San Diego, CA Air Conditioning Replacement

Air Conditioning Replacement in San Diego for Better Cooling, Lower Energy Bills

When your AC keeps breaking down, it drains your wallet—and your patience. With Guthrie & Sons’ air conditioning replacement in San Diego, CA, you’ll get a new system that cools better, runs cleaner, and costs less to operate. We’ll swap the stress and high bills for a more reliable system that makes life easier.

Need a New Air Conditioner? We’ll Get You Set Up With the Right System ASAP

Whether your air conditioner quit suddenly or you’ve been planning a replacement for a while, Guthrie & Sons can handle your air conditioning replacement in San Diego, CA. We know it’s a big investment—and there’s a lot to consider. That’s why we act as a true partner, guiding you through your options without pressure and helping you make the right call for your home. We also respect your time and space, showing up when we say we will, wearing booties, laying down drop cloths, and treating your home like it’s our own.

Whether it’s for your home, rental, or business, we’ll help you find an AC unit that cools more evenly, runs quieter, and keeps your energy bills in check. Yes, it is possible! When you’re ready to take the next step, we’ll be here with a free quote and, usually, a next-day installation. Just reach out to our team to get the ball rolling!

Upfront Pricing and Real Help With Rebates, Deals, and Financing

Upfront Pricing and Real Help With Rebates, Deals, and Financing

Nobody likes unexpected costs, especially with something as important as replacing your air conditioner. That’s why we keep everything transparent and easy to understand. With Guthrie & Sons, you’ll always know what you’re paying for and how to make the most of your investment.

Here’s how we help you stay in control:

  • Free in-home estimates so you can make an informed decision before moving forward
  • Free online quoting tool for fast, no-obligation pricing on AC replacements
  • Help with available tax credits and rebates to reduce your overall costs
  • Seasonal promotions that give you added savings when it counts
  • Financing plans so you can get started now without waiting to save up

We’ll talk through your needs, give you straight answers, and help you build a plan that works—for your home and for your finances.

Make Your New AC Last Longer With Our Low-Cost Maintenance Plan

Make Your New AC Last Longer With Our Low-Cost Maintenance Plan

When you’re putting money into a new air conditioner, you want it to last. But most systems don’t just fail out of nowhere; they wear down slowly from lack of maintenance. Skipping AC tune-ups leads to higher energy bills, more repairs, and a shorter lifespan—not just months, but years less.

That’s why now is the right time to set up a plan that protects what you’re investing in.

Our USA Membership keeps your new AC running stronger for longer. It covers everything from traditional central air to ductless mini splits so you’re covered no matter what system you have. We send reminders when service is due and keep things easy year after year. Plus, you get:

  • Discounted repairs
  • Lower service fees
  • Priority scheduling during peak season

Another perk? We help you keep your warranty intact. Most manufacturers require yearly maintenance, and our USA Membership makes it easy to stay on track—no missed checkups, no lost coverage. Have questions or want to get set up during your AC replacement in San Diego? Let’s talk!

What to Look for in a New Air Conditioning System

What to Look for in a New Air Conditioning System

If it’s been years since you last replaced an air conditioner—or if this is your first time—it can feel like a lot to figure out. You’re not just picking a brand or a model. You’re making a long-term decision that’ll affect your comfort, energy bills, and day-to-day life for the next 10 to 20 years. Especially if your last system struggled to keep up, now’s your chance to get it right.

But what’s the best AC for your home? What do ratings like SEER2 and BTU actually mean? What’s worth upgrading—and what isn’t?

Here’s a quick breakdown of the big decisions we’ll help you make when it’s time for your San Diego air conditioning replacement:

AC size isn’t about the physical size of the unit—it’s about how much cooling power (measured in BTUs, or British Thermal Units) your space needs. And many homes actually have the wrong size system.

An air conditioner that’s too small will run constantly and still leave hot spots. An AC unit that’s too big will cycle on and off too often, wasting energy and wearing down parts faster.

