How much does HVAC cost in San Francisco?
By Our research team · Last verified · Methodology
Most San Francisco homeowners pay $5,100–$11,500 to replace a central AC on existing ducts (3 tons, installed). Typical is $7,900, about 27% above the US typical of $6,200. Replacing the furnace too brings it to $7,750–$19,050.
How we get this data- Typical
- $7,900
- Low end
- $3,800
- High end
- $17,200
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Get my fair quote →The typical San Francisco price is $7,900, 27% above the US typical of $6,200.
San Francisco's price band
San Francisco is pricier than 99% of the 195 US metros we price for HVAC work.
Replacing a 3-ton central AC in San Francisco costs $5,100–$11,500 on existing ducts, with $7,900 typical. A 3-ton heat pump runs $6,550–$14,900, a gas furnace $3,350–$9,550, and a single-zone mini-split $3,000–$6,650.
San Francisco's mild climate means many homes have no AC at all, so the first system is often a ductless heat pump that heats and cools. California's Title 24 permit and duct-testing rules apply. Under the federal Southwest standard, a new split central AC under 45,000 BTU must reach 14.3 SEER2 and also meet an EER2 floor for hot afternoons.
Prices on this page are installed: equipment, labor, removal of the old unit and startup. A permit ($120–$310), a new line set ($250–$810) or duct repairs may be extra, so ask. Labor is usually 40–60% of the bill.
Comparing cities, or after the US-wide picture? See the national guide: HVAC cost in the USA.
$5,100–$11,500 to replace a 3-ton central AC on existing ducts in San Francisco, installed — $7,900 typical. A heat pump runs $6,550–$14,900, a gas furnace $3,350–$9,550, and AC + furnace together $7,750–$19,050. Verified November 2026. Get free San Francisco quotes →
- 3-ton central AC on existing ducts: $5,100–$11,500 ($7,900 typical)
- Heat pump, 3-ton: $6,550–$14,900; gas furnace: $3,350–$9,550
- AC + furnace together: $7,750–$19,050
- Mini-split: $3,000–$6,650 for one 12,000 BTU zone, $9,550–$21,450 for four
- SoMa & the Mission runs 5–10% above the city average; Richmond, Vallejo & North Bay: up to 5% below the city average
Prices verified November 2026 · Cross-referenced against 45+ American pricing sources · See methodology
Installed prices for the San Francisco metro, re-verified November 2026. Equipment-heavy jobs move less with local labor costs than service calls do.
| Service | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central AC replacement, 3-ton (existing ducts)installed | $5,100installed | $7,900 | $11,500 |
| Central AC + gas furnace, replaced togetherinstalled | $7,750installed | $11,700 | $19,050 |
| Heat pump replacement, 3-ton (existing ducts)installed | $6,550installed | $9,550 | $14,900 |
| Central heat pump, high-efficiency with zoning (3-ton)installed | $11,900installed | $17,300 | $25,050 |
| Gas furnace replacement (80–96% AFUE)installed | $3,350installed | $5,500 | $9,550 |
| Ductless mini-split, 1 zone, 9,000 BTUinstalled | $2,600installed | $3,950 | $5,700 |
| Ductless mini-split, 1 zone, 12,000 BTUinstalled | $3,000installed | $4,650 | $6,650 |
| Ductless mini-split, 1 zone, 18,000 BTUinstalled | $3,800installed | $5,950 | $8,600 |
| Ductless mini-split, 1 zone, 24,000 BTUinstalled | $4,550installed | $7,400 | $10,500 |
| Ductless mini-split, 1 zone, 30,000–36,000 BTUinstalled | $5,700installed | $9,300 | $13,700 |
| Multi-zone mini-split, 2 zonesinstalled | $5,350installed | $7,750 | $11,900 |
| Multi-zone mini-split, 4 zonesinstalled | $9,550installed | $14,300 | $21,450 |
| Like-for-like AC swap: same-size mini-split, existing line setinstalled | $2,750installed | $4,150 | $6,200 |
| Install only: homeowner-supplied mini-split, 1 zonelabor only | $640labor only | $1,400 | $2,550 |
| Evaporative (swamp) cooler, roof-mountedinstalled | $1,550installed | $2,750 | $4,300 |
| Ductwork replacement, whole houseinstalled | $3,050installed | $6,700 | $11,600 |
| AC compressor replacement (out of warranty)per repair | $1,550per repair | $2,500 | $3,600 |
| AC repair, major: refrigerant leak fix + rechargeper repair | $730per repair | $1,600 | $3,050 |
| AC repair, minor: capacitor, contactor or drain lineper repair | $190per repair | $370 | $750 |
| AC tune-upper visit | $95per visit | $140 | $250 |
| Whole-system HVAC tune-up (AC + furnace)per year | $190per year | $290 | $570 |
| Duct cleaning, whole houseper home | $380per home | $570 | $890 |
| Smart thermostat, installedinstalled | $230installed | $340 | $510 |
| Old AC or furnace removal and disposalper unit | $120per unit | $310 | $620 |
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Prices verified November 2026 · Cross-referenced against 45+ American pricing sources · See methodology
Figures are for the San Francisco metro area in November 2026. Rural edges may add trip fees; SoMa & the Mission sits at the top of these ranges.
