AC Installation Surrey BC
Air Conditioning Installation Done Right — Sized, Permitted & Warranted
Surrey summers have gotten noticeably hotter over the last decade. Heat domes in 2021, 2022, and 2023 pushed temperatures past 40°C in parts of the Lower Mainland — far beyond what homes without AC were designed to handle. If you're still relying on a fan or a window unit, a properly installed central AC or ductless system changes your summers entirely.
We install all AC systems with a Manual J load calculation — the proper engineering method for sizing cooling equipment to your home's actual cooling demand. An oversized AC unit cools too quickly without removing humidity, leaving your home clammy and running up energy bills. Proper sizing ensures efficient, comfortable cooling.
AC Installation Options for Surrey Homes
Central Air Conditioning
Pairs with your existing gas furnace and ductwork. A single outdoor condenser unit and coil in your air handler cools the whole home through existing vents. Most cost-effective for ducted homes.
Ductless Mini-Split (Single Zone)
No ductwork required. One outdoor unit, one wall-mounted indoor head. Ideal for Surrey homes without ducts, suites, or additions. Installed in 3–5 hours.
Multi-Zone Ductless
One outdoor unit powering 2–5 indoor heads in different rooms. Cool your whole home without ductwork. Excellent for Surrey townhomes and older homes.
Heat Pump (Cooling + Heating)
A heat pump installs the same as central AC but also heats in winter — replacing your gas furnace. With CleanBC rebates up to $6,000+, often comparable net cost to AC alone.
AC Repair & Replacement
Existing AC not keeping up? We assess whether repair or replacement makes more sense — no pressure either way. $89 diagnostic waived with any work.
Furnace + AC Combo Install
Installing a new furnace? Adding AC at the same time saves significant labour cost. We quote both together — often 15–20% cheaper than doing them separately.
Why Sizing Matters More Than Brand
The biggest mistake Surrey homeowners make when buying AC is choosing a brand before choosing a size. A 5-ton unit in a home that needs 3 tons will short-cycle constantly, fail to dehumidify, and wear out the compressor within a few years. Our in-home sizing assessment takes 30–40 minutes and gives us the exact cooling load — down to BTU/hr — before we recommend any equipment.
Consider a heat pump instead: If you're installing AC in Surrey and your furnace is over 12 years old, a heat pump often makes more financial sense than a new AC unit alone. A heat pump provides both cooling and heating, qualifies for CleanBC rebates of $3,000–$6,000+, and typically costs less than a new AC + furnace when rebates are factored in. We'll give you numbers for both so you can compare.
How much does AC installation cost in Surrey? +
Central AC installation in Surrey typically costs $3,500–$6,500 installed, depending on system size and ductwork condition. Ductless mini-split installation runs $3,000–$5,500 for a single-zone system. Multi-zone ductless systems covering 2–4 areas are $6,000–$12,000. All quotes include in-home sizing — we never quote over the phone without seeing the home.
How long does AC installation take in Surrey? +
A standard central AC installation on an existing forced-air system takes 4–6 hours. Ductless mini-split installation is typically 3–5 hours for a single zone. We complete most installations in one day.
Should I get central AC or a ductless mini-split in Surrey? +
If your home already has a gas furnace with ductwork in good condition, central AC is usually most cost-effective. If your home has no ductwork, or you want to cool an addition or suite, a ductless mini-split is the better option. If you're open to replacing your furnace at the same time, a heat pump covers both heating and cooling — and CleanBC rebates of $3,000–$6,000 make it very competitive.
Do I need a permit for AC installation in Surrey? +
A permit is required for central AC installation in Surrey where refrigerant lines and electrical work are involved. For ductless mini-splits, an electrical permit is required for the dedicated circuit. We handle all permitting as part of the installation — it's included in your quote.
Surrey Neighbourhoods We Serve