Air Conditioning Installation in San Diego, CA

Install the Air Conditioner Your Home Has Been Waiting For

We love San Diego's sunshine, but we're also big fans of air conditioning. If your home, rental, or business needs a new AC system, Guthrie & Sons Heating, Air & Solar will get it done. Fast service. Fair prices. Fantastic products. We’re right here in San Diego and answer our phones 24/7!

Your Trusted Choice for AC Installation in San Diego

When you need a new air conditioner installed, you'll quickly find there are plenty of companies offering AC installation in San Diego. The bigger question is who you can trust. You don't want to feel taken advantage of—you just want honest, helpful service from people you can count on to do what's right. At Guthrie & Sons Heating, Air & Solar, we know this isn't a small decision. It takes time, money, and trust, and choosing the wrong company often means spending more and dealing with problems you shouldn't have to. 

That's why working with a local, family-owned company matters. As a second-generation business, we have our name on the line, invest in wonderful people, and never forget that you're trusting us with your home. Contact us today for a free quote and let us show you why we provide the air conditioning installation San Diego, CA, neighborhoods have relied on since 2005.

Saving You Money Is Our Specialty

Saving You Money Is Our Specialty

We know cost plays a big role in every decision you make—we're homeowners, too. That's why we're always looking for ways to help our customers spend less. Everyone deserves a cool, comfortable home, and we have several programs or offerings in place to help make your air conditioning installation in San Diego, CA, more affordable.

  • Financing for New HVAC Systems: Spread the cost of a new air conditioner over time with financing options available for qualified customers.
  • Seasonal Specials: Throughout the year, we offer special promotions that can help lower the cost of a new AC system and the services needed to care for it.
  • Tax Credits and Rebates: We'll help identify available rebates and incentives you may qualify for and explain how to take advantage of them.
  • Free Online Quote Tool: Browse equipment options and get real pricing estimates whenever it's convenient for you—no phone call or appointment required.

Want help finding the biggest savings? Explore your options on our website or give us a call. We're always happy to walk you through what may be available for your home.

Meet Our San Diego AC Installation Company

If searching for an “AC installation near me” brought you here, we're glad you found us. Every homeowner needs an HVAC company they can count on—not just for today, but for whatever comes next. 

Around here, we work by what we call The Guthrie Way: treating people right, doing honest work, and never cutting corners. Here's a little more about us and what we have to offer:

Family-Owned and Operated

There's something different about working with a family-owned company. We know our name is on every truck, every uniform, and every job we complete. That's why we've spent the last 20 years earning trust one home at a time and treating customers the way we'd want our own families treated.

Honest Recommendations

Our job isn't to sell you the biggest system on the market. It's to help you find the one that's the right size, the right fit, and the right investment for your home. We believe honest recommendations lead to happier customers, and that's always been our approach.

Excellent Customer Service

Great customer service is about more than showing up on time. It's answering the phone (we have 24/7 live answering!), communicating clearly, respecting your home, and making sure you feel comfortable every step of the way. Those little things are a big part of who we are.

Upfront Pricing With No Hidden Fees

Nobody likes surprises when it comes to a major home investment. You'll receive a detailed quote, plenty of time to ask questions, and honest answers about your options. No hidden fees. No fine print. Just clear information that helps you make the best decision.

Customer Satisfaction and Workmanship Guarantees

Installing your new air conditioner is only part of our responsibility. Standing behind it matters just as much. Every new system includes a 2-year labor warranty, with the option to extend coverage to 10 years. We also back every install with our Property Protection Guarantee because respecting your home is part of doing the job properly.

Expert, Background-Checked Technicians

Every member of our team is background-checked because your family's safety and peace of mind come first. We also have NATE-certified (North American Technician Excellence) technicians, which is widely recognized as the highest level of certification in the HVAC industry. When we say we know HVAC, we mean it.

Complete Home Comfort Services

At Guthrie & Sons, we install, repair, maintain, and replace heating and cooling systems, improve indoor air quality with products like air purifiers and UV lights, and provide solar and heat pump water heater solutions. Whatever your home needs now or in the future, you'll already know exactly who to call.

The AC installation San Diego homeowners deserve keeps the house comfortable even when the heat is on. We'll help you choose an air conditioner that's efficient, dependable, and sized just right for your home. You'll feel the difference every time you walk through the door!

