How to avoid hidden fees on AC installation

Hidden fees on AC installation: what they are and how to avoid them

Surprise charges on an AC install rarely come from one big item. They creep in through permitting, electrical corrections, duct fixes, roof access, refrigerant line limits, and post-install commissioning that was never spelled out. The fastest way to protect your budget is to align scope, site conditions, and code requirements before anyone lifts a tool—and to put every allowance and exclusion in writing.

Where hidden fees usually hide

• Permits, HERS testing, Title 24 compliance, and re-inspection fees
• Electrical work: new circuits, breaker upgrades, disconnects, whips, or panel capacity issues
• Ductwork modifications to meet airflow, static pressure, or SEER2 performance claims
• Crane, rigging, or roof access for package units or condensers in tight lots
• Refrigerant line-set length limits, reuse conditions, and flush requirements
• Condensate drainage, pumps, overflows, and code-required safeties
• Disposal, haul-away, parking, or after-hours access in multifamily or commercial settings

Ask for an itemized, scope-based quote

An itemized proposal is the best tool to avoid hidden fees on AC installation. Request that the following be included up front:

• Load calculation: Manual J (and Manual S/D when ducts are involved)
• Model numbers, capacity, and SEER2 ratings for all equipment
• Exact inclusions: new pad or curb, line-set length included, insulation type, filter rack, thermostat
• Electrical scope: breaker size, new circuit if required, disconnect, whip, and bonding
• Ductwork: what gets sealed, resized, or replaced; stated airflow and static targets
• Permits and inspections, HERS verification if required, and who pays re-inspection
• Rigging/crane or roof access plan and any fees if roof protection is needed
• Condensate drain route or condensate pump, overflow switch, and code safeties
• Refrigerant handling: line-set reuse criteria, flush, new fittings, and final charge verification
• Start-up and commissioning checklist with delivered airflow and temperature split
• Disposal/haul-away of old equipment and debris
• Labor warranty length, parts coverage, and manufacturer warranty registration
• Change-order policy, with unit pricing for predictable extras (e.g., per foot of line-set overage)

Do a real site visit and document conditions

A proper pre-install survey prevents most surprises. Walk the attic, crawlspace, and roof, measure the actual line-set length, check panel loads, and test duct static pressure. Photos of clearances, roof edges, and access paths help price rigging correctly. This is not a DIY moment—refrigerant handling requires certification, electrical work must be to code, and many insurance policies and HOAs require permitted, licensed work. Skipping permits risks fines, failed inspections, voided warranties, and denies coverage if something goes wrong.

Permits, Title 24, and HERS in Southern California

In Los Angeles County and nearby areas such as Orange County, Ventura County, and Western Riverside County, permit fees vary by city and project type. California Title 24 energy code often triggers HERS testing for duct sealing, refrigerant charge verification, and airflow. None of these should be “surprises.” Ask your installer to list expected permit and HERS fees, and request copies of issued permits and final sign-offs for your records.

Common add-ons and how to price-check them

Ductwork modifications

If the quote promises a certain SEER2 or comfort level, airflow must match. Undersized returns or leaky ducts cause callbacks—and hidden charges. Ask for measured targets: total CFM, return size, and maximum static pressure. If ducts are excluded, request a separate, itemized duct scope.

Electrical upgrades

New high-efficiency systems may need different breaker sizes or dedicated circuits. Confirm panel capacity, breaker size, disconnect, and bonding in the proposal. Clarify who covers trenching or conduit if the condenser must move.

Roof, crane, and rigging

For rooftops or tight urban lots, cranes, crew, parking control, and roof protection may apply. Include crane fees, staging, and any roofing patching responsibility in writing.

Line-set and refrigerant

Most quotes include only a certain line-set length. If the actual run is longer, costs rise. Get a stated included length and a per-foot price for overage. If reusing a line-set, specify cleaning, pressure tests, and acceptance criteria.

Condensate drainage

Gravity drains are best; if grades do not allow, you may need a condensate pump and an overflow safety switch. Make the route and pump model part of the scope.

Accessibility and patching

Ceiling or wall cuts for new runs can lead to patch/paint debates. State who performs repairs and to what finish level to avoid last-minute adders.

Red flags in AC installation quotes

• Vague lines like “standard materials,” “miscellaneous,” or “site conditions TBD”
• No model numbers, no SEER2, or no commissioning report commitment
• “Cash-only,” “no permit needed,” or “we’ll pass inspection without it” claims
• Large allowances with no unit pricing for overages
• Promises of airflow or comfort with zero duct scope
• No mention of change-order rules or who pays re-inspection

Protect your budget with clear documentation

Require a written scope, itemized costs, and a change-order process that includes photos and unit pricing for predictable extras. Confirm payment schedule milestones tied to permit, rough-in, and passed final inspection. Ask about financing fees or credit card surcharges before you sign. Keep all receipts, permits, HERS reports, and commissioning data in one file—insurers often ask for them after a claim.

Health-first engineering matters

#1 AC Guys is a fourth-generation family team with 80+ years in engineering. Our mission is healthy air at home for healthy living, which means design, installation, and commissioning that prioritize airflow, filtration, and moisture control. Our engineers have trained at the factory with Fujitsu (Japan), Mitsubishi Elektrik (Thailand), Midea (China), Gree (China), and Hier (China). We handle residential and commercial work, including large and complex projects where clarity beats surprises.

Southern California coverage and code familiarity

We work throughout Los Angeles County and nearby areas including Orange County, Ventura County, and Western Riverside County—covering cities such as Los Angeles, Long Beach, Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, Santa Monica, Anaheim, Irvine, Fullerton, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Garden Grove, Ventura, Oxnard, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Corona, Riverside, and Eastvale. Local code expertise, permits, and inspection workflows are priced into our scopes to prevent hidden fees.

Quick checklist to avoid hidden fees on AC installation

1. Demand an itemized quote with model numbers and SEER2.
2. Require Manual J and stated airflow/static targets.
3. Verify included line-set length and per-foot overage.
4. Clarify electrical scope: breaker, disconnect, and panel.
5. List duct sealing/resizing or explicitly exclude it.
6. Include permits, HERS, Title 24, and re-inspection policy.
7. Define crane/rigging, parking, and roof protection needs.
8. Map the condensate route or include a pump and safety.
9. Get a commissioning report at handoff.
10. Agree on change-order rules with unit pricing and photos.