Our Central AC Services

Conrad handles central AC installation, repair, and maintenance for homeowners across Portland Metro — all in-house, all major brands, no subcontractors.

New system sizing and installation — Manual J load calculation, SEER2-rated equipment, and full commissioning before the job closes. Conrad works with Bosch, Lennox, Carrier, Trane, Daikin, and Goodman. Written diagnostic report after every installation.

Fast diagnosis on all central AC failure modes — refrigerant leaks, capacitor and contactor failure, compressor issues, coil problems. Same-day availability, EPA608-certified technicians, written report after every service call.

Seasonal tune-ups that prevent breakdowns — coil cleaning, refrigerant pressure check, condensate drain flush, thermostat calibration. Conrad offers maintenance agreements for annual coverage.

Signs It’s Time to Install Central AC in Your Home

Portland Metro summers have changed. Heat events that used to pass in a day or two now stretch into week-long runs — and homes without reliable cooling feel it fast. If your system is over 15 years old, runs on R-22 refrigerant (phased out after 2010), or carries a SEER rating below 14, the economics of repair stop making sense. A good rule: if central AC repair would cost more than half the system’s replacement value, replace it.

Other signs: uneven temperatures room to room, humidity that stays high with the system running, utility bills climbing year over year. And if your home has never had central air at all — that’s the clearest sign of all.

How Conrad Assesses and Selects Central AC Equipment

Every installation starts with a site walkthrough and a Manual J load calculation — not a square-footage guess. That calculation accounts for ceiling height, window placement, insulation, and orientation. From there, Conrad selects a matched system: condenser and air handler sized to work together, with a SEER2 rating suited for the Oregon climate. R-410A systems are standard; if you’re replacing a pre-2010 unit that ran R-22, that system needs a full replacement — it can’t be topped off. Existing ductwork is inspected before any equipment is ordered. Older Portland Metro homes often have undersized or deteriorated duct runs that undermine a new system’s efficiency.

Central AC Installation Day: What to Expect

Conrad is an authorized Bosch dealer and works with all major brands — Lennox, Carrier, Trane, Daikin, Goodman. On installation day: condenser placement, refrigerant charge verification, electrical connections, thermostat calibration, and a full commissioning test. Every job closes with a written diagnostic report. Pair your new system with an AC maintenance plan from day one.

Central AC Installation Cost in Beaverton, OR

Central AC installation cost in Oregon typically runs between $4,500 and $10,000 installed — with most residential projects landing somewhere in that range depending on home size, SEER2 tier, and ductwork condition. A straight condenser swap on an existing matched system sits at the lower end. A new air handler, ductwork upgrades, or a move to a higher-efficiency unit pushes it higher — and that extra cost usually pays back within a few cooling seasons. Worth knowing: the Energy Trust of Oregon offers rebates on qualifying high-efficiency systems, and the federal IRA provides tax credits for ENERGY STAR-certified equipment. Both can meaningfully reduce out-of-pocket cost. Conrad provides upfront flat-rate pricing and free estimates — no moving targets.

Choosing the Right Central AC System for Your Beaverton Home

Start here: size first, efficiency second. The Pacific Northwest minimum is 13.4 SEER2 for new central AC systems — but most homeowners doing a full installation are better served by a 16+ SEER2 unit, where long-term energy savings justify the difference. Beaverton homes with older single-pane windows or minimal attic insulation often need a half-ton more than raw square footage suggests — a Manual J calculation catches that before equipment is ordered. On refrigerant: R-410A is the current standard. Pre-2010 systems running R-22 can’t be recharged with a modern refrigerant; they need full replacement. Conrad works with Bosch, Lennox, Carrier, Trane, Daikin, and Goodman. No existing ductwork? Ductless mini-split installation may be the better fit.

Why Choose Conrad for Central AC Installation?

Expert Technicians

Conrad’s technicians are CCB licensed and EPA608 certified — required by federal law for refrigerant handling. Every tech is background-checked and trained on all major central AC brands: Lennox, Carrier, Trane, Daikin, Goodman, and Bosch. Conrad is an authorized Bosch dealer. Installations are handled by the same licensed in-house technician throughout — not a subcontractor brought in for the install day.

Prompt Service

Same-day scheduling is available across Portland Metro. Conrad offers 24/7 emergency dispatch for urgent situations. Service trucks are stocked with common parts, and installation projects are scheduled with a clear timeline from the initial site visit. No prolonged waiting periods between assessment, equipment ordering, and installation day.

Everything In-House

Conrad handles the full installation cycle — Manual J load calculation, equipment selection, ductwork inspection, installation, permitting, and the written commissioning report — within one licensed team. If maintenance or a repair comes up after installation, the same team handles it. No referrals to other contractors, no handoffs between departments.

Customer-Centric Approach

Upfront flat-rate pricing is confirmed before any equipment is ordered or work begins. After installation, a written diagnostic report documents what was installed, how the system performed during commissioning, and what the homeowner should monitor. Conrad also explains the thermostat settings, filter schedule, and when to book the first maintenance visit.

How much does central AC installation cost in Beaverton, OR?

Central AC installation in Oregon typically runs $4,500–$10,000 installed, depending on system size, SEER2 tier, and ductwork condition. A straight condenser swap on an existing matched system costs less; adding a new air handler or upgrading ductwork pushes the number up. Energy Trust of Oregon rebates and the federal IRA tax credit can reduce out-of-pocket cost.

How long does central AC installation take?

Most residential central AC installations are completed in one day — typically 4–8 hours depending on the system configuration and whether ductwork work is needed. Conrad schedules a site assessment before ordering equipment, so installation day runs without surprises.

Do I need a permit for central AC installation in Oregon?

Yes. Central AC installation in Oregon requires a mechanical permit. Conrad handles permitting on every installation — it’s part of the job, not an add-on. Permitted work also protects the homeowner’s warranty and insurance coverage.

What size central AC system do I need?

System size is determined by a Manual J load calculation — not square footage alone. Ceiling height, window area, insulation R-value, and home orientation all factor in. An oversized unit short-cycles and never properly dehumidifies; undersized runs constantly. Conrad performs a full load calculation before any equipment is selected.

Can I install central AC without existing ductwork?

It depends on the home. Ductwork can be retrofitted, but it’s invasive and expensive in a finished house. In many cases, a ductless mini split system is the better fit. Conrad assesses both options and recommends based on the home’s actual layout and budget.