Aircon Installation in San Francisco

Not always. A new unit often needs a dedicated circuit and isolator, which may require a licensed electrician. Confirm whether the quote includes the electrical supply, or whether that's a separate cost you'll arrange yourself.

A back-to-back single split is often a half-day job; a multi-split takes one to two days; ducted installs run two to four days depending on the ductwork. Long pipe runs, wall chasing and crane access for outdoor units add time.

Clean or replace filters regularly, and have the system serviced roughly annually — coil clean, gas-pressure check and drainage clear. Skipping maintenance cuts efficiency, breeds mould in the drain, and shortens compressor life. Ask about a service plan at install.

Expect a manufacturer warranty on the unit (often 5+ years on the compressor if registered) plus an installer's workmanship warranty on the labour and pipework. Poor installation is the main cause of early failures, so the labour warranty matters as much as the unit's.

In San Francisco, get three quotes from certified installers, check reviews and refrigerant-handling credentials, and confirm the sizing and electrical scope in writing. The cheapest quote often skips the load calc or the dedicated circuit.

A single-zone split unit for one room is the cheapest entry point; a multi-zone system serving several rooms is a mid-range job; a ducted/central system for a whole home is the priciest. The unit's size (in BTU/kW) and the difficulty of the pipe and cable runs drive cost more than the brand.

In San Francisco, expect the national typical for a standard split-system install, with high-rise access, long refrigerant runs and electrical upgrades pushing you toward the top of the range. Get itemised quotes covering unit, install and any electrical work.

Roughly: 0.5-0.75HP for a small bedroom, 1.0-1.5HP for a medium room, 2.0-2.5HP for a living area — bigger if sun-exposed or high-ceilinged. Inverter units cost more upfront but slash monthly Meralco bills.