Professional AC Installation in San Marino, CA
In San Marino, a reliable air conditioning system isn't a luxury; it's essential for maintaining a comfortable and healthy home environment. When your old unit fails or you're installing a system for the first time, the quality of the installation is just as important as the quality of the equipment itself. A professional installation ensures your system runs efficiently, lasts longer, and provides the consistent cooling you expect. We specialize in providing San Marino homeowners with expert AC installation services, tailored to the unique architecture and climate of our community.
Our focus is on delivering a seamless experience from start to finish. We combine technical expertise with a commitment to customer satisfaction, ensuring your new air conditioner is a valuable and lasting investment in your home's comfort.

Our Meticulous AC Installation Process
A successful air conditioning installation is built on a foundation of careful planning and precise execution. We have refined our process to eliminate guesswork and guarantee optimal performance, ensuring every step is handled with professionalism and attention to detail.
Step 1: Comprehensive In-Home Assessment
Our process begins not with a sales pitch, but with a thorough evaluation of your home. A technician will visit to discuss your specific cooling needs, budget, and any concerns you have. We perform a professional load calculation (Manual J) to accurately determine the precise cooling capacity your home requires. This critical step considers factors like square footage, window placement, insulation levels, and ceiling height to prevent issues caused by oversized or undersized units.
Step 2: Expert System Selection and Guidance
Based on the assessment, we guide you through selecting the ideal air conditioning system. We work with leading brands and offer a range of options, including:
- Central Air Conditioners: The perfect solution for homes with existing ductwork, providing whole-home cooling.
- Ductless Mini-Split Systems: An excellent, flexible option for homes without ductwork, historic properties, or for creating zoned cooling in specific rooms or additions.
We’ll explain the benefits of different energy efficiency ratings (SEER) and help you choose a unit that balances performance with long-term energy savings.
Step 3: Flawless Installation and Code Compliance
Our certified technicians handle every aspect of the physical installation. This includes the precise placement of the indoor and outdoor units, expert connection of refrigerant and electrical lines, and ensuring proper airflow and drainage. We adhere strictly to manufacturer specifications and all local San Marino building codes to ensure your system is safe, reliable, and compliant.
Step 4: System Commissioning and Final Walkthrough
Once installed, we don’t just turn the system on and leave. We perform a complete system commissioning, testing thermostat calibration, checking refrigerant levels, and verifying that every component is operating at peak efficiency. We then conduct a final walkthrough with you to demonstrate how to use your new system and answer any questions.
Navigating San Marino's AC Permit and Regulation Requirements
A significant and often overlooked aspect of AC installation in San Marino is the requirement for city permits. The city has specific regulations regarding the placement of outdoor condenser units, including setback requirements from property lines and noise ordinances. Navigating this process can be complex for homeowners.
We handle the entire permitting process on your behalf. Our team is well-versed in San Marino’s specific codes and will manage all necessary paperwork and inspections. By choosing us, you can be confident that your installation is fully compliant, avoiding potential fines or issues down the line. This commitment to regulatory adherence protects your investment and ensures a hassle-free project.
When to Replace vs. Repair Your Air Conditioner
Deciding whether to repair an aging air conditioner or invest in a new one can be difficult. A new installation is often the more sensible and cost-effective choice in several situations. Consider replacement if your current system:
- Is Over 10-15 Years Old: Older units are significantly less efficient and more prone to failure.
- Requires Frequent and Costly Repairs: If you find yourself calling for service every summer, the repair costs can quickly add up. A good guideline is the "$5,000 Rule": if the age of the unit multiplied by the repair cost exceeds $5,000, replacement is generally the smarter financial decision.
- Causes High Energy Bills: A sudden or steady increase in your cooling costs is a clear sign your AC is losing efficiency. A new, high-SEER unit can dramatically reduce your monthly utility expenses.
- Uses R-22 Refrigerant: This older refrigerant is being phased out and is becoming extremely expensive to source for repairs, making a new system a more practical long-term solution.
- Fails to Cool Your Home Evenly: Inconsistent temperatures and struggles to keep up on hot days indicate your system is no longer meeting your home's needs.
Investing in a new, energy-efficient AC system not only restores your comfort but also improves indoor air quality, increases your property value, and provides quiet, reliable performance for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About AC Installation
What factors determine the cost of a new AC installation in San Marino?
The primary factors include the type and size (tonnage) of the unit, its energy efficiency (SEER) rating, the complexity of the installation, and whether any ductwork modifications are required. We provide clear, upfront estimates after our initial assessment.
How long does a typical AC installation take?
Most standard central air conditioner replacements can be completed in a single day. More complex installations, such as those requiring new ductwork or involving ductless mini-split systems, may take longer. We will provide a clear timeline before work begins.
What size air conditioner does my home need?
The correct size is determined by a professional load calculation, not just square footage. An undersized unit will run constantly without cooling effectively, while an oversized unit will cycle on and off too frequently, failing to dehumidify the air properly and causing unnecessary wear.
What are the benefits of installing a high-SEER air conditioner?
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures an AC's efficiency. A higher SEER rating means the unit uses less energy to produce the same amount of cooling. Investing in a high-SEER unit results in significant savings on your electricity bills over the life of the system.
Ready to experience unparalleled comfort with a professionally installed new air conditioning system? Contact us today to schedule your complimentary in-home consultation and receive a detailed estimate for your San Marino home.
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Customer Testimonials



