Galaxy Heating & Air provides professional air conditioner installation throughout the San Francisco Bay Area with licensed NATE-certified technicians. Central AC installation costs $5,000-$15,000, ductless mini-splits $8,000-$10,000, completed in one day. We install Carrier, Lennox, and Trane high-efficiency systems with SEER2 ratings up to 26, qualifying for federal tax credits and local utility rebates.
Where Can I Get Air Conditioner Installation Near Me?
Need AC installation near you in Pleasant Hill, Oakland, or San Francisco? When Bay Area summers heat up and your old air conditioner can't keep up, you want a reliable, efficient AC system installed by local experts who know our unique microclimates inside and out. Galaxy Heating & Air Conditioning specializes in AC installation and replacement for homes across Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, Concord, Oakland, Berkeley, San Francisco, and the greater Bay Area. Whether you're upgrading an old central air system, switching from window units to proper AC, or installing ductless mini-splits for hard-to-cool rooms, our licensed HVAC team provides professional air conditioning installation throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
Why Do Homeowners Trust Galaxy for Air Conditioner Installation?
- Bay Area - Focused ExpertiseWe design AC systems that work with the Bay's unique mix of foggy mornings, hot afternoons, and varied microclimates. Our technicians understand local building codes, permit requirements, and the specific cooling challenges Bay Area homes face.
- Honest, No - Pressure EstimatesWe give clear options for AC replacement, new AC installation, and ductless AC so you can choose what fits your budget and home. Our detailed proposals include equipment specifications, efficiency ratings, and long-term cost projections.
- Quality Equipment OnlyWe recommend high-efficiency air conditioners and heat pumps from premium manufacturers like Carrier, Lennox, and Trane - not cheap builder-grade systems that fail early. Every system we install is backed by comprehensive manufacturer warranties.
- Clean, Professional InstallationsOur installers respect your home, protect floors and landscaping, and clean up thoroughly when the job is done. We treat every installation as if it were in our own home, ensuring minimal disruption to your daily life.
- Local Service You Can ReachYou always have a direct line to us at (925) 578-3293 for support, questions, and future service. No answering machines or call centers-you speak directly with our knowledgeable team who knows your system history.
- Ongoing Maintenance & SupportWe offer AC maintenance and tune-up plans to keep your system running at its best for years to come. Regular maintenance extends equipment life, prevents breakdowns, and maintains peak efficiency.
Why Should You Trust Our Certifications & Warranties?
We're proud to hold exclusive certifications from the industry's most respected manufacturers and organizations, backed by comprehensive warranty protection for your peace of mind.
American Standard Platinum Dealer
Elite customer care certification - less than 3% of contractors nationwide
Diamond Elite Mitsubishi Authorized
Highest level factory certification for installation excellence
5-Year Labor Warranty Included
Every installation includes comprehensive labor coverage - 10-year extended available
BBB A+ & Diamond Certified
Top ratings for business excellence and customer satisfaction
What Air Conditioner Installation Services Do You Offer?
Central AC Installation & Replacement
If your home already has ductwork or you're building an addition, central air conditioning can be a great choice. Replace your old, inefficient central air conditioner with a high-efficiency system offering SEER2 ratings up to 26. We perform proper sizing through Manual J load calculations, ensuring optimal performance, comfort, and energy savings for your home.
- Remove old, inefficient air conditioners and recycle responsibly
- Install new high-efficiency central AC systems from Carrier, Lennox, or Trane
- Check and seal existing ducts to prevent energy loss
- Set up smart or programmable thermostats for maximum control
- Test airflow and refrigerant charge for optimal performance
- Whether your system is 15-20 years old, constantly breaking down, or using outdated refrigerant, we'll help you choose the right central AC replacement that balances efficiency, noise levels, and budget
Ductless Mini - Split AC Installation
No ducts? Hot upstairs bedrooms? Home office or ADU that never feels comfortable? Ductless mini-split air conditioners are often the best solution in the Bay Area. We install single-zone and multi-zone ductless systems that provide individual temperature control, extremely quiet operation, and high efficiency.
- Provide individual temperature control in each room
- Extremely quiet operation-perfect for bedrooms and offices
- Highly efficient, often more efficient than traditional central AC
- Avoid the cost and dust of adding new ductwork
- Ideal for older Bay Area homes without ducts, in-law units and garages, home offices and hobby rooms, and rooms that are always too hot or too cold
Heat Pump & Dual - Fuel Cooling Systems
If you're thinking ahead about both heating and cooling, a heat pump can be a smart, efficient choice for the Bay Area's mild climate. A modern heat pump system can cool your home in summer like an AC, heat your home in winter with impressive efficiency, and reduce or eliminate your dependence on natural gas.
- Cool your home in summer with same comfort as traditional AC
- Heat your home in winter with impressive energy efficiency
- Reduce or eliminate dependence on expensive natural gas
- We also install dual-fuel systems (gas furnace + heat pump) for homeowners who want the comfort and flexibility of both options
Complete HVAC System Upgrades
When installing a new AC, we can upgrade your entire comfort system for maximum performance. We create comprehensive solutions that address air quality, humidity control, temperature management, and energy efficiency all at once.
