In short: Published San Antonio cost guides put a full system replacement at about $5,500 to $11,500 installed, and premium variable-speed systems higher. The number for your house comes from a free in-home estimate: Cowboy's runs a Manual J load calculation, shows Good / Better / Best options with the monthly payment, and puts the price in writing. Right now: $500 off a new system through Nov 30, 0% promotional financing with approved credit, and $1,000 off for Comfort Club members.
Typical installed cost by system type
Industry ranges for the San Antonio market. A 1,800 sq ft home usually needs 3 to 4 tons; the load calculation decides, not the old unit's label.
| System | Typical installed range |
|---|---|
| Condenser + coil only (matched to an existing furnace/air handler) | $4,500 – $8,000 |
| Complete system, single-stage (AC + gas furnace or air handler) | $5,500 – $9,500 |
| Complete system, two-stage / 16+ SEER2 | $8,000 – $13,000 |
| Complete system, variable-speed / communicating | $11,000 – $18,000+ |
| Heat pump system (cooling + heating in one) | $7,000 – $15,000 |
| Ductless mini-split, single zone | $3,500 – $6,500 |
Ranges are industry estimates (ConsumerAffairs' 2026 San Antonio guide: $5,500–$11,500 for a full replacement). They are not a Cowboy's quote; the in-home estimate is.
What a Cowboy's install price includes
- Manual J load calculation so the system is sized to your house, not guessed from the old one.
- Permit and inspection (City of San Antonio or county), pulled and passed by us.
- Removal and disposal of the old equipment and refrigerant recovery.
- New pad, line set work, drain, electrical whip and thermostat as the job needs.
- Start-up, charge verification and a pressure test before we leave.
- Warranty registration with the manufacturer, done for you, and a labor warranty of 1 to 10 years printed on the invoice.
- One-day changeout on most jobs, with the price in writing before work starts.
What moves the price
- Tonnage. Bigger house, bigger system. Oversizing costs more and cools worse; that is why we measure.
- Efficiency tier. Single-stage is the lowest price; two-stage and variable-speed cost more up front and less every month.
- Ductwork. Leaky or undersized ducts can add $1,500 to $5,000 to make the new system actually perform. We test and tell you.
- Electrical and code items. Older homes sometimes need a disconnect, breaker or float switch to pass inspection.
- Refrigerant generation. New R-454B equipment (2025 and later) carries a modest premium over the last R-410A units.
Offers, financing and rebates
| Program | What it is |
|---|---|
| $500 off a new system | Through November 30, 2026; mention it when you book. See specials. |
| 0% promotional financing | On new systems with approved credit, through Soarion, Wells Fargo and GoodLeap; terms up to 15 years. |
| Comfort Club | $1,000 off a replacement for members ($24.99/mo). |
| 10% off | Military, first responders, seniors and educators. |
| CPS Energy rebates | Up to $310 per ton on qualifying high-efficiency heat pumps and ACs; we supply the itemized invoice and AHRI certificate. |
| Free second opinion | Bring another company's replacement quote; we test the system and put our own price in writing, no charge. |
Questions people ask
How much does a new AC system cost in San Antonio?
Published cost guides put a full system replacement in San Antonio at roughly $5,500 to $11,500 installed, with premium variable-speed systems above that. Cowboy's sizes the system with a Manual J load calculation, shows Good / Better / Best options, and puts the price in writing before any work starts. A free in-home estimate gets you the exact number.
Does the price include the permit and inspection?
Yes. A Cowboy's replacement price includes the City of San Antonio (or county) mechanical permit, the inspection, removal and disposal of the old equipment, refrigerant line work and warranty registration. Most changeouts are done in one day.
What discounts and financing are available on a new system?
Through November 30, 2026, $500 off a new heating and cooling system. 0% promotional financing with approved credit on new systems through Soarion, Wells Fargo and GoodLeap, with terms up to 15 years. Comfort Club members get $1,000 off a replacement. 10% off for military, first responders, seniors and educators.
Can I get a CPS Energy rebate on a new system?
CPS Energy offers residential rebates on qualifying high-efficiency heat pumps and air conditioners (up to $310 per ton on current programs). Cowboy's supplies the itemized invoice and AHRI certificate the rebate needs.
Does Cowboy's install brands other than Trane?
Cowboy's is an authorized Trane dealer and Trane Comfort Specialist, and services every major brand. Your Good / Better / Best options show the equipment, efficiency rating and price side by side.
What warranty comes with a new system?
Manufacturer parts warranties are registered for you. Cowboy's labor warranty on new systems runs 1 to 10 years depending on the installation and is printed on your estimate and invoice.