HVAC prices across San Francisco
Same city, four kinds of job. Older buildings in SoMa & the Mission take longer, bigger homes in Daly City & the Peninsula need bigger systems, and Richmond, Vallejo & North Bay usually comes in at or under the city typical.
SoMa & the Mission
- Installed
- $5,350–$12,650 installed
- Typical job
- $7,450–$10,000 / 3-ton AC swap
Condos, row houses and older buildings. Condensers often sit on roofs or in tight side yards, and paid parking, freight elevators and building rules all add labor.
Oakland & the East Bay
- Installed
- $5,200–$12,100 installed
- Typical job
- $7,250–$9,550 / 3-ton AC swap
Older houses next to new infill. The swap itself is standard; the extras are undersized ducts, old wiring and line sets that need replacing for the new refrigerant.
Daly City & the Peninsula
- Installed
- $5,100–$12,200 installed
- Typical job
- $7,100–$9,650 / 3-ton AC swap
Larger homes on easy lots. The ton count drives the price more than access, and two-system homes are common.
Richmond, Vallejo & North Bay
- Installed
- $4,850–$11,500 installed
- Typical job
- $6,750–$9,100 / 3-ton AC swap
Some of the lowest quotes in the metro. Book ahead in peak season, when crews are stretched and same-day service costs more.
Real-world HVAC costs in San Francisco
Here's what common HVAC jobs cost in San Francisco in 2026, a 3-ton central AC replacement on existing ducts, installed.
Swap a 3-ton AC on good ducts
Same spot, same size, matched indoor coil, old unit hauled away. Most San Francisco jobs land near $7,900; a 17+ SEER2 unit adds about $2,700.
Replace the AC and gas furnace together
The usual move when both are 15+ years old. One install, one warranty, a matched system. Typical is $11,700.
Switch from AC + furnace to a heat pump
A 3-ton heat pump on existing ducts, typically $9,550. Keeping the furnace as backup (dual-fuel) runs $8,450–$20,250.
Cool one room with a mini-split
A 12,000 BTU single-zone mini-split for a bedroom, office or addition, typically $4,650. A 9,000 BTU unit for a small room is $2,600–$5,700.
Cool a whole home with no ducts
A 4-zone ductless system, typically $14,300. Adding ducts for central AC instead costs $3,050–$11,600 before the equipment.
How much does HVAC cost in San Francisco?
$5,100–$11,500 installed, with $7,900 the typical San Francisco price. The spread is mostly the equipment tier and the install: a standard unit on a ground pad is a one-day job, while rooftop condensers, attic air handlers and new line sets add hours.
If the furnace is old too, doing both at once ($7,750–$19,050) usually costs less than two separate jobs. A 3-ton heat pump that heats and cools runs $6,550–$14,900, and a high-efficiency zoned heat pump $11,900–$25,050.
Central AC, heat pump and furnace prices in San Francisco (2026)
A 3-ton central AC runs $5,100–$11,500, a 3-ton heat pump $6,550–$14,900, and a gas furnace $3,350–$9,550, all installed.
| Line on the quote | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central AC replacement, 3-ton (existing ducts) | $5,100 | $7,900 | $11,500 |
| Heat pump, 3-ton (existing ducts) | $6,550 | $9,550 | $14,900 |
| Gas furnace (80–96% AFUE) | $3,350 | $5,500 | $9,550 |
| Central AC + gas furnace together | $7,750 | $11,700 | $19,050 |
| Mini-split, 1 zone, 12,000 BTU | $3,000 | $4,650 | $6,650 |
| Mini-split, 2 zones | $5,350 | $7,750 | $11,900 |
| Mini-split, 4 zones | $9,550 | $14,300 | $21,450 |
| Ductwork replacement, whole house | $3,050 | $6,700 | $11,600 |
AC or heat pump in San Francisco? A heat pump costs about $1,650 more than a 3-ton AC at the typical price, but it also replaces your heating. If your furnace is old, compare a heat pump with the $11,700 AC + furnace swap, not with the AC alone.
