How much does a new AC system cost in San Antonio?

A new AC system in San Antonio costs $4,200–$12,000 fully installed. A basic 14–15 SEER2 system for a 1,500 sq ft home starts around $4,200. A high-efficiency 18+ SEER2 system for a 3,000 sq ft home can exceed $12,000. CPS Energy rebates of $500–$2,500 and federal tax credits up to $2,000 for heat pumps reduce the net cost significantly.

How long does AC installation take?

A standard like-for-like replacement takes 4–8 hours (one day). If ductwork modifications, electrical upgrades or a system resize is needed, it may take 2 days. New construction installations take 2–3 days including ductwork. Most San Antonio HVAC companies schedule installations within 3–7 days of signing the contract, though summer wait times can stretch to 2–3 weeks.

What size AC do I need for my San Antonio home?

General rule: 1 ton of cooling per 500–600 sq ft in San Antonio's climate. A 1,500 sq ft home needs a 2.5–3 ton system. A 2,500 sq ft home needs 4–5 tons. But square footage alone isn't enough — a proper Manual J load calculation factors in insulation, window count, ceiling height, sun exposure and ductwork condition. Any contractor who sizes your system by square footage alone is cutting corners.

AC Installation & Replacement in San Antonio

A new AC system in San Antonio runs $4,200–$12,000 installed. Big range. The price depends on your home's size, the efficiency rating you choose and whether ductwork needs attention. CPS Energy rebates knock off $500–$2,500 and federal tax credits add up to $2,000 more for heat pumps. Here's the full breakdown.

Systems from $4,200 CPS Rebates to $2,500 0% Financing Available

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New AC System Costs in San Antonio

Installation costs depend on three things: system type, efficiency rating and your home's specific requirements. Here's what each option costs fully installed:

Service	San Antonio Cost	Notes
Central AC (14–15 SEER2)	$4,200–$6,500	Budget-friendly, meets minimum code
Central AC (16–17 SEER2)	$5,500–$8,500	Best value for SA climate
Central AC (18+ SEER2)	$7,000–$12,000	Premium efficiency
Heat Pump System	$5,000–$10,000	Heats and cools, max rebates
Mini-Split (single zone)	$2,000–$5,000	No ductwork needed
Mini-Split (multi-zone)	$4,000–$12,000	2–5 zones
Ductwork Replacement	$2,000–$6,000	Full duct system
Thermostat Upgrade	$150–$500	Smart thermostat installed
Permit & Inspection	$75–$500	Required by City of SA

Prices include equipment, labor, standard materials, permit and basic thermostat. Does not include ductwork modification or electrical upgrades if needed.

CPS Energy Rebates & Tax Credits

San Antonio homeowners have access to some of the best HVAC incentives in Texas. Stack CPS Energy rebates with federal tax credits to offset $2,500–$4,500 of your installation cost:

Incentive	Amount	Requirements
CPS Energy — Central AC	$500–$1,500	Min SEER2 requirement, CPS-approved contractor
CPS Energy — Heat Pump	$1,000–$2,500	Higher rebate tier for heat pumps
CPS Energy — Smart Thermostat	$50–$100	ENERGY STAR certified models
Federal Tax Credit — Heat Pump	Up to $2,000	ENERGY STAR CEE Tier qualified
Federal Tax Credit — Central AC	Up to $600	ENERGY STAR Most Efficient

Real Example: $7,000 Heat Pump Installation

CPS Energy heat pump rebate: -$1,500. Federal tax credit: -$2,000. Smart thermostat rebate: -$75. Net cost: $3,425. That's a brand new high-efficiency system for less than half the sticker price.

Sizing Your AC for San Antonio's Climate

Sizing matters more in San Antonio than most cities. An oversized system short-cycles — it cools fast then shuts off, creating humidity problems and uneven temperatures. An undersized system runs all day, struggling to keep up when it's 105°F outside.

Home Size	Typical AC Size	System Cost Range
1,000–1,500 sq ft	2–2.5 ton	$4,200–$6,000
1,500–2,000 sq ft	2.5–3 ton	$5,000–$7,500
2,000–2,500 sq ft	3–4 ton	$5,500–$9,000
2,500–3,500 sq ft	4–5 ton	$6,500–$12,000

These are estimates. A Manual J load calculation by your installer determines exact sizing based on your home's specific characteristics.

The Installation Process

In-Home Consultation

A licensed tech inspects your current system, measures your home and performs a load calculation. They'll check ductwork condition, insulation levels and electrical capacity. This visit is free with most reputable contractors and takes 45–90 minutes.

Quote & Equipment Selection

You'll receive a detailed quote with equipment options (good/better/best), SEER2 ratings, CPS Energy rebate amounts and financing terms. Compare at least 3 quotes before committing.

Permit & Scheduling

Your contractor pulls the City of San Antonio mechanical permit ($75–$500) and schedules the installation. Lead times: 3–7 days off-peak, 2–3 weeks during summer.

Installation Day

Crew removes old equipment, installs new outdoor condenser and indoor coil/air handler, connects refrigerant lines, wiring and drain lines. System is charged, tested and calibrated. Takes 4–8 hours for a standard replacement.

Inspection & Rebate Filing

City inspector verifies the installation meets code. Your contractor files your CPS Energy rebate paperwork. You claim the federal tax credit on your next tax return (Form 5695).

AC Installation Questions — San Antonio

What SEER2 rating should I get in San Antonio?

For the San Antonio climate, 16–17 SEER2 hits the sweet spot between upfront cost and long-term energy savings. Going from 15 to 17 SEER2 costs about $1,000–$2,000 more upfront but saves $150–$300 per year on CPS Energy bills. At that rate, the upgrade pays for itself in 5–8 years. Going above 18 SEER2 has diminishing returns unless you qualify for CPS rebates that offset the premium.

Should I get a heat pump instead of a traditional AC?

In San Antonio, heat pumps make a lot of sense. They cool in summer and heat in winter — and since SA winters rarely drop below 25°F, a heat pump handles heating efficiently without needing a backup gas furnace. Heat pumps also qualify for the highest CPS Energy rebates ($1,000–$2,500) and federal tax credits (up to $2,000). The upfront cost is $500–$2,000 more than a traditional AC + furnace setup, but the rebates often cover the difference.

How do I choose an HVAC installer in San Antonio?

Verify their TDLR license first. Then check Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews). Ask if they do a Manual J load calculation — any installer who sizes by square footage alone is a red flag. Get 3 quotes minimum. Ask about their warranty (parts AND labor). Confirm they're a CPS Energy-approved contractor if you want rebate eligibility. Our matching service pre-vets contractors on all these criteria.

What's included in a standard AC installation?

A proper installation includes: removal and disposal of old equipment, new outdoor condenser unit, new indoor evaporator coil (or air handler), refrigerant line set, thermostat (basic or smart), electrical connections, condensate drain line, system startup and testing, city permit and inspection. It does NOT typically include ductwork modification, electrical panel upgrades or attic insulation — those are quoted separately.

Can I finance a new AC system?

Yes. Most San Antonio HVAC installers offer financing through GreenSky, Synchrony or Wells Fargo. Typical terms: 0% APR for 18–60 months on approved credit. Monthly payments on a $6,000 system at 0% for 60 months: $100/month. Some companies offer "same as cash" deals — pay it off within the promo period and pay zero interest. Always read the terms — deferred interest isn't the same as 0% interest.

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