Air Conditioning · Nationwide
AC replacement and installation
A new air conditioner should be sized with a Manual J load calculation, not by matching the old unit's tonnage. Expect a permit, a matched indoor coil, new refrigerant lines or a proper flush, and a written quote that lists the model numbers.
- Same-day appointments when available
- Licensed HVAC contractors
- Written price before any repair
Since 2025, new residential systems ship with lower-GWP refrigerants such as R-454B or R-32. That matters if you're thinking about replacing only the outdoor unit: mixing refrigerant types isn't allowed, so most replacements include the indoor coil too.
Federal efficiency minimums (SEER2) are higher in the South and Southwest than in northern states. Where systems run many hours a year, a higher-SEER2 or variable-speed system usually pays back faster. Check your utility and federal incentives before you buy.
AC Replacement & Installation at a glance
- Category
- Air Conditioning
- Service area
- Nationwide
- Typical visit
- Load calculation → Options in writing → Permit and install → Startup and commissioning
- Urgent help
- Scheduled service
- Equipment covered
- Split systems, Package units, Variable-speed condensers, Evaporator coils, Line sets, Equipment pads
Symptoms
Signs you need ac replacement & installation
- The system is 12–15+ years old
- It uses R-22 refrigerant and has a leak
- Repair costs are piling up season after season
- Some rooms never cool down
- Summer power bills keep rising
Process
How the visit works
- 1
Load calculation
Manual J using your square footage, windows, insulation and orientation.
- 2
Options in writing
Two or three choices with SEER2, model numbers, warranty and price.
- 3
Permit and install
Pulled with the local building department, with a matched coil and new pad if needed.
- 4
Startup and commissioning
Charge set by subcooling, airflow checked, and the system registered for warranty.
Cost
What affects the price
Every contractor sets their own prices. These are the things that move the number. Ask for a written price before work starts.
- Tonnage and efficiency (SEER2)
- Single-stage vs. two-stage vs. variable speed
- Whether ductwork needs changes
- Rooftop or ground-mounted location
- Crane or roof access for package units
- Permit and electrical upgrades
Before the tech arrives
What you can safely do
Safe to try
- Gather your old unit's model number and age
- Note which rooms are uncomfortable
- Collect 12 months of power bills
Stop and call
- Don't buy equipment online to self-install; most warranties require a licensed installer
- Don't let anyone size by rule of thumb alone
Example
AC Replacement & Installation: before and after
Drag the slider to compare. These are illustrative stock photos, not jobs completed by contractors in our network.
Worn-out AC → new high-efficiency condenser
Aging units that need constant repair are replaced with a correctly sized, higher-SEER2 system on a matched coil.
AC Replacement & Installation →FAQ
AC Replacement & Installation questions
What size AC do I need?+
It depends on the house, not just square footage. A Manual J calculation accounts for windows, insulation, shading, orientation and your local climate. Oversized systems short-cycle and leave the house clammy.
Do I need a permit to replace my AC?+
In most places, yes. Equipment replacement usually requires a mechanical permit from your city or county, and the contractor normally pulls it.
Is a heat pump better than a new AC?+
In mild-winter climates a heat pump often makes sense because it replaces both the AC and most furnace use. In very cold regions, a cold-climate heat pump or dual-fuel setup is common.
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