Air Conditioning Replacement

Air Conditioning Replacement in San Diego County for Better Performance and Fewer Repairs

When your AC keeps failing, it’s frustrating and expensive. An air conditioning replacement by Guthrie & Sons will make sure your home stays cool, your bills stay manageable, and your comfort isn’t a question mark anymore.

Need an Air Conditioning Replacement? We Make It Fast, Easy, and Affordable

If your AC is getting older, breaking down more often, or just can’t keep up anymore, it might be time to replace it. Most systems last around 10–15 years, and beyond that, AC repairs tend to get more frequent—and more expensive.

At Guthrie & Sons Heating, Air & Solar, we don’t just install equipment—we take care of people. Our team shows up on time, treats your home like it’s our own, and takes the time to do things the right way. We wear booties, lay down drop cloths, explain what we’re doing, and back our work with strong warranties. It’s not asking for much, but not everyone does it. We do because it’s what you deserve.

We handle air conditioning replacement in San Diego for homes, rentals, and local businesses. Our NATE-certified techs are some of the best in the business—and they’re here to make this a smooth, positive experience, not the hassle you might be dreading. Reach out today for a free quote to get started!

Is It Better to Repair an Old AC or Replace It?

If we had a nickel for every time someone asked us this, we’d be swimming in nickels. Seriously though, it’s a great question, and the answer really depends on what’s going on with your system. Here’s what we look at:

Is your AC unit over 10–15 years old?
Are repairs becoming a regular thing?
Are your energy bills going up for no good reason?
Is the temperature inconsistent from room to room?
Does it still use R-22 refrigerant?
Is the AC repair close to what a new system would cost?

At Guthrie & Sons, we’ll never push you into a new system if a repair makes more sense. If we can fix it and help you get more life out of it, we will. If an air conditioning replacement is the smarter move, we’ll walk you through your options—clearly, honestly, and without the pressure.

Free Online Air Conditioning Replacement Cost Calculator

Trying to get a rough idea of what a new air conditioner might cost? We’ve got you covered.
While we’re always happy to provide a free in-home estimate, we know it’s not always easy to find time. That’s why we offer an easy-to-use air conditioning replacement cost calculator—so you can start planning on your schedule. It’s a quick way to explore pricing and system options before you’re ready to meet with us or without having us come out to your home first.

We can also walk you through available tax credits and rebate opportunities to help you save.
Need financing? We offer flexible options to make your air conditioning replacement service more affordable upfront. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to move forward, we’re here to help in every way that we can.

Buying an AC? How to Choose the Right Air Conditioner for Your Home

When it’s time to replace your AC, you’re not stuck with what you had before. There’s no rule that says you have to stick with the same brand or system type. In fact, depending on your home and how you use it, a different setup might work better.

At Guthrie & Sons, we help you sort through the alphabet soup that is BTUs, SEER ratings, and more. Your air conditioning replacement is in great hands with our trusted team. We’ll explain what matters, what doesn’t, and how to make the best choice for your home—without the jargon overload.

Here’s what we’ll help you think through:

System Size

AC size isn’t about how big the unit looks—it’s about how much cooling power (measured in BTUs) your home actually needs. And believe it or not, your current system might be the wrong size. Too small, and it struggles to keep up. Too big, and it constantly turns on and off, wasting energy and wearing out parts faster. We’ll do the proper calculations to make sure your next system fits your home—and works like it should.

Energy Efficiency

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and it’s basically your AC’s miles-per-gallon. If your current system is 10+ years old, it might be a SEER 10 or 12. Today’s systems start around SEER 14, and high-efficiency models can go up to 20+. The higher the SEER, the more you’ll save on your electric bill—especially in a San Diego summer. We’ll help you pick the right efficiency level without overspending on things you don’t need.

Helpful Features

Some new ACs come packed with features—Wi-Fi control, quiet modes, zoning, variable speed, and more. For some families, those upgrades make life easier and more comfortable, like controlling temps from your phone or sleeping through the night without a noisy fan. But not every home needs every feature. We’ll help you sort through what’s truly useful based on how you live, not what sounds good in a brochure.

