Houston, TX

Central AC Installation in Houston, TX

New central air conditioning systems sized and installed for Houston heat and humidity.

Installing a central air conditioner in Houston is not the same job as installing one anywhere else. Between May and September, systems here run 12–16 hours a day against 90%+ humidity, so equipment selection, sizing, and airflow setup decide whether your new system lasts 8 years or 18.

Every central AC installation we quote starts with a Manual J load calculation for your specific home — square footage, insulation, window exposure, and duct condition — not a guess based on the old unit’s tonnage. Oversized systems short-cycle and never dehumidify; undersized ones never catch up in August.

What’s included in every central ac installation

In-home assessment and Manual J load calculation
Equipment options at 2–3 efficiency tiers (SEER2) with written pricing
Removal and disposal of the old condenser and air handler or furnace coil
New condenser pad, whip, disconnect, and refrigerant line set (or flush and reuse where code allows)
City of Houston / county mechanical permit and inspection scheduling
Thermostat wiring, startup, refrigerant charge verification, and airflow balancing
Manufacturer warranty registration and a walkthrough of filter and maintenance basics

Is it time?

When Houston homeowners call us for central ac installation

Building a home addition

New square footage needs its own load calculation — the existing system almost never covers added space correctly.

Converting from window units

A properly ducted central system cuts noise, evens out temperatures, and usually lowers summer electric bills.

New construction

We work from plans with your builder to design duct layout and equipment placement before drywall goes up.

Replacing electric resistance heat

Pairing a new central AC with a modern air handler or heat pump ends reliance on expensive strip heat.

What central AC installation costs in Houston

Scope	Installed range
2-ton system, standard efficiency	$5,800 – $7,900
3-ton system, mid efficiency (most common)	$6,900 – $9,800
4–5 ton system, high efficiency / variable speed	$9,500 – $15,000+

Installed ranges include equipment, labor, permit, and standard materials. Duct replacement, electrical panel upgrades, and two-story line-set runs add to the total. Exact pricing only after an in-home quote. Prices reflect the Houston market as of November 2026.

Get a firm number for your home. Call +1 (254) 268-2684 — in-home quotes are free and the written price is the price.

FAQ

Central AC Installation questions

How long does a central AC installation take?

Most like-for-like replacements with existing ductwork take one full day. Jobs that include duct modification, new line sets, or electrical work typically take two days.

Do I need a permit to install a new AC in Houston?

Yes. A mechanical permit is required for AC installation and replacement in the City of Houston and most surrounding jurisdictions. The installing contractor pulls the permit — it is part of our standard quote.

What SEER2 rating should I choose for Houston?

The federal minimum for the Southeast region is 14.3 SEER2 (15 SEER equivalent). Given Houston’s long cooling season, 16–18 SEER2 systems often pay back the price difference in 4–7 years through lower electric bills.

Can you install a system I already bought?

We generally install equipment we supply so we can stand behind the full warranty chain, but call us — for current-model, unopened equipment we can sometimes make it work.

Get your free installation quote

Tell us about your home and we will price the right system — no obligation, no pressure.

+1 (254) 268-2684 Request a quote online