Advanced Air Conditioning Services in Portland Metro

We install complete split systems in homes that have usable ductwork. The job starts with a load calculation and a static pressure reading, not a guess at tonnage. You get a matched condenser and coil, an AHRI-rated pairing, and a commissioning test before we leave.

Replacing an aging unit is the most common project we see. We check whether the existing line set, disconnect, and pad can be reused, and we’ll let you know either way. Older systems often need a new coil and refrigerant changeover, which we price before the work begins.

A heat pump gives you cooling in summer and heating the rest of the year from one outdoor unit. The Willamette Valley climate suits them unusually well because winters here rarely push a heat pump outside its efficient range. Many Portland homeowners replace a furnace and an AC with a single heat pump.

Ductless systems solve the Portland houses that ducts cannot reach. Converted attics, finished basements, additions, and old bungalows with no return path are the usual candidates. We plan the zone layout and line set route before mounting anything.

What Portland Homeowners Say About Our AC Installations

Installed and Tested The System in Two Hours

Jasjot Singh came to us with an air conditioning problem that needed diagnosis before anyone could quote an installation. Our technician identified the fault, explained the options, and completed the install the same visit. The crew tested the system under load before leaving the property.

“They diagnosed the issue really quickly and were very polite and professional throughout the entire job. The installation job for the AC only took them two hours, and they made sure to test it before leaving. Would recommend to anyone who needs help with their ac.”

Testing before departure is standard on our installations, not a courtesy. We verify refrigerant charge, temperature split, and airflow while the system runs. We catch faults on day one. Read Jasjot’s Google review.

A Heat Pump Upgrade from Furnace in One Week

Steve Brenne had a gas furnace and a separate air conditioner reaching the end of their service lives. He chose to consolidate both into a single heat pump. We quoted the work, scheduled it, and completed the changeover, including the AC side upgrade.

“Conrad HVAC installed a Heat pump to replace our existing gas furnace and AC within 1 week of quoting. Installation was done well within one day, including AC upgrade for the heat pump.”

Furnace-to-heat-pump conversions are common in Portland because the climate favors them. The work is more involved than a swap. Planning the electrical supply and air handler before quote day keeps it to one day on site. Read Steve’s Google review.

What Our Customers Say

Dmitry did an excellent job of figuring out what the cause was for our heat pump system not switching to gas heat when the temperature was below 35º which was a setting fix rather than a part replacement. After diagnosing the problem he did a nice system maintenance job including cleaning the heat pump compressor to like new condition. With other companies, they always suggested doing it myself.

Jim Wright

Inspected and do any needed maintenance. The furnace had stopped working, although my son in-law was able to clean some corrosion and get it working again until the tech could make a visit (it was a low of 19 degrees that night). Anastasia was able to work us in a couple of days from our initial call instead of the 1-2 week lead time of other companies in the area. This was much appreciated as it was Christmas weekend and a big storm was blowing through Tigard. Alex showed up, did a thorough check-up, did some adjustments and declared the system good to go (just needed a new air filter). Thanks to the Conrad Crew for a great job!

John Johnson

Fantastic service. excellent in all aspects. I would recommend Conrad Heating for anything related to heating, cooling, air conditioning tuneup and duct cleaning

Derek Teigen

When to Install a New AC, and When to Repair Instead

Not every failing air conditioner needs to be replaced. These signs point toward replacement rather than repair.

  • The system is 12 to 15 years old and needs a major part. A costly compressor or coil replacement may not make financial sense on older equipment.
  • It uses R-22 refrigerant. R-22 is no longer produced, making it harder and more expensive to recharge older systems.
  • You have had two or more repairs in two seasons. Frequent breakdowns can signal that the system is nearing the end of its service life.
  • The house never gets cool during a heat event. Poor cooling may point to sizing or capacity issues that a repair alone will not solve.
  • Some rooms cool and others do not. Uneven temperatures can indicate ductwork, airflow, or sizing problems.
  • Energy costs climbed with no change in use. Rising energy bills may indicate declining system efficiency and an aging unit.

If you are weighing AC repair against replacement, we will quote both. You should see the real cost of each before deciding.