System Type

If you already have ductwork and want to cool your whole house, central AC is probably the way to go. For garages, older homes, or add-ons where ducts don’t reach, ductless mini splits are a great option—super efficient and easy to install. More and more homeowners are also going with electric heat pumps. They look like an AC, but they do both heating and cooling, all without gas.

No matter what system you go with, we’ll make sure it’s the right fit for your home and how you live in it. Every install includes a 2-year labor warranty, with the option to extend it to 10 years. We also back our work with a lifetime workmanship guarantee and our Property Protection Guarantee, so you can feel good about every part of the air conditioning replacement process.

Protect Your New AC With Our Low-Price Maintenance Plan

Once you’ve purchased your new air conditioner, it just makes sense to protect it. Our USA Membership Plan makes regular maintenance easy, so your system runs better, longer. We’ll remind you when it’s time for service—no need to keep track or stress about it. Members get priority scheduling, discounted service calls, and lower repair costs. It also keeps your extended warranty valid, which is a must for long-term coverage. We take care of everything from cleaning to system checks—start to finish.

And if something ever goes wrong between visits? We handle air conditioning repairs—and we care for your heating system, too, so you’re covered in every season.

Frequently Asked Questions

If your system still runs on R-22, it’s likely near the end of its life. R-22 has been phased out, making it hard to find and very expensive—even basic repairs can cost more than they’re worth. While most newer systems use R410A, it’s also being phased out. The latest systems now use R32 or R454B, and we primarily install R32 for better long-term compatibility. If your system uses R-22 or R410A, it’s a good time to start planning for replacement—we’ll help you weigh your options.

The price depends on several factors—like the size of your home, the type of system you choose, and how energy-efficient you want it to be. Some systems are budget-friendly, while others come with advanced features and higher SEER ratings. We offer free in-home quotes so you can see exactly what works for your space and budget. No pressure, no guesswork—just straight answers.

We do! Replacing your AC isn’t always something you plan for, which is why we offer fast, flexible financing options. Whether you want to spread out payments or take advantage of promotional rates, we’ll help you find a plan that works. Our team walks you through everything so it’s simple and stress-free.

Yes—there are often rebates and tax incentives available for upgrading to a high-efficiency system. We stay up to date on all the latest programs, so we can help you take full advantage of what’s out there. When you work with Guthrie & Sons, we’ll always point you toward the best savings opportunities.

INSTALLATION

0% APR for 24 Months

Get 0% APR financing for 24 months on a new heating or air conditioning installation. 0% interest with 24 equal monthly payments.

Financing subject to credit approval. Valid on select systems only. Valid on residential properties only. Cannot combine with other offers. Must mention promo at time of estimate appointment. Restrictions apply. See dealer for details. Offer valid for an estimate appointment scheduled before 10/31/25.

WATER HEATER

$2,600 Federal Tax Credit on Heat Pump Water Heater

Valid on a qualifying heat pump water heater installation with electrical panel upgrade. Up to $2,000 (30% of cost) in Federal Tax Credits for a heat pump water heater and up to $600 (30% of cost) for an electrical panel upgrade.

Can be combined with state rebates only. Restrictions apply. See dealer for details. Offer valid for an estimate appointment scheduled before 10/31/25.

INSTALLATION

Up to $7,750 off a New System

Save up to $4,000 in Tech Clean Equity rebates, up to $1,150 in manufacturer rebates and up to $2,600 in Federal Tax Credits for a total of up to $7,750 off a new installation.

Valid on residential properties only. Cannot combine with any other offers or discounts. Must mention promo at time of estimate appointment. Must be income-qualified to receive Tech Clean equity rebate. Restrictions apply. See dealer for details. Offer valid for an estimate appointment scheduled before 10/31/25.

REPAIR

Free Diagnostic w/ a Repair

Your diagnostic service call fee will be waived if you proceed with a repair.

Cannot combine with other offers. Restrictions apply. See dealer for details. Offer expires 10/31/25.

Real Reviews From Real Customers

We do things differently, and our customers appreciate it. See what some of our thousands of satisfied customers have to say about working with us.

Neil Domingo

18:09 27 Sep 25

Kareen did an outstanding job with our HVAC system. From start to finish, he demonstrated professionalism, patience, and a strong commitment to getting the job done right. Even when faced with several unexpected challenges, he handled each one with skill and determination, never compromising on the quality of his work.

