Transparent Pricing · San Antonio HVAC
Real Prices.
No Salespeople.
Most San Antonio HVAC companies hide pricing behind a "free in-home estimate" so a commissioned salesperson can read the room. We don't do that. Here's what AC repairs, new systems, and maintenance actually cost at Carnes and Sons.
Or call (210) 600-5091 · Mon–Sat 7am–7pm
Get an Exact Price for Your Home
Tell us what's going on and we'll text back with a real number — usually within the hour.
San Antonio competitors regularly quote $12,000–$18,000 for systems we install for $5,999–$7,650. The difference isn't equipment — it's commission.
New AC System Installation
How Much Does a New AC Cost in San Antonio?
All-in: equipment, labor, permits, old-system disposal, new thermostat, full commissioning, and cleanup. No surprise add-ons.
| System Type | Goodman (14 SEER2) | Day & Night / Carrier |
|---|---|---|
Electric Heat AC + Air Handler | $5,999 – $6,500 | $6,549 – $7,050 |
Gas Heat AC + Gas Furnace | $6,300 – $6,900 | $6,850 – $7,450 |
Heat Pump Heats & cools | $6,600 – $7,100 | $7,150 – $7,650 |
0% APR financing available — about $200/mo on a $6,000 install. See financing →
AC Repair Cost
What Common AC Repairs Cost
About 70% of San Antonio AC repairs land between $150 and $550 all-in. Ranges reflect part variation by system size, age, and brand.
| Repair | Typical Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic / service call | $59 | Waived with repair |
| Capacitor replacement | $185 – $325 | Most common AC repair |
| Contactor replacement | $185 – $295 | |
| Hard-start kit installation | $245 – $385 | Extends compressor life |
| Blower motor (ECM) | $650 – $1,150 | OEM part |
| Condenser fan motor | $425 – $725 | |
| Refrigerant recharge (R-410A) | $295 – $695 | Per pound, plus leak search |
| Refrigerant leak repair | $385 – $1,250 | Depends on leak location |
| Evaporator coil replacement | $1,650 – $2,950 | |
| Compressor replacement | $1,850 – $3,400 | Often signals replace-vs-repair decision |
| Thermostat (smart, installed) | $285 – $525 | Ecobee, Honeywell, Nest |
| Float switch / drain line | $185 – $345 | |
| Furnace ignitor | $245 – $385 | |
| Furnace flame sensor | $185 – $285 |
Prices include $59 diagnostic, which is waived when you approve the repair. Every quote in writing, line-by-line.
Maintenance & Air Quality
Tune-Ups, Duct Cleaning & Air Quality
One-time AC tune-up
Spring or fall
$129
Annual Comfort Plan
2 visits, free service calls, 15% off repairs
$199/yr
Duct cleaning
Up to 10 vents, depends on home size
$485 – $895
REME HALO LED + UV combo
Whole-home air purification, installed
from $1,300
Why We're Less Expensive
Three things we don't pay for that big San Antonio shops do — and pass to you.
No commissioned techs
Big shops pay 8–15% of every ticket. That's why a $300 capacitor turns into a $4,000 "full electrical rebuild." We pay straight wages.
No call center
Your call rings Clint's phone. No dispatch fee, no answering service, no "comfort advisor" overhead built into the price.
Family overhead, not corporate
Shop, trucks, parts, payroll for the family and a small crew. That's it. No regional manager, no marketing department, no franchise royalties.
Pricing Questions, Answered
How much does a new AC unit cost in San Antonio?+
A complete new AC system in San Antonio runs $5,999–$7,650 fully installed at Carnes and Sons. That covers a Goodman or Day & Night (Carrier) system: equipment, labor, permits, old-system disposal, new thermostat, and cleanup. Other San Antonio companies routinely quote $12,000–$18,000 for the same job — that's not equipment cost, that's commission and overhead.
Why is your pricing so much lower than other San Antonio HVAC companies?+
Two reasons. We don't pay commissions to salespeople (most big shops pay techs 8–15% of the ticket — that's why repairs balloon). And we're family-owned, so our overhead is the shop and the trucks — not a call center, marketing department, or middle management.
What does an AC repair cost on average?+
About 70% of San Antonio AC repairs land between $150 and $550 all-in, including the diagnostic. Capacitors, contactors, ignitors, drain lines, and thermostats are the most common — all under $400 installed. Bigger repairs like blower motors or coils run $650–$2,950.
What's the cost of an AC tune-up?+
One-time tune-up is $129. The better deal is our Annual Comfort Plan at $199/yr — you get two tune-ups (spring + fall), free $59 service calls all year, and 15% off any repairs. Most families come out ahead on the first emergency call.
Do you charge extra for nights, weekends, or emergencies?+
No after-hours surcharge. $59 is $59 whether you call us Tuesday at 10am or Saturday at 9pm.
Do you finance new systems?+
Yes — 0% APR for 36 months on approved credit (about $200/mo on a $6,000 install). Longer terms up to 120 months available. We use Synchrony Financial — apply over the phone in 5 minutes.
Will you give me a quote over the phone?+
For repairs after a diagnostic, yes — every repair is quoted in writing before any work starts. For new systems, no, and you should be suspicious of anyone who does. We come out, measure your home, look at your ductwork and electrical, and give you a real number. Free in-home estimate, no obligation.
Carnes and Sons Air Conditioning
Family-owned & operated · TACLB29435E
Serving San Antonio since 1996
Service areas: San Antonio, Stone Oak, Boerne, Helotes, Alamo Heights, Schertz, Cibolo, Converse, Live Oak, Universal City, Selma, Fair Oaks Ranch, Shavano Park, Terrell Hills, Hollywood Park, Alamo Ranch, New Braunfels, Canyon Lake.
Want a Real Price for Your Home?
Text Clint with what's going on — he'll reply with a real number.
Text (210) 600-5091