What Matters Most When Buying a New Air Conditioner

At Guthrie & Sons Heating, Air & Solar, we offer a full range of air conditioning services, including central air conditioner installation, ductless mini split AC installation, and heat pump installation. While many homeowners still come to us for central air, we've seen the popularity of ductless systems and heat pumps really take off over the last several years. 

Every home is different, and so is the right cooling system. If you have questions about buying a new air conditioner, the information below can really help. Check it out and see how we deliver the air conditioning installation San Diego homes need to stay cool and energy efficient.

Choose the Right Size Air Conditioner

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is installing an air conditioner that's too big or too small. We determine the right size by performing a load calculation that looks at your home's square footage, insulation, windows, ceiling height, sun exposure, and even which direction it faces. That's important in San Diego because a home in La Jolla doesn't cool the same way as one in Rancho Bernardo.

Understand What SEER2 Means

You'll probably hear the term SEER2 while shopping for a new air conditioner. It stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2, and it's simply a way of measuring how efficiently an AC turns electricity into cooling. The higher the number, the less energy the system generally uses. For many San Diego homes, a system in the 15.2-18 SEER2 range offers an excellent balance between upfront cost and lower monthly utility bills.

Think About Outdoor Noise Levels

Most people think about how well an air conditioner cools—not how loud it is. But if your condenser sits outside a bedroom window, next to the patio, or near your neighbor's fence, you'll notice the difference every time it runs. Many newer systems are dramatically quieter than older models, making them a great fit for San Diego homes where outdoor living is part of everyday life.

Consider How the System Runs

The large box that sits outside your home is called the condenser, and not every one works the same way. Some systems have just one speed—they're either on or off. Others can slow down and speed up depending on how much cooling your home actually needs. Because San Diego has a lot of mild days, these variable-speed systems often keep temperatures more even while using less energy and running much more quietly.

Check Out the Smart Features

A new air conditioner can do a lot more than cool your home. Many systems can connect to smart thermostats that let you adjust the temperature from your phone, create schedules, or even alert you if something isn't working correctly. They're convenient features that help keep your home comfortable without you having to think about it very much.

Maintenance and Repair Services to Protect Your Purchase

Maintenance and Repair Services to Protect Your Purchase

A new air conditioner should last a long time, especially when it's cared for properly. That's why we're here with AC repair for unexpected problems and air conditioning maintenance that catches small issues before they become bigger ones. Just give us a call when you need us, and we'll take it from there. Better yet, join our USA Membership Plan and enjoy:

  • Annual maintenance services
  • Upgraded warranties
  • Discounts on repairs and service fees
  • Priority service
  • And more

We provide the AC installation San Diego homeowners trust today—and the service that helps it keep running strong for years.

Heating and Cooling Offers You Can’t Miss

Big savings, same great service. See what offers are available now in San Diego for our favorite customers.

Up to $1,500 Off a New System

Receive up to $750 in manufacturer rebates and up to $750 discount from Guthrie. Valid on select systems. Must mention promotion at time of estimate appointment. Not valid on prior sales. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Restrictions apply. See dealer for details. Offer expires 7/31/2026.

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 7/31/2026.

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 7/31/2026.

Free Estimate on a New Heat Pump Water Heater Installation

Valid for an estimate for a new hybrid heat pump water heater installation or replacement.

Restrictions apply. See dealer for details. Offer expires 7/31/2026.

Frequently Asked Questions About AC Installations

The cost of a new air conditioner depends on several factors, including the size of your home, the type of system you choose, its efficiency rating, and whether any ductwork or electrical upgrades are needed. After taking a look at your home, we'll provide a clear, upfront quote so you know exactly what to expect. We also offer financing, rebates, and special offers that can help make the investment more manageable.

Most air conditioning installations are completed in a single day, although more complex projects can take two days or longer. If you're replacing ductwork, switching to a different type of system, or making electrical upgrades, we'll let you know that before work begins. Our goal is to keep the process organized, efficient, and as minimally disruptive as possible.

We stand behind every installation with a 2-year labor warranty, our Lifetime Workmanship Guarantee, and a 100% Customer Satisfaction Guarantee because we believe you should feel confident in your investment. Many manufacturers also include excellent equipment warranties, and we'll explain exactly what's covered before your installation. If you'd like even more protection, we'll go over your extended warranty options, too.

Choosing the best air conditioner isn't just about the name on the equipment—it's about finding the right fit for your home. We install all major brands, but as a Daikin Comfort Pro, we confidently recommend Daikin because of its performance, efficiency, and long-term value. Many models also feature HVAC system monitoring, which continuously monitors your system's performance and can notify us of certain issues so we can often respond before you even notice a problem.

