AC Installation & Replacement in Sparks and Reno, NV

M&S Heating and Air Conditioning has installed and replaced air conditioners for homes and businesses in Sparks and Reno since 1985. We size every system with a Manual J load calculation, handle the permit and remove your old equipment. Most installations are finished in a single day. Estimates for new systems are free, and financing is available through Wisetack.

• Local since 1985: based at 605 Spice Islands Dr #5, Sparks, NV 89431
• Licensed: Nevada Air Conditioning Contractor License #AC 0082386
• Free estimates on new system installations and replacements
• Most installs finished in one day, usually four to eight hours
• Call (775) 843-7930 or request an estimate online

Signs It’s Time for a New Air Conditioner

A new air conditioner is a big purchase, and we’ll never push you into one before you need it. These are the signs that replacement is usually the better choice than another repair:

• The system is more than 10 to 12 years old and needs repairs more and more often.
• It uses R-22 refrigerant. R-22 is no longer produced, so recharging an older system after a leak is very expensive.
• Your summer power bills keep rising even though you use the system the same way.
• The house won’t stay comfortable on hot afternoons, or some rooms are always warmer than others.
• The repair quote fails the “5,000 rule”. Multiply the system’s age by the repair cost. If the result is over $5,000, a replacement quote is worth getting.
• The compressor or outdoor coil has failed on a system that is already out of warranty.

Not sure? Our technicians will give you an honest comparison of the repair cost and the replacement cost, so you can decide. If repair makes more sense, see our AC repair service.

Our AC Installation Process

1. In-home assessment. We look at your current equipment, ductwork, electrical service and the way your home is used. We ask about rooms that are too hot or too cold, and about allergies or noise concerns.
2. Manual J load calculation. We size the new system for your house, taking in square footage, insulation, windows, ceiling height and the Northern Nevada climate. An undersized system can’t keep up on hot days. An oversized one short-cycles, wastes energy and wears out sooner.
3. Clear options and a written price. We give you several options at different price points and efficiency levels, and explain what you gain from each. Nothing is pushed on you.
4. Permits and scheduling. We pull the permit from your local building department, so the work meets code and your home is protected.
5. Installation day. We protect your floors, remove the old equipment and recover its refrigerant to EPA rules. Then we install the new system and connect it to your ductwork and your electrical or gas supply.
6. Testing and walkthrough. We check the refrigerant charge, airflow and electrical readings. We show you how to use the thermostat and help you register the equipment for its manufacturer’s warranty. Then we clean up before we leave.

Air Conditioning Systems We Install

• Central split-system air conditioners, paired with your existing furnace or a new one.
• Heat pumps, which cool in summer and heat efficiently in spring and fall. Many Northern Nevada homes pair a heat pump with a gas furnace as a dual-fuel system. See heat pump installation.
• Ductless mini-splits for additions, garages, converted spaces and older homes without ducts. See ductless mini-split installation.
• Packaged units, with heating and cooling in one outdoor cabinet, common in homes with little indoor equipment space and in light-commercial buildings.
• Smart and wireless thermostats, chosen to work with your new system.

We install Ruud equipment. If you’d like a particular brand, tell us and we’ll discuss what’s available.

What Affects the Cost of a New AC?

We don’t publish a single price, because two homes on the same street can need very different systems. These are the main things that affect the cost:

• System size, set by the load calculation, not just square footage.
• Efficiency level. A higher SEER2 rating costs more upfront but lowers your cooling bills every summer.
• System type: central AC, heat pump, dual-fuel or ductless.
• Ductwork condition. Leaky or undersized ducts may need repair or changes to get the performance you’re paying for.
• Electrical work, a new pad or line set, and access to the attic or crawl space.
• Whether the furnace or air handler is replaced at the same time. Matching the indoor and outdoor parts protects efficiency and the warranty.

Your estimate lists all of this in writing. To spread the cost, ask about financing through Wisetack.

Choosing the Right System for Northern Nevada

The Truckee Meadows climate affects which system makes sense:

• Hot, dry summers and altitude. At about 4,400 to 4,500 feet, outdoor units lose some capacity. Correct sizing and a clean, well-placed outdoor unit matter more here than at sea level.
• Strict efficiency standards. Nevada is in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Southwest region, which has the highest minimum efficiency ratings for new central air conditioners in the country. Every system we install meets the current standard.
• Newer refrigerants. New systems use the latest lower-impact refrigerants that replace R-410A. We’ll explain what this means for your equipment and future service.
• Cold winters with many mild days. This is why a heat pump with a gas furnace backup is so popular here. The heat pump heats efficiently on mild days, and the furnace takes over on the coldest nights.
• Dust and wildfire smoke. A new installation is a good time to add better filtration. See our indoor air quality options.

Protecting Your New System

New equipment usually comes with a manufacturer’s parts warranty, often 5 to 10 years depending on the brand and model. Registration often extends it. We help you register your equipment and explain exactly what’s covered. We also back our installation work with a full warranty.

To keep the system efficient and the warranty valid, book a yearly tune-up. The M&S Maintenance Plan includes a spring AC tune-up and a fall heating tune-up. It also gives you priority scheduling and 10% off service and repairs.

Why Sparks and Reno Homeowners Choose M&S

• Over 40 years in business. We’ve served the area since January 1985. Owner Kent Jenkins and our senior technicians bring more than 50 years of combined experience.
• Family-owned and local. You deal with the same Sparks company before, during and after the installation.
• Rated 4.9 stars on Google by our customers.
• Honest recommendations. If a repair is the smarter choice, we’ll say so.
• Homes and businesses. We also install and replace commercial HVAC systems.

Areas We Serve

We install air conditioners in Sparks, Spanish Springs, Reno, Sun Valley, the North Valleys, Cold Springs, Carson City, Virginia City, Crystal Bay, Incline Village and Truckee, California.

AC Installation FAQs

How long does it take to install a new air conditioner?

Most replacements are finished in one day, usually four to eight hours. Jobs that need duct changes, electrical upgrades or a new furnace at the same time can take longer. We’ll confirm the timing when we schedule your installation.

Do you give free estimates on new AC systems?

Yes. Estimates for new system installations and replacements are free. We assess your home, run a load calculation and give you written options at different price points.

What size air conditioner does my house need?

The right size depends on more than square footage. Insulation, windows, ceiling height, sun exposure and our high-desert climate all count. We run a Manual J load calculation for every installation, so the system is neither too small to keep up nor so large that it short-cycles.

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

Not always. If the furnace is fairly new and compatible, we can match the new AC to it. If it’s 15 years old or more, replacing both together often costs less overall, ensures the parts are matched for efficiency, and avoids a second installation day later.

Do I need a permit to replace my air conditioner in Sparks or Reno?

In most cases, yes. We get the permit from your local building department as part of the job and make sure the installation passes inspection.

Can I finance a new air conditioner?

Yes. We offer financing through Wisetack, so you can install a new system now and pay over time. Ask about it when you book your estimate.

Is a heat pump a good choice instead of a central AC in Northern Nevada?

Often, yes. A heat pump cools just like an air conditioner and also heats efficiently on the many mild days we get. Paired with a gas furnace for the coldest nights, it can lower your yearly heating and cooling costs. We’ll compare both options in your estimate.

Have more questions? See our full HVAC FAQ page.