Folsom homes see long, hot summers, and an AC that fails in July is rarely a good time to compare bids. Knowing what a complete quote looks like, and what the city requires, lets you decide with a clear head.
What a new air conditioner costs
From our new HVAC system cost guide, an AC-only replacement on good ductwork usually runs $6,000 to $14,000. A 3 to 3.5 ton system, the most common size, is roughly $8,000 to $11,000 installed. Replacing the AC and furnace together is generally $11,000 to $15,000. Large homes, major duct work or an electrical upgrade can push a job to $18,000 or more.
Folsom permits
The City of Folsom issues over-the-counter permits for replacement heating and air conditioning units. Applications are made online through eTrakit, and you schedule inspections online as well. A licensed contractor should apply for the permit and be at the inspection. A job with no permit can create problems when you sell the home, and some warranties and rebates require proof of a passed inspection.
Title 24 testing
California’s energy code treats an AC replacement as an alteration. Under the 2022 code, replacing the condensing unit can require the duct system to be sealed and tested by a third-party rater, plus refrigerant charge and airflow verification. The 2025 code took effect on January 1, 2026 and applies to permits filed after that date. Ask each bidder which tests are required for your permit, and whether they are in the price, because a bid that skips them may not be comparing equal work.
What a complete quote includes
- The brand, model numbers, SEER2 and EER2 for the outdoor unit and the indoor coil
- A load calculation that justifies the size
- The permit and any inspections
- Duct sealing and testing if the code requires it
- Electrical work, a new pad and refrigerant line set if needed
- Removal of the old equipment
- The warranty: parts, compressor and labor, and any registration requirement
Replace the whole matched system
An air conditioner’s efficiency rating applies to a matched pair, the outdoor unit and a specific indoor coil. Keeping an old coil with a new condenser can mean you do not reach the rated efficiency. Brands and warranties differ, and our best air conditioner brands guide lays out the current lineups and warranty terms, including which brands require registration in California.
Electricity, gas and rebates
SMUD provides electricity in Folsom, and PG&E delivers natural gas. SMUD’s rebates, which were up to $3,000 for a variable-stage heat pump replacing gas heating at the time of writing, require a Title 24 verified install by a SMUD Contractor Network contractor. Its page lists no rebate for a standard central air conditioner. The federal 25C credit ended on December 31, 2025. If you need new heating as well, see SMUD heat pump rebates and heat pump vs furnace in Sacramento.
Refrigerant in a new system
New air conditioners use R-454B or R-32. EPA allows existing R-410A stock manufactured before 2025 to be installed until supply runs out, so a bid for an R-410A unit is for old stock. Our refrigerant guide covers what that means for future repairs.
Sizing and comfort
The right size comes from a load calculation, not from the size of the old unit. ACCA’s Manual J is the national standard for it. See what size AC or heat pump do I need.
We install air conditioners in Folsom and the surrounding area. Read our AC installation in Folsom page, learn how to compare HVAC quotes, or contact us.
Frequently asked questions
How much does AC installation cost in Folsom?
Our guide puts an AC-only replacement on good ductwork at about $6,000 to $14,000, and a 3 to 3.5 ton system at roughly $8,000 to $11,000 installed. Replacing the furnace too is generally $11,000 to $15,000. Ducts that need work raise the total.
Does Folsom require a permit to replace an air conditioner?
Yes. Folsom issues over-the-counter permits for replacement heating and air conditioning units. Applications are made through the city’s eTrakit system, and inspections can be scheduled online.
Who provides electricity in Folsom?
SMUD provides electricity in Folsom, and PG&E delivers natural gas. SMUD’s rebates apply to heat pumps that replace gas heating, not to a standard central air conditioner.
What should be included in an AC installation quote?
The equipment brand and model numbers, SEER2 and EER2, the load calculation, the permit, any required Title 24 duct and refrigerant testing, removal of the old unit and the warranty terms, including whether labor is covered.
Should I replace the indoor coil with the outdoor unit?
Usually yes. Efficiency ratings apply to a matched system, meaning the outdoor unit paired with a specific indoor coil. Mixing a new condenser with an old coil can leave you without the rated efficiency and with a harder warranty claim.