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.

Rex Roe profile picture
Rex Roe
3 weeks ago
Guthrie and sons are our Go To for all things AC! Easy to schedule service and very friendly staff. Mario came out today and quickly determined our issue and got us back on track. Thanks so much!
jacqulinet1 profile picture
jacqulinet1
4 weeks ago
I am very pleased with the service I received for replacing my furnace in my second story condo. This company really tries to please their customers, which is rare these days. Matthew and James were pleasant, knowledgeable and patient with my questions. The office was great about staying in touch regarding date and time to expect the technicians and providing the number to call for questions. I sam so happy I chose this company to do the job.
Keith Mar profile picture
Keith Mar
1 month ago
I was told by a couple other companies that I needed to replace my system. Vlad came out and made sure that my old system actually needed to be replaced and found it could be fixed for a fraction of the price. I appreciate the honesty and would definitely recommend. Edit the technician came out and made the repairs. He did a good job of explaining the situation and giving a couple options.
Darrell Brookstein profile picture
Darrell Brookstein
2 months ago
Have dealt with Guthrie & Sons regularly for more than 12 years. They are super good in every way re: heating and A/C. Special shout-out to their service man, Mario F, who checked out our systems yesterday. He was extraordinary and really helped us on several issues we noted, and a couple of issues he brought to our attention. Kudos!
Jim Hainline profile picture
Jim Hainline
2 months ago
We had Rob from Guthrie & Sons come out to repair one of our A/C units. Rob was very friendly and professional. Rob resolved the problem quickly.
As far as price goes, I paid a higher flat fee 12 years ago from one of the larger local companies. I'm very impressed with pricing and quality of work.

I highly recommend Guthrie & Sons and Rob.
Amy Graeber profile picture
Amy Graeber
2 months ago
Great experience! The company confirmed my appointment and let me know who my technician was via text. They also updated me when he was on his way. The technician was friendly and knowledgeable. I’d recommend Guthrie & Sons to friends and family.
Bobby Orozco profile picture
Bobby Orozco
4 months ago
Great experience working with Guthrie & Sons from start to finish. Vlad was awesome. He was incredibly knowledgeable and explained everything in detail. Stark contrast from other companies we received bids for.

Christian and his crew did a great job on the install everything was smooth from start to finish.

I would definitely recommend this company here in Murrieta.
Sharon Troeger profile picture
Sharon Troeger
4 months ago
Guthrie & Sons has always been super professional and knowledgeable about our system. They did the install a few years ago and have continued to maintain it for us. This year we noticed that our system wasn't performing as well, so when Wayne came out, he noticed a likely leak and was back 2 days later to find and fix it. He was quick, professional, and just extremely nice! 100% recommend.
Jeff Haight profile picture
Jeff Haight
5 months ago
Called one of the "big guys" in town and the estimate to do what needed to be done to diagnose my problem was nearly 1/2 the cost of the system when I purchased it and had it installed 5.5 years ago, I found Guthrie & Sons and they came out the same day and did the same work for 1/4 the price I was quoted for the same exact work! Daniel was friendly, honest and quickly got my system working as expected. I even purchased the service plan so I don't have future problems. I highly recommend these guys, they were awesome, don't get ripped off call Guthrie & Sons!!!
Rocky profile picture
Rocky
5 months ago
I highly recommend Guthrie & Sons; from setting the appointment to the actual service!! Daniel was prompt, able to take care of our issue at a very reasonable price. I will be using them for all our needs in the future!!!! Thanks Daniel and Mackenzie.....you were great!!
Troy Nabatilan profile picture
Troy Nabatilan
6 months ago
Matt and Bryan are truly the A-Team! Their teamwork was outstanding and the workmanship was meticulous. The air handler was carefully installed, wiring neatly secured, plenum perfectly fitted, and the condenser precisely positioned and leveled for proper clearance and vibration control. The line set was pressure-tested and vacuumed as well. They also left the work area clean and neat.

