AC Installation & Replacement in Tulsa
Your old system finally gave up — or you're done throwing repair money at it. We install properly sized, high-efficiency central AC across Tulsa and the metro. Free in-home estimates, PSO rebates filed for you, 0% financing available.
What You Actually Need to Know Before You Buy
The biggest mistake we see on AC replacements in Tulsa is wrong sizing. Too many contractors quote whatever size matches the old unit. But if the old unit was installed in 1998 using a square-footage rule of thumb, it was probably oversized to begin with — and an oversized AC cools the air fast but doesn't run long enough to pull humidity out. In August, when Tulsa air is 70% relative humidity, a humid house at 72°F feels worse than a dry house at 75°F.
We run a Manual J load calculation on every installation — square footage, ceiling heights, insulation levels, window area, orientation, and Tulsa's 99% cooling design temperature of 100°F dry bulb. It takes 30 extra minutes and produces the right number. We're not going to show up with whatever's on the truck.
On efficiency: the federal minimum for Oklahoma is 14.3 SEER2. That's enough to pass inspection, not enough to make a dent in your PSO bill. For a Tulsa home that runs AC from mid-April to mid-October, moving from a 10 SEER system (common in mid-2000s replacements) to a 17 SEER2 variable-speed unit typically drops cooling costs 30–40%. The PSO rebate at 17.2–19 SEER2 is $600; at 19.1+ SEER2 it's $800. That narrows the price gap between efficiency tiers considerably.
Yeah, $8,000–$10,000 stings. Here's the math on a 2-ton replacement in a Midtown home: $9,000 system, $600 PSO rebate, $500 federal 25C credit (assuming 5.5% of system cost on a $9,000 job — check with your tax person), 0% financing for 18 months. That's $6.74/day for 18 months with $1,100 already back in your pocket. For a system that will outlast the next decade of Tulsa summers. Financing details here.
What the Installation Process Looks Like
Step 1: In-home estimate (free, no obligation)
A tech walks the house, checks the ductwork, measures the space, and runs the Manual J. You get a written quote covering equipment, labor, and any duct modifications. We bring two or three equipment options at different efficiency tiers so you can make the call.
Ductwork evaluation
We check static pressure in the duct system before we quote. If your ductwork is undersized for the new unit — common in 1960s and 70s Tulsa homes — we tell you upfront. Installing a 3-ton system into ductwork sized for 2.5 tons wastes money and kills efficiency.
Equipment removal and installation
Old system out, new system in. We pull the permit, do the refrigerant recovery on the old unit (EPA-required), set the new condenser and air handler, run the lineset, and pressure-test before charging. Most condenser swaps are done same-day if we have the unit.
Commissioning and startup
We charge to the manufacturer's specifications — not "close enough." Measure superheat and subcooling, check airflow at every supply vent, verify the thermostat is set up correctly. You should feel the difference within the first hour.
PSO rebate filing
If you're a PSO customer, we document the installation and submit the rebate application within 30 days. PSO mails you a check in 6–10 weeks — typically $200–$800 depending on the SEER2 tier. We handle the paperwork; you cash the check.
Equipment registration
We register your new system with the manufacturer within 60 days of installation, which is required to activate the full parts warranty (10 years on Trane and Rheem; lifetime compressor + 10-year parts on Goodman). Missing this step can cost you tens of thousands in warranty coverage.
AC Replacement in Tulsa: Local Context
Tulsa homes span a wide range — 1920s bungalows in Maple Ridge with original ductwork and high ceilings, 1970s ranch homes in South Tulsa with attic runs that hit 140°F in July, 1990s two-stories in Broken Arrow where the upstairs is always hot. Each situation changes the equipment recommendation.
The most common replacement scenario we see is 2003–2010 R-22 systems where repair is no longer economic. The EPA phased out R-22 production — reclaimed refrigerant is expensive and getting harder to find. If your system is in this age range and has a leak, replacement with R-410A or R-454B equipment is usually the right call. We can typically get to a replacement estimate within 24 hours of your call.
For homes with existing gas furnaces, you have two directions: replace just the AC side (condenser and evaporator coil), or go with a heat pump and retire the gas system. The heat pump path makes more financial sense when the furnace is also aging — and PSO's heat pump rebates ($600–$1,400) are significantly higher than the AC rebates. See our heat pump installation page for that comparison.