What moves an HVAC quote in San Francisco:
- Size: a 2-ton system runs about $6,650 and a 5-ton about $11,100 at the typical price. Ask for a Manual J load calculation.
- Efficiency: the minimum here is 14.3 SEER2; a 17+ SEER2 two-stage unit adds about $2,700.
- Access: attic air handlers, rooftop condensers and tight closets add labor, most often in SoMa & the Mission.
- Line set and coil: a new line set runs $250–$810, and the indoor coil has to match the new refrigerant.
- Season: spring and fall bring the best prices; a breakdown during a summer heat wave brings the worst.
Ask every San Francisco contractor for the same things: tonnage, SEER2 rating, model numbers for both the outdoor and indoor units, and whether the permit and line set are included. Compare those, not just the total. Get a quote for your heating and cooling work →
HVAC cost in San Francisco by home size
About $7,150 for a 2.5-ton AC (1,000–1,600 sq ft), $7,900 for 3 tons (1,600–2,000 sq ft), and $9,750–$11,100 for 4–5 tons in homes over 2,500 sq ft, typical San Francisco prices on existing ducts.
Worked example: a 2,000 sq ft San Francisco home with a 16-year-old AC and furnace. Replacing both runs about $11,700; switching to a 3-ton heat pump on the same ducts runs about $9,550; replacing only the AC is $7,900 but leaves an old furnace in place.
Homes over 2,500 sq ft or with two floors often have two systems or zoning. A high-efficiency zoned heat pump runs $11,900–$25,050, and adding zoning to an existing system $2,050–$5,350.
San Francisco HVAC costs by system type
| System type | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Central AC, 3-ton (existing ducts) | $5,100–$11,500 installed | Homes with sound ducts and a furnace or air handler to pair with |
| Ductless mini-split, single zone (9,000–18,000 BTU) | $2,600–$8,600 installed | One room, an addition, or a home with no ducts |
| Multi-zone ductless mini-split (2–4 zones) | $5,350–$21,450 installed | Whole homes with no ducts, room-by-room control |
| Heat pump, 3-ton ducted (heats and cools) | $6,550–$14,900 installed | Mild and hot climates; replacing an AC and electric heat |
| Gas furnace + AC, replaced together | $7,750–$19,050 installed | Cold climates with natural gas and old equipment on both sides |
| Gas furnace only (80–96% AFUE) | $3,350–$9,550 installed | When the AC is newer than the furnace |
| Dual-fuel: heat pump + gas furnace | $8,450–$20,250 installed | Cold climates: electric heat most days, gas on the coldest |
| Cold-climate heat pump, 3-ton ducted | $11,300–$28,600 installed | Northern homes leaving gas, oil or propane |
| Central heat pump, high-efficiency with zoning | $11,900–$25,050 installed | Big or two-story homes with hot and cold rooms |
| Evaporative (swamp) cooler, roof-mounted | $1,550–$4,300 installed | Dry Western climates only |
| Geothermal heat pump (ground loop) | $17,900–$41,700 installed | Large lots and long stays in one home |
| Window or through-the-wall AC | $260–$1,500 installed | Single rooms and renters; cheapest way to cool |
Equipment vs installation: the San Francisco AC bill
On a typical $7,900 3-ton swap in San Francisco, the condenser and matched coil are roughly $3,150–$4,750 and the rest is labor, materials, the permit and overhead. Labor usually makes up 40–60% of an AC replacement.
Buying the unit yourself rarely saves much: many contractors won't install customer-supplied equipment, and the ones who do charge $640–$2,550 or more for a mini-split and won't cover the parts. Brand warranties often require a licensed installer.
What's included in a San Francisco AC replacement (and what costs extra)
A standard replacement quote covers the outdoor unit, a matched indoor coil, refrigerant, connection to your existing ducts and wiring, removal of the old unit, and startup. Common extras:
- Permit and inspection: $120–$310, often built into the quote
- New refrigerant line set: $250–$810 if the old one can't be reused
- New condenser pad: $50–$310
- Electrical panel upgrade: $1,050–$5,000, mostly when adding a heat pump or more capacity
Ask for the AHRI certificate showing the matched rating of your outdoor and indoor units. It proves the system you paid for is the one that was installed.
Climate and what it means here
San Francisco's mild climate means many homes have no AC at all, so the first system is often a ductless heat pump that heats and cools. California's Title 24 permit and duct-testing rules apply. Under the federal Southwest standard, a new split central AC under 45,000 BTU must reach 14.3 SEER2 and also meet an EER2 floor for hot afternoons.
