AC replacement is more than a new outdoor unit
If your air conditioner is getting old, noisy or needs a repair every summer, replacement is a good time to fix what's been bugging you: the bedroom that never cools, the uneven second floor, the system that runs nonstop on hot afternoons.
A new air conditioner has to work with the rest of the system, including the indoor coil or air handler, the thermostat and the ductwork. We check your existing refrigerant lines and ducts before recommending what to keep and what to replace.
Adding central air to a home that doesn't have it
01 · Homes without ducts
No ductwork? You still have options. Depending on the house, we may look at conventional central air, a ductless system or a small-duct high-velocity system, which is designed for homes where full-size ducts won't fit.
02 · Heating and cooling together
Want heating from the same equipment? Then a heat pump may make more sense than cooling-only air conditioning. Our heat pump installation page explains the difference.
What your air conditioning installation estimate should cover
Your estimate should list the equipment and the work, including duct changes, piping, drainage, electrical work and removal of the old unit. If anything needs another trade or repairs to the house, it should say so.
Sizing matters too. Copying the size from the old unit can bring the same comfort problems right back, so we look at the house itself before recommending new equipment.
Not sure whether to repair or replace?
We'll help you weigh it: the rooms you need to cool, the condition of your current system and what you want out of the project. If a repair still makes sense, start with our AC repair page.
Discuss My Cooling OptionsSigns it may be time to replace your air conditioner
There's no single age when an AC has to go. These are the signs that usually start the conversation.
- 01
The same repairs keep coming back
One repair isn't a reason to replace. But if you're calling for service every summer, the money may be better spent on AC replacement planned around your home.
- 02
Some rooms never cool down
An upstairs that stays hot or a bedroom that never catches up often points to sizing or ductwork, not just an aging unit. A replacement is the chance to fix that.
- 03
It runs nonstop on hot days
A system that can't shut off in July is working harder than it should. Age, airflow problems or the wrong size can all be behind it.
- 04
It uses an older refrigerant
Many older central air systems use R-22, a refrigerant that's no longer produced. If yours does, repairs that involve refrigerant can get harder to justify.
AC installation questions
Can I keep my furnace?
Often, if it's in good shape and compatible with the new air conditioner. We check the whole combination before recommending it.
Can I keep the existing ducts?
Sometimes. It depends on their condition, layout and size. Rooms with weak airflow or uneven cooling are a sign the ducts need a closer look.
How long does AC installation take?
It depends on access, equipment availability and how much work the job involves. We'll give you a schedule once we've reviewed the scope.
Is the estimate free?
Yes. The in-home estimate for AC installation is free. Repair and diagnostic visits are a separate service, so ask about charges when you book one.
