Condenser or full system
New 3-ton central AC about $5,000–$12,000; AC plus furnace in the San Antonio area about $9,000–$12,000. Expect the permit and final inspection.
AC Repair & HVAC Service in Live Oak, TX
Free quotes from independent local HVAC contractors. We connect Live Oak homeowners with independent, TDLR-licensed local HVAC contractors for free, no-obligation quotes. The contractor you choose diagnoses, quotes, pulls the permit and does the work directly with you.
Get a Free Quote Call (727) 300-6656Live Oak spells out its HVAC replacement rules
Live Oak, in northeast Bexar County, publishes one of the clearest HVAC guides in the area: a 2026 "Residential Water Heater & HVAC Replacement" FAQ from its Permits and Inspections Department. According to that FAQ and the city's permits page:
- A permit is required to replace an interior air handler, AC condenser or HVAC ducts, and it must be issued before any work begins.
- The permit can be pulled by a licensed mechanical contractor registered with the City of Live Oak, or by a homeowner with a Homestead Exemption doing their own work.
- A mechanical final inspection is required, and a passing duct-leakage (Duct Blaster) test is needed if ductwork was replaced.
- Water heaters may not be installed or replaced in a residential attic.
The homestead option is narrow. Texas's homeowner exemption covers only the owner, not friends or handymen helping them, and any refrigerant work still requires EPA Section 608 certification. Most homeowners hire a contractor and let the company handle the permit. This is general information, not legal advice; check with the city before you start.
Mixed-age homes and attic ducts
The ACS 2024 5-year estimates count about 15,984 Live Oak residents in 6,955 homes, with a median year built of 1990. The mix is wide: 32.8% of homes were built before 1980 and 20.4% in 2010 or later. Median home value is $246,300 and 57.9% of homes are owner-occupied.
Attic air handlers and ducts are common in San Antonio-area homes, and DOE research puts vented San Antonio attics at about 130°F. Because Live Oak requires a duct-leakage test when ducts are replaced, ask whether your quote includes sealing, R-6 or better insulation, and passing that test. Duct repair and replacement quotes cover the options.
Get quotes for any of these in Live Oak
Ranges from published cost guides (2024–2026), estimates, not quotes. See the cost guide.
Heat pumps
About $5,000–$15,000 installed. New split heat pumps must meet at least 14.3 SEER2 / 7.5 HSPF2.
After-hours repair
Some San Antonio HVAC companies offer after-hours service, usually at a higher rate, often 2–3× normal.
Also: AC tune-ups and furnace repair. Nearby: Universal City, Converse, Schertz, or San Antonio AC repair.
Live Oak HVAC questions
Do I need a permit to replace my AC in Live Oak?
Yes. Live Oak's 2026 FAQ says replacing an interior air handler, AC condenser or HVAC ducts requires a permit, issued before work begins, followed by a mechanical final inspection. If ductwork is replaced, the system also needs a passing duct-leakage test. Your contractor normally pulls the permit. This is general information, not legal advice.
Can I pull my own HVAC permit in Live Oak?
Live Oak allows a homeowner with a Homestead Exemption doing their own work to pull the mechanical permit. Texas's exemption covers only the owner, not anyone helping, and refrigerant work still needs EPA Section 608 certification. For most replacements, hiring a licensed, city-registered contractor is simpler. Check with the city first.
Can my water heater go in the attic with the air handler?
Not in Live Oak. The city's 2026 FAQ says water heaters shall be prohibited from being installed or replaced in any residential attic space. If your water heater is in the attic today and needs replacing, ask the plumber or contractor where it can go. The rule is separate from the HVAC permit.
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