PSO serves most of Tulsa County. If you're in an area served by OG&E or a rural electric co-op, rebate programs differ — but federal 25C tax credits still apply regardless of your utility. We can help you figure out which programs you qualify for.
PSO Rebates on New AC
PSO customers get cash back when installing qualifying central AC:
- $200 — Central AC, 15.2–17.1 SEER2
- $600 — Central AC, 17.2–19 SEER2
- $800 — Central AC, 19.1+ SEER2
These stack with the federal 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit. We file your rebate application and register your equipment. You cash the check.
Full PSO rebate guideWhat Drives AC Installation Cost
Keeps costs lower
- Replacing like-for-like (same tonnage, similar location)
- Existing ductwork in good condition
- Standard R-410A or R-454B refrigerant
- Single-stage or two-stage system (vs. variable-speed)
Pushes costs higher
- Ductwork modifications or new lineset routing
- Upsizing (going from 3-ton to 4-ton)
- Variable-speed equipment (but better humidity control)
- Roof-mounted or difficult-access outdoor unit location
Free in-home estimates only — we don't give real quotes over the phone. The house matters too much. Call 918-200-9111 to schedule your estimate visit.
Situations We See Regularly
The end-of-season replacement: A homeowner in 74136 limped through summer on an 18-year-old Carrier. Repair bills over 3 years totaled $1,800. We replaced it in September (off-peak — better scheduling availability) with a 17.2 SEER2 Trane, filed the PSO rebate for $600, and had them in before the first November cold snap. Good timing saves on rush fees.
The upstairs-won't-cool situation: A two-story Broken Arrow home with a 3-ton single-stage unit that couldn't hold 78°F upstairs in August. Manual J showed the house needed 3.5 tons — it was undersized from day one. New 3.5-ton two-stage unit, added a return vent on the second floor, balanced the system. Upstairs gets to 75°F now.
The R-22 decision: A 2006 system with a confirmed evaporator coil leak. Repair: $1,800. System age × repair cost = 18 × 1,800 = $32,400. Clear replacement call. New 19.1 SEER2 system, $800 PSO rebate, $2,000 25C federal credit. Net cost came in under $8,000. Monthly PSO bill dropped $60 from the following summer forward.
AC Installation FAQ
How much does a new AC cost in Tulsa?
$5,500–$13,000 installed, depending on size, efficiency tier, brand, and ductwork condition. After PSO rebates and the 25C federal tax credit, the net cost is often $1,500–$3,400 lower. Free in-home estimate to get your real number.
What size system do I need?
We calculate it with a Manual J load calculation — not a square footage guess. Tulsa's design temperature of 100°F makes proper sizing more critical than in most markets. We'll tell you the right size at the estimate visit.
What SEER2 rating should I get?
14.3 SEER2 is the minimum. For Tulsa's 6-month cooling season, we typically recommend 17+ SEER2. At 19.1+ SEER2, the PSO rebate is $800. Variable-speed systems in this range also handle Tulsa humidity better.
Do I need to replace the furnace too?
Not necessarily. If the furnace blower is solid and the system is under 12 years old, we can often just replace the outdoor unit and indoor coil. We'll check the furnace at the estimate and give you an honest recommendation.
Can I get financing?
Yes — 0% APR for 12 or 18 months on qualifying new systems through Service Finance Company and Synchrony. Most decisions in under 5 minutes. See our financing page for current programs.
How long does installation take?
A straightforward condenser and coil swap takes 4–6 hours. If we're doing ductwork or also replacing the air handler, add a few hours. Most jobs are done in one day.
Do you pull a permit?
Yes. We pull the required mechanical permit in Tulsa and surrounding jurisdictions. Permit work protects you — unpermitted HVAC installations can create issues at home sale time.
AC Installation Across the Tulsa Metro
We install new AC systems throughout Tulsa County and the surrounding area. Suburb-specific pages:
Also serving: Claremore, Catoosa, Coweta, Collinsville, Glenpool, Skiatook, and surrounding Tulsa County communities.
Get Your Free Tulsa AC Estimate
No obligation. No pressure. We show up, run the numbers, give you a written quote, and leave it with you to decide. Call or fill out the form — your choice.
Also see: AC Repair | Heat Pump Installation | Financing Options