Please congratulate them for a job well done!
Johnathan Yang profile picture
Johnathan Yang
6 months ago
Guthrie and Sons was very professional and communicative. Matthew and Bryan did incredible work, and followed up with a lot of testing to make sure my new unit was functioning well. They went above and beyond to ensure that things were done correctly. I could tell their standards were extremely high, and I felt relieved seeing how much care they took in their installation. I’m very pleased with the result!
Sunyim Kim profile picture
Sunyim Kim
6 months ago
I called to estimate to install central air conditioner on our second floor condo. Manager came the next day very punctual and knowledgeable about the process. He listened carefully our concerns and let us to make a decision. We truly appreciate his professionalism. Thank you for your service and I would recommend anyone who needs heating and air conditioning services in San Diego.
saul profile picture
saul
6 months ago
Guithre and Sons distinguish themselves not only through their high level of professionalism but also by their unwavering commitment to the quality and durability of every product they sell and the meticulous craftsmanship involved in each project. The company operates with a strong dedication to integrity and respect, fostering long-term relationships with clients and suppliers alike. They prioritize transparency and ethical standards in all business dealings, ensuring customer satisfaction and trust at every interaction. Their customer service team is exceptionally responsive and knowledgeable, consistently exceeding expectations to resolve issues swiftly and effectively.
Ariana Lujan profile picture
Ariana Lujan
7 months ago
Very helpful, quick and easy to schedule! We had an unexpected (but necessary) repair when doing maintenance and both the office and tech Carson were thorough and transparent in their support. Great service!
Graham Davis profile picture
Graham Davis
7 months ago
After dealing with several HVAC companies, Guthrie & Sons clearly stood out as the most ethical, honest, and reliable. From the very beginning, their approach felt transparent and genuinely focused on what was best for us—not on upselling or unnecessary replacements.

We worked with Vlad T., who had previously been out to our home and saved us tens of thousands of dollars by getting our existing AC unit up and running when other companies were pushing for a full replacement. That experience alone earned our trust.

Now that we’re finally ready to purchase new units, there was no question that Guthrie & Sons was the only company we would consider, and Vlad was the obvious choice. He was extremely professional, punctual, and exceptionally knowledgeable, taking the time to explain options clearly and thoroughly. His expertise and honesty made the entire process straightforward and stress-free.

If you’re looking for an HVAC company you can truly trust—one that values integrity, quality workmanship, and customer service—I cannot recommend Guthrie & Sons and Vlad T. highly enough. This is how service should be done.
Blas Falconer profile picture
Blas Falconer
7 months ago
The layout of my condo made installing splits challenging, and before I met with Guthrie and Sons, three companies either told me that it couldn't be done. Vlad studied my apartment until he found a way to install with minimal openings in the walls and without a second condenser. Mallory, who works in the office, always followed through and advised me when I ran into a hiccup and needed detailed plans for the city. My HOA appreciated Guthrie and Sons' thoroughness and was so impressed with the design, that another resident who had been wanting splits for years, decided to install splits at the same time. The team that came in was knowledgeable, professional, and hard working. They finished a day ahead of time. I'm thrilled with the way everything looks and works.
Rob profile picture
Rob
7 months ago
This is by far the best company for your HVAC needs. They are honest very caring. Good fair pricing and got the job done efficiently and on time. I also signed up for their bi-yearly service which they performed the winter one and went very well. Thanks
Tania Reyes profile picture
Tania Reyes
8 months ago
I’ve been using Guthrie & Sons for over 15 years. They installed my whole AC system and maintained it all those years and never had an issue. Well it was time for an upgrade and they’ve recently installed my second system. The team 15 years ago and the team this time around were both amazing, professional and clean. I can’t recommend them enough Matt, Ben, Christian and Bryan get 10 stars. They are a bit pricier but worth the investment when you have peace of mind and almost two decades of great service and no issues.
Trejos Marcela profile picture
Trejos Marcela
8 months ago
I had an excellent experience with Guthrie & Son AC & Heater Company. Their customer service was outstanding, and they took the time to answer all my questions thoroughly. Every technician who has worked on my AC/heater installation and now the ongoing service has been knowledgeable, respectful, and always on time. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of HVAC services!
I only wish the annual service was cheaper 🙂

Get a Quote for Your San Diego AC Installation

Whether you're installing a brand-new air conditioner or replacing one that's seen better days, let us know how we can help! We work throughout San Diego County, so whether you're in Downtown San Diego, North Park, Pacific Beach, Rancho Bernardo, or anywhere in between, we can get your consultation scheduled and your new system installed before you know it. Great products, honest people, and quality workmanship—that's what we're all about.

Contact us for the air conditioning installation San Diego, Santee, La Mesa, El Cajon, Ramona, and so many other local communities trust.