What really stood out was his problem-solving ability and willingness to go the extra mile to ensure everything was operating as it should. He communicated clearly throughout the process, kept us updated, and made sure we felt confident in the work being done.

It’s not often you come across someone who combines technical expertise with such a strong work ethic and positive attitude. We’re very grateful for his efforts and would highly recommend Kareen to anyone needing reliable HVAC service.

Trae Washburn

02:56 16 Sep 25

Professional from beginning to end

Vlad came out to provide an estimate and was able to size an HVAC system that worked well for my house.

They installed it quickly, without issue and helped me set up an app on my phone to control.

The system is working great to heat and cool my house and is whisper quiet.

Highly recommend going with Guthrie and Sons if you want a high quality experience for large and important purchases.

David Maycock

01:10 08 Sep 25

Our two old furnaces needed replacing and so we contacted Guthrie & Sons because of their good reputation. They sent Zach the next morning. He quickly verified that our two furnaces were beyond repair and Guthrie could supply and install suitable replacement funaces. He also suggested and explained alternative solutions, but we eventually decided to go ahead with furnace replacement. As soon as we notified Guthrie & Sons of our decision they arranged for Cristian and Pablo to come to our house the next day. They did a good job, explained clearly how to operate the new furnaces and thermostats, and were respectful of our house.

Erin Guthrie

19:21 03 Sep 25

Daniel was quick and professional. Fixed our AC problem in an hour and the price was very transparent and beyond fair. Didn’t push the subscription maintenance service, simply said it would be a good idea due to the age of our unit. Highly recommend!

Tomankhamen

18:03 28 Aug 25

We had to replace a thermostat that had gone bad. In the old days, I could do it myself. Now, though, the programming of the thing requires technical knowledge that I don’t have. The Guthrie guy that did the job was courteous, professional, and as fast as anyone could be. This has been our experience with Guthrie & Sons for every repair, retrofitting, and equipment replacement that they’ve done for us over quite a number of years now.

Gabrielle Benjamin

18:15 25 Aug 25

Carson Snyder and co-worker (Pablo?) did a great job on the installation of the mini-split cassette. They're hard working, they clearly knew what they were doing, polite, cleaned up afterwards, true professionals. I'd gladly recommend these two gentlemen. However, the Company was not good at keeping me informed although I mentioned to the salesman up front that I was information driven. They were short on details and communicated seldom. Anthony did tell me about the government program available that reduced my cost. I wouldn't have known about it if he didn't mention it. The City did approve their work and signed off on the permit which is an indication of the job done right. I think the Company can improve their customer service

robert johnson

00:53 11 Aug 25

Very pleased with the service we received from Guthrie & Sons! Our AC system needed to be replaced after a huge leak. The tech that came out for diagnosis, Mario, took the time to explain the issue to us, as well as our options for repair. They came out on a Saturday to diagnose and it was fixed the following Tuesday. Matthew was the worker that completed the repair and he did an excellent job. Pricing was reasonable. Much more reasonable than the first company we had come out to take a look. We upgraded our system and our SDG&E bill has already gone down. Highly recommend!

K N

15:52 01 Aug 25

Very knowledgeable and professional. Quoted product was high quality and fair pricing. I highly recommend We ended up not going with them only due to the fact we were also getting Solar and ended up going with one company for our project but I would definitely do business with this company in the future if we need it!

LeRoy Lafferty

17:25 31 Jul 25

We had Guthrie and Sons replace our 50 year old house heater with a heat pump. We are very satisfied with the installation performed by Matthew and Andriy. We were impressed with the detail of their work. They paid particular attention to the required sealing and insulating of the system. Even the HERS testing inspector was impressed with their work. We were also impressed by their professionalism and honesty. They gave us an unexpected partial refund off our signed contract.

Nannette Moyer

17:41 29 Jul 25

We have been using Guthrie & Sons for 3 years and I really can’t say enough good things about them. Our technician Mario was incredibly helpful with our most recent AC issue. He spotted the problem quickly and was very knowledgeable when explaining what was happening. I appreciate their honest and fair pricing and would recommend to family and friends. Glad to have an honest company especially with all the price gauging company’s out these days.

