New AC System in Brentwood: Written Estimate Before Any Work Starts

Brentwood's housing stock runs from mid-century estate homes tucked into Sullivan Canyon and Mandeville Canyon to larger flat lots shaded by mature oak and eucalyptus canopy, and that shade changes a load calculation as much as square footage does. Many of these homes were built decades before central air was standard equipment, so the ductwork you're working with today is often original, undersized for a modern system, or was retrofitted through an attic never designed for it. Marine layer keeps mornings mild, but afternoons a few miles inland from the coast still climb into the 80s and into the 90s during summer heat events, and a system sized off the old nameplate rather than the actual house leaves upstairs bedrooms warm by late afternoon. We run a full Manual J load calculation on every install, accounting for tree shading, glazing, and ceiling height, because a builder-grade unit matched to square footage alone misses what a heavily landscaped canyon lot actually needs.

HOAs across Brentwood neighborhoods require compliance approval and exterior equipment placement that complies with setback and screening rules. Our crews know which streets have rear-alley condenser access and which require side-yard placement with noise attenuation for close-set lot lines. If you're replacing an aging system before it fails outright, we also offer <a href='/services/ac-maintenance'>preventive maintenance plans</a> to extend the life of your new unit. You can see the full list of communities we serve on our <a href='/areas'>service areas page</a>.

Every AC installation in California must meet Title 24 energy code requirements, which mandate minimum SEER2 efficiency ratings, duct testing for leakage, and refrigerant charge verification. As of 2023, split systems must meet at least 14.3 SEER2 statewide, and packaged units carry a 13.4 SEER2 floor. We test and seal ductwork to below 6% leakage and file compliance documentation with the city so your installation passes inspection on the first visit. Higher-efficiency systems, 16 SEER2 and above, may qualify for rebates from SCE and participating manufacturers, which we help you identify and apply for during the estimate process.

Most complete AC installations in Brentwood run between $6,200 and $11,500 depending on system size, efficiency tier, and whether ductwork modification is required. We provide a written estimate before any work begins, with line-item pricing for equipment, labor, compliance fees, and any optional upgrades like smart thermostats or zoning dampers. If your existing ductwork is undersized or leaking, we'll walk you through repair costs up front so there are no surprises at the end of the job. All installations include startup, refrigerant charge verification, and a system walkthrough so you know how to operate your new equipment and when to schedule filter changes.