Our AC Installation Process in Portland

Every installation follows the same sequence so we don’t skip steps under time pressure.

  1. Assessment and load calculation. We measure the house, not just the old unit. An ACCA Manual J calculation establishes the actual cooling load.
  2. Duct and airflow testing. We take static pressure readings and inspect the runs. If the ducts limit the system, you will hear it before you buy.
  3. Equipment selection and written quote. We propose matched, AHRI-rated equipment with a fixed price in writing. We check rebate eligibility at this stage.
  4. Permit and scheduling. We pull the required mechanical permit and book a date that works for you.
  5. Installation day. Old equipment is removed and recovered properly. We set, connect, evacuate, and charge the new equipment to specification.
  6. Commissioning and testing. We verify charge, temperature split, static pressure, and safety controls under running load.

We show you the thermostat, the filter, and the maintenance schedule, then walk you through the inspection.

Conrad guy illustration

Why Choose Conrad for AC Installation in Portland

Licensed And Insured In Oregon

We hold Oregon CCB license #238277 and carry full insurance. Every installation is permitted and inspected. You are never relying on a handshake.

Load Calculated Sizing

We run an ACCA Manual J calculation on every install. We select equipment based on the result, not the size of the old unit. This is the single biggest predictor of whether you like the system.

Upfront Written Pricing

You approve a fixed price before we order equipment. We quote scope changes before they happen, with no end-of-job surprises.

Tested Before We Leave

We commission the system under running load and verify charge, airflow, and temperature split. Problems get found on install day.

Rebate and Financing Support

We are a trade ally of Energy Trust of Oregon and provide Wisetack financing with terms stated plainly. Checking your options does not affect your credit score.

All Major Brands Installed and Serviced

We are RUUD Pro Partners and a Bosch equipment dealer. We also install and service every other major brand. We don’t push you into one manufacturer.

Complete Comfort Solutions in Portland

Portland homeowners have different cooling needs depending on the home, existing system, ductwork, and available space. Conrad Heating and Cooling provides complete air conditioning solutions, including AC repair, maintenance, and 24/7 emergency service with upfront pricing and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Areas We Serve

From quick repairs to full installations and replacement services, we’re expertly trained to take on HVAC jobs of all sizes.

Conrad Heating & Cooling Service Map

How long does an AC installation take in a Portland home?

Most straight air conditioner replacements are completed in one day. A heat pump conversion or a first-time installation can take one to two days. Homes with crawlspace air handlers or duct correction take longer. We include the schedule in the written quote.

Do I need a permit to install an air conditioner in Portland?

Yes. Residential mechanical equipment installation in Oregon is permitted work under the Oregon Mechanical Specialty Code. Conrad Heating and Cooling pulls the permit and manages the inspection. An unpermitted installation can cause problems at resale and can void a manufacturer warranty.

What size air conditioner does my house need?

The correct size comes from an ACCA Manual J load calculation, which accounts for square footage, insulation, window area, orientation, and air leakage. Square footage alone is not enough to size equipment. An oversized system short-cycles and leaves the house humid, while an undersized one cannot hold temperature during a heat event. We perform the calculation before quoting.

Is a heat pump a better choice than an air conditioner in Portland?

For many Portland homes, yes. A heat pump provides both cooling and heating from one outdoor unit. The Willamette Valley climate rarely pushes a heat pump outside its efficient range. It also consolidates two aging systems into one. The right answer depends on your existing furnace, your electrical service, and the rebates currently available.

Should I replace my furnace at the same time as my AC?

Replacing both together is often cheaper than two separate projects. It also guarantees the blower and the indoor coil are matched. A mismatched pairing is a common cause of poor performance after replacing a single unit. If your furnace is under about ten years old and running well, keeping it can make sense.

Will new ductwork be needed with a new AC system?

Not always, but we have to check. We take static pressure readings and inspect the duct runs before quoting equipment. Many older Portland homes have undersized returns or leaking runs through unconditioned crawlspaces, which limit what any new system can deliver. Where the ducts are the constraint, we include the correction in the quote rather than discovering it later.