How Much Does AC Replacement Cost in San Francisco? [2025 Data]

With an average summer temperature spanning 67 to 71 degrees Fahrenheit, San Francisco offers a breezy climate. But when nearby wildfires affect the air quality, having a working AC can help keep interiors more comfortable in The Golden City. AC replacement costs in San Francisco, California average $8,328, with averages ranging from $5,283 for smaller units to $11,676 for more complex installations.

AC Replacement Cost Factors

The cost of AC replacement in San Francisco depends on many different factors, from the type of AC system you’re replacing to the size of your home.

Home Size

In San Francisco, many properties are located within larger multifamily complexes. Home size is smaller here than in other cities. The median home size in San Francisco is 1,400 square feet, which requires an AC size of 2 to 2.5 tons.

Here’s how much AC replacement costs in San Francisco by home size.

AC Unit Size

AC size is measured as tonnage and British thermal units (BTUs), which shows how much heat the system can remove in one hour. Every ton of AC is about 12,000 BTUs of cooling power, and each ton covers about 500 square feet of space.

Because finding the right AC size is important for a system that works reliably and efficiently, check with an HVAC pro in San Francisco, California to determine what size is best for your cooling needs.

Type of AC

AC isn’t as common in San Francisco as it is in other California cities like Los Angeles, because the temperature is generally cooler. Window and portable units are popular here, and ductless systems are common for properties where installing ductwork would be difficult or impossible. Here’s what you can expect to spend based on the type of AC you’re replacing.

Efficiency (SEER)

The more efficient your AC, the higher its Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER, will be. In a high cost of living (HCOL) city like San Francisco, every dollar you can save on energy costs is important, so consider investing in a more efficient system. There are also minimum SEER requirements for every state. In California, minimum SEER is 15.

HVAC Pro Costs

HVAC replacement requires a licensed, certified pro who is approved to properly handle AC refrigerant, and this project also requires permits to complete. Be sure to factor in the following labor and permit costs for AC replacement in San Francisco.

Labor

As an HCOL city, San Francisco also has higher labor rates for HVAC than you may find in other parts of the country. For the total cost of AC replacement, about 30% to 50% will go toward labor. So, for the average $8,328 AC replacement, about $2,499 to $4,164 will go toward labor. The cost of labor is built into the project quote.

Permits

The permit for AC replacement in San Francisco costs about 6% to 9% of the project total. You or your HVAC contractor can find the exact amount and secure permits through the City and County of San Francisco Permit Center.

Additional Pros to Consider Hiring

San Francisco is a densely populated city with a mix of older buildings and new construction. If you reside in an older building, you may need additional experts to upgrade your electrical panel or make plumbing updates to properly support a modern AC system.

• Electrician: In San Francisco, electricians cost $170 to $575 on average. You may need to hire this pro if you need more extensive electrical upgrades to support AC, especially if you’re upgrading from a window or portable unit to ductless or central air.

• Plumber: In San Francisco, plumbers cost $195 to $600 on average. A plumber can install a drain line and any additional pipes necessary to properly drain condensation away from the AC and your home.

Does AC Replacement Increase Home Value?

Because San Francisco has such mild weather year-round, installing a new AC system won’t offer as much of an increase to home value compared to other cities. You may see an increase in home value up to 5%, but if a new AC system makes your home more comfortable and enjoyable over the summer, it’s worth the investment.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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