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“Every reviewer awarding 5 stars specifically names a technician, Anthony, Troy, Roger, or George, and describes concrete problem resolution rather than generic…”
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“With 3,553 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, Airtron receives strong customer feedback with 5-star reviews…”
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“Nearly all 1,385 reviews award 5 stars, with customers repeatedly highlighting fast response times, honest…”
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“With 1,102 reviews holding a 4.9-star average, Zimmermann earns consistent praise for emergency…”
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“The 1,004 reviews average 4.9 stars, with nearly all giving 5 stars. Customers repeatedly mention fast…”
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“524 reviews yield a perfect 5.0 average rating, with technicians Zach and Jose appearing most frequently…”
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“530 reviewers award ASC an exceptional 4.9-star rating, with all mentioned technicians receiving 5-star…”
New central AC installation costs in San Antonio, by system type and brand.
| Service | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
Window unit | $150 | $350 | $700 |
Ductless mini-split (single zone) | $2,000 | $4,500 | $8,000 |
Central AC replacement (existing ducts) | $3,500 | $6,500 | $12,000 |
Central AC new install (with ductwork) | $7,000 | $12,000 | $20,000 |
Carrier (residential) | $3,800 | $6,200 | $10,500 |
Trane (residential) | $5,000 | $8,800 | $13,600 |
Lennox (residential) | $3,500 | $6,500 | $12,000 |
Rheem (residential) | $3,200 | $5,500 | $9,000 |
Prices reflect humid subtropical metro averages compiled from published industry cost guides, contractor surveys, and regional labor data. Last updated: April 2026.
AC installation in San Antonio is shaped by one of the most demanding cooling climates in Texas. Average summer highs hit 96°F, and the city logs more than 113 days above 90°F annually — with South Texas humidity adding latent load that pushes cooling systems hard from May through October. The local market is well-developed: 107 contractors serve the metro, holding a 4.8-star average across nearly 100,000 reviews, with nearly half available around the clock.
Installation costs in San Antonio range from $150 for a window unit to $20,000 for a high-efficiency central system with complex ductwork. The most common residential projects fall in the middle: ductless mini-split installations typically run $2,000–$8,000 per zone, while full central AC replacements using existing duct systems come in at $3,500–$12,000 depending on tonnage and SEER rating. All licensed contractors must hold the Texas Class A or Class B license from TDLR, requiring 48 months of documented field experience.
Customer feedback highlights a few names worth knowing. At Elmer's Home Services, installation techs KenShaun and Raul have earned comparisons to championship-level teamwork — one explaining the process while the other executed, during full system replacements. Goettl's technician Jonathan Buhidar stands out for diagnosing a pre-existing leak from a previous contractor during a routine service call. Jon Wayne Service Company earns consistent praise for covering multiple home systems in a single visit.
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