You’re done with window units. They’re loud, they block light, and they only cool one room. Installing central air for the first time feels like a big decision, and it is, but it’s also one that changes how you live through summer. AJ Services has installed hundreds of central air systems across Nassau County and eastern Suffolk. We handle the whole project: equipment selection, ductwork design, permits, installation, and getting your thermostat dialed in perfectly.
Long Island summers are hot and humid. July and August average 70 to 75 percent humidity, which means your AC has to do two jobs: cool the air and remove moisture. If your home isn’t properly sized or the system shuts off too quickly, you’ll end up feeling clammy even when the thermostat reads 72 degrees. That’s why proper sizing and good ductwork matter so much.
PSEG Long Island electricity rates are among the highest in the country—often 25 to 30 cents per kilowatt-hour compared to the national average of 12 to 15 cents. That means the efficiency of your AC system directly impacts your summer bills. A modern high-SEER system costs more upfront, but you’ll see the payback in lower energy costs, especially in a hot summer.
If your home is an older cape, ranch, or colonial without ductwork, you’re not out of luck. Many homes need ductwork installed, and that’s part of the job we do. Some homes are better served by mini splits, which we also specialize in. During a consultation, we’ll talk through what works best for your house.
Here’s what happens from start to finish. First, we do a load calculation specific to your home. We measure your square footage, check your insulation, windows, and sun exposure, and talk about how you use your home. This tells us exactly what size system you need—not too big, not too small, just right for keeping you comfortable and removing humidity.
Next, we design your ductwork. If your home doesn’t have ducts already, we figure out the best way to run them—through the attic, basement, or walls—without tearing up your whole house. If you do have existing ductwork, we inspect it and make sure it’s sized and sealed properly. We pull all the Nassau County permits so you don’t have to chase paperwork.
On installation day, we bring in the equipment, set up the outdoor condenser unit, install the indoor air handler, connect the refrigerant lines, run the ductwork, and install your new thermostat. We test everything, verify the airflow is balanced throughout the house, and show you how to use your new system. The whole job typically takes 1 to 3 days depending on how much ductwork is needed.
We’re not a big national franchise—we’re a family-owned company that’s been keeping Long Island homes cool since 2000. We understand the homes here. We know which neighborhoods have older houses with tricky ductwork, which areas struggle with salty air near the south shore, and what SEER ratings make sense given PSEG’s high rates. We pull our own permits, so you get a professional job that passes inspection the first time.
Every technician is licensed and trained. We stand behind our work with a warranty and we’re here for service calls after the job is done. And because we’re 24/7, if you have questions in the middle of summer, you can reach us.
How long does central AC installation take?
If your home already has ductwork and we’re just installing new equipment, one day. If we need to run ductwork, plan for 2 to 3 days. We’ll give you a detailed timeline during the consultation.
Do I need permits to install central air on Long Island, and do you handle them?
Yes, Nassau County requires permits for new AC systems. Yes, we handle all the permits. It’s part of the job—no extra cost to you, just one less thing to worry about.
How do you size an AC system?
We do a load calculation. We measure your home’s square footage, check insulation levels, count windows, and ask about your daily routine and cooling preferences. All of that feeds into a calculation that tells us the exact tonnage and BTU output your home needs.
My house is older and doesn’t have ductwork—can I still get central air?
Yes. We can install ductwork in most homes, even old ones. If running traditional ductwork isn’t practical, we can install a mini split system instead.
What SEER rating should I choose?
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures efficiency. Higher SEER means lower operating costs. On Long Island where power is expensive, we usually recommend at least a 16 SEER system. It costs more upfront but pays for itself in energy savings over time. We’ll review options and payback at your estimate.
How much does central AC installation cost on Long Island?
It depends on your home’s size, whether ductwork is needed, the SEER rating you choose, and local market costs. A complete install can range widely. We provide a detailed, free estimate so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
Ready to stop sweating through summer and get central air installed? Call AJ Services at (516) 807-8700 for a free consultation and estimate. We serve Nassau County and eastern Suffolk. Licensed, insured, family-owned—trusted on Long Island for 20+ years.