CUSTOMER SERVICE!




I highly recommend this company for anyone needing AC repair or maintenance. I'll definitely be calling them again for any future needs!








I had the pleasure of experiencing outstanding service and professionalism from Ruben, and I am beyond impressed. From the moment I first contacted them, by phone and follow up communication via email for my quotes. The attention to detail and commitment to excellence were evident.
Ruben, was incredibly responsive, addressing all my inquiries promptly and with clear, thorough explanations. Their dedication to understanding and meeting my needs was remarkable.
Ruben, went above and beyond to ensure that everything was handled seamlessly, demonstrating not just professionalism, but also a sincere dedication to customer satisfaction.
I can't recommend Piggies air Conditioning/Ruben highly enough. If you're looking for someone who combines expertise with exceptional service, look no further. They are a true example of what outstanding professionalism should be.








The technician arrived on time, which I really appreciated given how crucial air conditioning is in this heat. Ruben was professional and friendly, explaining what he was doing throughout the process. The issue I had was diagnosed fairly quickly, and they provided me with a few options on how to fix it. The pricing was transparent, and I didn't feel like there were any hidden costs, which is always a plus when it comes to service calls like these. Highly recommend this company!




1st & foremost, huge shout out to Ruben thank u so so much for reaching out & making things happen SO FAST! I was so surprised since i had reached out to a couple different places who lagged on even answering calls, messages, etc.
Ruben was also very informative & taught me ALOT that i didnt know about.
Also cant leave the amazing Luis & Miles out of
this review.
They came, they saw, they conquered!
And they worked pretty swiftly too, felt very comfy around em, loved their personalities, great attitude, work ethic, professionalism, had some really good convos & they still got the job done lightning fast
SUPER HUGE SHOUT OUT & THANKS for everything guys! Definitely recommending u guys to everyone i know.




recommendations and feedback. The actual installation was painless and unremarkable, his AC experts got it done, got it cleaned and most importantly got it right. Rueben even went a step further to assure we had
protection from the coming rain, that is service unheard of these days. His price was competitive and a REAL value for the service we recieved. Using anyone else for your AC needs, would be a huge mistake. We thank them again and will recommend to everyone.




Echoing a lot of the other reviews here, Piggies Air Conditioning responds so quickly to requests (even though I actually accidentally sent in multiple requests on my side without responding, oops!)
They were able to come do a FREE energy audit and initial inspection on the same day and Ruben was amazing at explaining his thoughts on our house's situation and what he thought was worth the money and wasn't worth the money.
I truly felt like he was trying to help me find the best solution to our issues instead of just trying to upsell us on everything and anything.
I'm definitely recommending this business to anyone I know if they want a trustworthy and realistic service, value, and quality.