- Smart thermostat installation and programming
- Whole-home air purification systems
- Dehumidifiers for Bay Area's humid summer months
- Ductwork sealing, repair, or replacement
- Zoning systems for multi-level homes
- UV germicidal lights for improved air quality
What's Your AC Installation Process?
We don't just provide service and leave. Our process is detailed, methodical, and designed for long-term performance.
In - Home Assessment & Load Calculation
We start with a professional evaluation:
- • Free in-home consultation at your convenience
- • Professional Manual J load calculation for proper sizing
- • Evaluate windows, insulation, sun exposure, and ductwork
- • Discuss cooling problems, hot rooms, and comfort goals
- • Determine the right AC size and type using industry standards
Proper sizing is critical. An undersized unit struggles on hot days; an oversized unit short-cycles, wastes energy, and dehumidifies poorly.
System Design & Options
Based on your home and goals, we present options including:
- • High-efficiency central AC systems (up to 20+ SEER)
- • Heat pump systems for heating and cooling
- • Dual-fuel systems (heat pump + gas furnace backup)
- • Smart thermostat upgrades and air quality enhancements
- • Rebates, tax credits, and financing options
We'll explain efficiency ratings, expected energy savings, warranties, and pricing so you can make an informed decision.
Professional Installation
On installation day, our certified team will:
- • Remove and recycle old equipment properly
- • Install new outdoor condenser and indoor air handler/coil
- • Handle electrical upgrades and permits as needed
- • Install refrigerant lines and make EPA-compliant connections
- • Test system operation and verify refrigerant charge
- • Balance airflow throughout your home
We follow manufacturer guidelines and EPA regulations for professional, code-compliant installation.
Start-Up, Testing & Walkthrough
Before we call the job complete, we:
- • Test cooling performance in all rooms
- • Program and demonstrate smart thermostat operation
- • Verify proper airflow and temperature differential
- • Show you how to use and maintain your new AC
- • Register equipment warranty and provide documentation
We follow up to ensure your complete satisfaction with your new cooling system.
When Is It Time to Replace Your AC?
Not sure if you should repair or replace your air conditioner? Choosing between AC repair and AC replacement is one of the most important decisions Bay Area homeowners face, especially during the summer months. While a simple repair might seem like the cheaper option, an aging or inefficient system can end up costing you more in the long run through higher energy bills, frequent breakdowns, and uncomfortable indoor temperatures. In the Bay Area, AC replacement often makes sense when:
- Your AC is 12-15+ years oldMost air conditioning systems have a lifespan of 12-20 years depending on usage, maintenance, and climate conditions. If your AC unit is approaching or past this age range, replacement is often more cost-effective than continuing to repair an aging system. Older units are far less efficient than modern air conditioners, meaning they consume more electricity to deliver the same cooling performance.
- Frequent repairs and rising energy billsIf you're calling for AC repairs multiple times per year, or if your PG&E bills keep climbing despite similar usage patterns, your system is telling you it's time for a change. The cost of repeated repairs can quickly add up to the price of a new, more reliable AC installation. Additionally, older systems often work harder to maintain comfort, driving up your monthly energy costs significantly.
- Uses R-22 (Freon) or outdated refrigerantsR-22 refrigerant, commonly known as Freon, was phased out in 2020 due to environmental concerns. If your AC still uses R-22, refrigerant recharges are now expensive and difficult to find. Replacing your old AC with a modern system that uses environmentally friendly R-410A refrigerant is not only better for the planet but also ensures long-term serviceability and compliance with current EPA regulations.
- Some rooms are never comfortableUneven cooling throughout your home-where certain rooms are always too hot or too cold-can indicate an undersized or poorly designed AC system, blocked or leaking ductwork, or a unit that's simply past its prime. A professional AC replacement with proper load calculations and system sizing can solve these comfort issues permanently, ensuring every room in your Pleasant Hill, Oakland, or San Francisco home stays comfortable year-round.
- Loud, inefficient, or short-cycling operationStrange noises like grinding, squealing, or banging can signal serious mechanical problems. If your AC short-cycles (turns on and off frequently without completing a full cooling cycle), it's wasting energy and putting excessive wear on components. Modern AC systems run much quieter and more efficiently, with variable-speed compressors and fans that adjust output to match your exact cooling needs.
- High energy bills despite little useIf your electricity costs remain high even when you're barely using the air conditioner, it's a clear sign your system is inefficient. A new high-efficiency AC installation with a SEER2 rating of 16 or higher can reduce your cooling costs by 20-40% compared to older 10 SEER units, paying for itself over time through lower utility bills.
What Are the Benefits of Air Conditioner Installation?
- Free In - Home Estimates - Professional sizing and pricing
- High - Efficiency Systems - Save up to 50% on cooling costs
- Rebates and Tax Credits - Maximize your savings
- Flexible Financing - Make comfort affordable
- Manufacturer Warranties - Protect your investment
- Labor Warranty Included - Peace of mind guaranteed
- Professional Installation-Reliable, long - lasting performance
Where Do You Provide Air Conditioner Installation Services?
We proudly serve homeowners throughout the San Francisco Bay Area with professional air conditioner installation services. Click on your city to learn more about local service:
HVAC Tools & Calculators
Make informed decisions with our interactive HVAC calculators, system comparisons, and expert guides.
- Compare heat pump vs. furnace efficiency
- Calculate potential energy savings
- Access maintenance checklists