A good quote is a checklist in writing: it names the equipment, the load calculation, the permit, roof or crane work, disposal and warranty, plus the contractor’s Arizona ROC license. Climate Pros Tucson matches you with licensed pros and sets no prices; each pro quotes after seeing the house. This is a companion to new AC cost in Tucson, which walks through what drives price; this page is the document-check you do before signing.

What should the quote say about sizing?

That a load calculation (Manual J) was done for your house. The City of Tucson requires load and sizing calculations for new and replacement HVAC equipment. Ask to see it. See what size AC you need.

What equipment lines should appear?

  • Brand, model numbers and tonnage for the outdoor unit and the indoor coil or air handler. Efficiency ratings belong to a specific outdoor unit and coil pairing, so ask that both be listed.
  • SEER2 and EER2 for that exact combination. SEER2 is a seasonal cooling-efficiency rating in Btu per watt-hour. See what is SEER2.
  • Refrigerant type. Existing R-410A systems can still be serviced and equipment built before 2025 can still be installed, so “R-410A is banned” isn’t a reason.

What about permit, crane and disposal?

  • Permit: required in the City of Tucson for replacement ACs and heat pumps. The contractor pulls it. A quote with no permit line is a question.
  • Crane or roof work: if you have a rooftop unit, see roof package unit replacement.
  • Disposal of the old unit and refrigerant recovery.
  • Ducts, thermostat and electrical changes, if any.

What about warranty and rebates?

Ask for the manufacturer’s written warranty terms, what’s covered, and whether labor is included. Register it as the maker requires. TEP’s Efficient Home Program lists up to $600 for AC quality installation, as listed by TEP in October 2026, through a participating contractor. Ask whether the contractor is one.

How do you check the contractor?

Look up the license at roc.az.gov. Residential HVAC work falls under ROC class R-39 or R-39R subclassifications. Compare two or three written quotes line by line. See how to choose an HVAC contractor, AC installation and the Tucson HVAC hub.

Want quotes to compare?

To compare written quotes from licensed pros, call (520) 353-2520 and we’ll match you with a licensed local pro.