System size
Each ton adds equipment cost: about $6,650 for 2 tons and $9,750 for 4 tons at the typical San Francisco price. A Manual J load calculation often shows a smaller system will do.
Efficiency rating
The federal minimum for a new split AC here is 14.3 SEER2 for units under about 3.75 tons, and 13.8 SEER2 for bigger units. Higher ratings cost more upfront and pay back fastest where AC runs most of the year.
New refrigerants
New systems use A2L refrigerants (R-454B or R-32), so the indoor coil must match the outdoor unit. That's why condenser-only swaps are rare now, and why older R-410A systems cost more to service.
Ducts and access
Leaky or undersized ducts, attic air handlers and rooftop condensers add hours. Whole-house duct replacement runs $3,050–$11,600.
Location: SoMa & the Mission vs Richmond, Vallejo & North Bay
SoMa & the Mission jobs cost more because of access, parking and older buildings. Richmond, Vallejo & North Bay quotes usually sit at or a little under the city typical.
Season and urgency
Replacing on your schedule in spring or fall is cheaper than an emergency swap in a heat wave. After-hours repair labor runs $200–$310 an hour.
- Get three quotes for the same system.Same tonnage, same SEER2 rating, model numbers on every quote. San Francisco quotes for the same 3-ton swap run anywhere from $5,100 to $11,500.
- Replace before it fails.If your system is 12–15+ years old, replace it in spring or fall. Emergency replacements in peak season leave no room to shop around.
- Right-size the system.Ask for a Manual J load calculation. An oversized AC costs more, cycles on and off, and leaves the house clammy.
- Check your utility for rebates.There is no federal tax credit for systems installed in 2026, but many utilities still pay rebates on efficient heat pumps and AC. Check before you sign; most require pre-approval or a listed contractor.
- Do the AC and furnace together if both are old.One install of both runs $7,750–$19,050, less than two separate jobs.
- Keep up with tune-ups.A yearly tune-up at $95–$250 catches weak capacitors and low refrigerant before they kill a compressor ($1,550–$3,600).
Before you pay a deposit to a San Francisco HVAC contractor, get these in writing:
- Tonnage and how it was sized (a Manual J load calculation)
- Model numbers for the outdoor unit and the indoor coil or air handler
- The matched SEER2 (and HSPF2 for a heat pump) rating
- Whether the line set is new, flushed or reused
- Permit, inspection and removal of the old unit
- Thermostat, pad, disconnect and any electrical work
- Parts and labor warranty terms, and who registers the equipment
- Total price, deposit, and start and finish dates
How much does it cost to replace a central AC in San Francisco?
$5,100–$11,500 for a 3-ton system on existing ducts, installed, with $7,900 typical in San Francisco. Higher-efficiency units, attic or rooftop installs and new line sets push it up.
How much does a heat pump cost in San Francisco?
$6,550–$14,900 for a 3-ton heat pump on existing ducts, about $9,550 typical. A high-efficiency zoned system runs $11,900–$25,050.
How much is a new furnace in San Francisco?
$3,350–$9,550 for a gas furnace installed, about $5,500 typical. With a new AC at the same time, $7,750–$19,050.
How much does a mini-split cost in San Francisco?
$3,000–$6,650 for a 12,000 BTU single zone, $5,350–$11,900 for two zones and $9,550–$21,450 for four.
How much is an AC tune-up in San Francisco?
$95–$250 per visit. A yearly plan for AC and furnace runs $190–$570.
How much does AC repair cost in San Francisco?
$190–$750 for common fixes like a capacitor or contactor. A refrigerant leak repair with recharge runs $730–$3,050, and a compressor $1,550–$3,600.
What size AC does a San Francisco home need?
As a rough guide, 2.5 tons covers about 1,000–1,600 sq ft and 3 tons about 1,600–2,000 sq ft, but insulation, windows and climate change that. Ask for a Manual J load calculation instead of matching the old unit.
Is there a tax credit for a new AC or heat pump in San Francisco?
No federal one for 2026: the 25C credit covered improvements made through December 31, 2025. Utility and state rebates may still apply, so check before you buy.
Do I need a permit to replace an AC in San Francisco?
Usually, yes. Most US cities and counties require a mechanical permit for an AC or furnace replacement, typically $120–$310, and a licensed contractor normally pulls it.
How much does it cost to add ducts in San Francisco?
$3,050–$11,600 for whole-house ductwork, before the AC or heat pump. In many older homes a multi-zone mini-split ($9,550–$21,450 for four zones) costs less.
Prices verified November 2026 · Cross-referenced against 45+ American pricing sources · See methodology
Prices for the San Francisco metro area, November 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
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