Meghan Venanzi

23:31 22 Jul 25

We were incredibly impressed with the prompt and professional service! We called on a Saturday morning, and within just a few hours, a technician was at our home. With the recent heat, getting our AC back up and running was a top priority—and they delivered! Mario clearly explained our options and provided a hassle-free solution that was both quick and effective. The repair was completed shortly after we gave the go-ahead. We’ll absolutely be using them again for any future HVAC needs. Highly recommend this company for their affordability, efficiency, and friendly service—we’re already telling our family and friends! Thanks again Guthrie & Sons!

Laurie Edwards

22:10 16 Jul 25

We were very happy from start to finish. Vlad did a great job in helping us decide what would be best for our house and our needs and the installation crew were the very best. Thank you Guthrie and Sons for a job well done.

Patrice Makovic

17:45 09 Jul 25

Last summer, I used Guthrie and Sons to replace my heating system with a new one and added an air conditioning unit. We also added two different zones in the house to be able to turn the system on independently from one zone to another. From the first contact to the six month maintenance visits, everything has gone smoothly. There were a couple of hiccups, but the company is very responsive and I have never had an issue with them not promptly responding and taking action to figure out and solve any problem. I highly recommend this company.

Carrie Reese

17:06 08 Jul 25

Guthrie & Son's did an amazing job on our new AC units. From sales through install they were all knowledgeable and helpful. They were very quick to get us all setup and when our home posed some unexpected issues they were able to pivot quickly and resolve them. I'd highly recommend them!

Kenneth Adelson

16:04 07 Jul 25

Had use Guthrie in the past for HVAC service, this time had them install a solar attic fan and additional vent. The service, as it had been the first time, was professional, polite, and on schedule. Pricing was fair (and consider that they offered a repeat customer discount without having to be asked). Would be happy to use them again when the need arises.
I offer 4 stars because I'm not a grade inflation sort. Three is sufficient, four is better than average. Five is reserved for knock my socks off amazing in ways I didn't expect - doesn't happen very often.

Patrick Smith

21:42 27 Jun 25

We had central heat and air put in two a year and a half ago. We've need to make a few adjustments to airflow to rooms since then. Each time, they are onsite withing 1-2 days and have resolved the issue each time. Their team is professional and incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. Very happy we went to Guthrie & Sons.

Bennie Beans

15:41 12 Jun 25

Mario was knowledgeable and courteous. He made sure our system would be sized right and that our existing ductwork was able to support the new system. The install team were prompt and efficient. They installed drop cloths and cleaned up inside and out after the job. So far I’ve been very happy with the work Guthrie and Sons have done for us.

Chris Toogood

21:52 06 Jun 25

Great local family business. And you actually get a live person when you call... And the technician was great and they come out quickly. No up selling too. He gave me two different price options on fixing my problem... band aid cheaper way or replacement. Great service.

Nick Schoch

17:58 27 May 25

Jonathan recently inspected the HVAC systems at both my front and guest houses, and I couldn’t be more impressed with his service. He was thorough in his assessment, clearly identifying areas of concern and explaining the recommended repairs in a way that was easy to understand. What stood out most was his honesty and patience—he took the time to answer all my questions without rushing, and I genuinely felt he had my best interest in mind. If you're looking for someone who is knowledgeable, professional, and respectful of your time and property, I highly recommend asking for Jonathan.

Neil Domingo

17:24 15 May 25

If you’re dealing with an AC issue, Mario is definitely one of the best! He quickly diagnosed the problem, worked efficiently, and provided a thorough solution. His expertise and professionalism were clear throughout the entire process. Highly recommend Mario for anyone looking to resolve their AC issues with a reliable and skilled technician.

Get a Free Quote for Your Air Conditioning Replacement

We love helping people stay cool—it really puts a smile on someone’s face! If your current AC is struggling or has already called it quits, we can help. Guthrie & Sons is known across the San Diego area for honest service, quality installs, and great people. Let’s get your comfort back on track with a system that fits your home and your budget. Contact us now to request a free quote for your air conditioning replacement in San Diego, California.

8248 Ronson Road
San Diego, CA 92111

(619) 269-3013

Air Conditioning Replacement