replacement Contractors in San Francisco, CA

Top-Rated AC Replacement Contractors in San Francisco

Discount Plumbing San Francisco

Art Electrical Services And More

Arch Plumbing Inc.

All AC Replacement Contractors (81 total)

J&A Plumbing and Rooter

Lutz Plumbing Inc

Vent Mg Air Duct Cleaning

J J Rooter & Plumbing

Duboce Triangle Air Conditioner Repair

HVAC Expert Inc Twin Peaks

Harris Water Heaters, Inc

Accomplish Water Heater Service

Rooter Hero Plumbing & Air of San Leandro

Inner Sunset Top Heating and Air

Animo Plumbing

Air Control Incorporated

Ingleside Air Duct Cleaning

Valencia Electric

Healthy Duct Cleaning

AttiCal Insulation and Rodents

Visitacion Valley Heating and Air Conditioning

ARIAS CONTRACTOR

Bay Air Heating & Cooling

Acosta Heating & Sheet Metal

Castro Air Conditioner Repair

Maintech Service

Apollo Heating & Ventilating

Pacific Radiant Heat & Construction

Bay Quality Comfort

Allen Plumber Sewer & Drain

AAA HVAC Repair San Francisco

AC Replacement Costs in San Francisco

AC Replacement in San Francisco, CA: What to Expect

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does AC replacement cost in San Francisco?

When should I replace my AC instead of repairing it?

What size AC unit do I need for my San Francisco home?

How long does AC replacement take?

Are there rebates or tax credits for AC replacement in California?

What's the best time of year to replace an AC in San Francisco?

Other HVAC Services in San Francisco, CA

AC Replacement in Nearby Cities

All HVAC Contractors in San Francisco, CA

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