Need A New HVAC System?
AC Installation & Replacement in The Bay Area
Airstars HVAC is the premier choice for professional AC installation and replacement services in Hayward, Fremont, and the surrounding Bay Area. Your air conditioner is the heart of your home’s summer comfort. Whether you are installing central air for the first time or replacing an old, inefficient unit, our team ensures a perfect installation that stands the test of time. Airstars provides professional air conditioning installation and replacement services to all Hayward, Fremont, San Leandro, Walnut Creek, Oakland, Union City, and surrounding areas.
In the Bay Area, energy costs are rising. Replacing a 15-year-old AC with a modern, high-efficiency system can reduce your cooling costs by up to 40%. We specialize in designing custom cooling solutions that fit your specific home and budget. We don’t just swap boxes; we engineer comfort.
5 Signs You Need a New AC Unit
Before you spend more money on repairs, consider these warning signs from Energy Star:
- R-22 Freon Use: Older units use R-22 refrigerant, which has been phased out by the EPA. Sourcing this refrigerant is now incredibly expensive.
- The Age Factor: The average lifespan of an AC unit in California is 10–15 years. If yours is approaching this age, efficiency drops significantly.
- Frequent Breakdowns: If you are calling for repairs every summer, you are throwing money away.
- Rising Energy Bills: As internal parts wear out, the system works harder to provide the same amount of cooling.
- Uneven Cooling: One room is freezing while another is sweating. This often indicates the unit is losing compression or was sized incorrectly.
The Airstars (Bay Area’s Most Talented HVAC Contractors) “Science of Comfort” Installation Process
The most important day in the life of your air conditioner is the day it is installed. Even the most expensive brand will fail if installed poorly. We follow the strict guidelines set by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) to ensure your system is engineered perfectly for your specific home.
Step 1: Manual J Load Calculation (Right-Sizing)
We never guess. We measure your home’s square footage, ceiling height, insulation quality, window orientation, and even local heat load factors.
- Too Big: The unit cools too fast and shuts off (“short cycling”), leaving humidity in the air and wearing out the motor.
- Too Small: The unit runs continuously but never reaches your set temperature.
- Just Right: We calculate the exact tonnage needed for maximum efficiency.
Step 2: Ductwork Inspection & Sealing
Your ducts are the “lungs” of your home. According to the Department of Energy, typical homes lose 20-30% of the air that moves through the duct system due to leaks. Before installing your new AC, we inspect, seal, or repair ductwork to ensure you get every degree of cooling you pay for.
Step 3: Precision Installation
Our NATE-certified technicians handle the entire process:
Testing airflow and static pressure.
Safe removal and recycling of your old unit (refrigerant recovery).
Installation of a new concrete or composite pad to dampen vibration.
Brazing copper lines with nitrogen purging (preventing internal oxidation).
Installing a new matching evaporator coil.
Energy Efficiency & SEER2 Ratings Explained
In 2023, the Department of Energy introduced stricter testing standards known as SEER2. The higher the SEER2 rating, the less electricity the unit uses.
Replacing a 10 SEER unit (standard in 2005) with a modern 16+ SEER2 system can reduce your cooling costs by 30% to 50%.
Financial Incentives & Rebates
We help you apply for all available rebates to lower your upfront cost:
Learn more about available tax credits at Energy.gov.
Federal Tax Credits: Up to $2,000 for qualified Heat Pumps under the Inflation Reduction Act.
Local Utility Rebates: Incentives from PG&E or BayREN for energy-efficient upgrades.
Our Achievements
Don’t Sweat Through Another Night in Hayward, Fremont, and the East Bay. Call Airstars
We stand behind our work. If you are not satisfied with the performance of your new system within the first year, we will do whatever it takes to make it right.
Ready to stop sweating? Join your neighbors in the Bay Area who trust Airstars for their home comfort. Contact us today
- Hayward
- Fremont
- San Leandro
- Union City
- Oakland
- And Surrounding Areas
What Our Clients Say About Us
★★★★★
I had problems with my heater not starting I call 5 companies and Airstars was the first to respond I make appointment for the same day and the technician came with parts same day and fix the heater good quality service, thank you
Miguel B.
★★★★★
I have nothing but the highest praise for Juan. He was diligent, knowledgeable, friendly, polite, shared some great info. I had initially hired Airstars to just replace a thermostat in an old oven but ended up purchasing a completely new one. No regrets. They made it painless. Will 100% hire them again for whatever appliance needs.
EM S.
★★★★★
Rafael and team have been very responsive, thorough, and accommodating to ensure my HVAC and ductwork are back in better shape than ever. They took pictures and explained everything to me to ensure I knew every step and the extra effort they put in to create a great customer experience!
Dustin S.
Frequently Asked Questions About AC Installation
How much does a new AC installation cost in the Bay Area? The price depends heavily on the size of your home, the difficulty of the installation, and the efficiency rating you choose. Generally, a professional installation in Hayward ranges from $5,500 to $12,500. We provide a guaranteed, flat-rate price in writing after our free site visit—no hidden fees.
How long will my new air conditioner last? With proper annual maintenance, a modern AC system typically lasts 15 to 20 years. We offer maintenance plans to ensure you get the full lifespan out of your investment.
Do I need a permit to replace my AC in Hayward? Yes. City codes in Hayward, Fremont, and surrounding areas require a building permit for HVAC replacements to ensure electrical safety and energy compliance (Title 24). Airstars handles all permitting and city inspections for you.
Do you offer financing options? Absolutely. We believe everyone deserves a fabulous home. We partner with trusted lenders to offer flexible financing plans, including 0% interest options for qualified buyers.