We’ll take proper measurements of your space and calculate exactly what size system your home needs—so you get reliable cooling without wasting money or energy.

SEER2 stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, Version 2. It’s a national energy efficiency rating that tells you how much cooling your system provides compared to how much electricity it uses. Think of it like miles per gallon for your air conditioner.

  • Older AC systems often have SEER ratings of 10 or 12.
  • Today’s systems must meet a minimum SEER2 rating of 14.3.
  • High-efficiency systems can go above SEER2 20, delivering major savings.

A higher SEER2 rating means your system cools more for every dollar spent on electricity—especially important during a San Diego summer. We’ll help you balance efficiency and cost so you get solid savings without overspending upfront.

Modern AC systems come with all kinds of added features. Some are helpful, some are just nice-to-have, and others may not be worth the extra cost—depending on how you live and what your home needs.

Here are a few popular options:

  • Wi-Fi control lets you adjust the thermostat from your phone, whether you're across the house or out running errands.
  • Zoned cooling gives you different temperatures in different areas of the home, so everyone stays comfortable.
  • Variable-speed motors run more efficiently and more quietly by adjusting their speed instead of constantly turning on and off.
  • Ultra-quiet operation is a big plus in bedrooms, nurseries, or home offices where noise matters.

We’ll help you figure out which upgrades are actually worth it for your home—not just what looks good on a feature list.

When it’s time to replace your air conditioner, you’re not locked into the same system you had before. Sometimes the old setup still makes sense. Other times, there are better options that could save you money and make your home more comfortable. It all depends on your home’s layout, whether you have ductwork, and how you heat your space.

  • Central air conditioning is a great choice if your home already has ductwork and you want steady cooling throughout the whole house.
  • Ductless mini splits are perfect for homes without ducts, room additions, garages, or areas you want to cool separately. They’re super efficient and let you control the temperature in each room.
  • Heat pumps look like regular AC units but can also heat your home. They’re electric-only, so they’re great if you don’t have gas heating, and they work especially well in our mild winters.

No matter which system you choose, we’ll make sure it fits your home and the way you use it every day. Your installation includes a 2-year labor warranty, with options to extend coverage up to 10 years. Plus, our lifetime workmanship and Property Protection Guarantees mean you’re covered from start to finish—and long after.

Repairing vs. Replacing Your Air Conditioner—Is There a Rule About What to Do?

Repairing vs. Replacing Your Air Conditioner—Is There a Rule About What to Do?

When your AC isn’t working right, it’s natural to ask: Should I fix it or replace it? One rule of thumb we often use is the $5,000 rule—multiply the cost of the repair by the age of your system. If the total is more than $5,000, an air conditioning replacement might be the better investment.

But that’s not the only factor. We take a full look at your system and situation before giving any recommendations. Here’s what else we consider:

  • Age of the Unit: Most systems last 10–15 years. If yours is getting up there, a new one may be more reliable and efficient.
  • Type of Repair Needed: A one-time part swap is one thing. Ongoing refrigerant issues or compressor failures are another.
  • Repair History: Is this your first call in years? Or your third breakdown this season?
  • Warranty Coverage: If your unit is out of warranty, the cost of parts and labor may no longer be worth it.

We won’t push you to replace a system that still has life in it. And we won’t suggest an air conditioning repair if it’s just kicking the can down the road. We’ll give you the facts and walk through the pros and cons so you can feel comfortable about your choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

If your AC is 20 years old, it’s definitely time to start thinking about a replacement—even if it’s still running. Older systems are far less efficient, more likely to break down, and often use outdated refrigerant. A new unit will cool better, cost less to run, and give you peace of mind.

A 20-year-old unit could be using twice the energy of a modern system, especially if it’s below 10 SEER (older rating standard). That means higher electric bills and less comfort for your home. Upgrading to a new, high-efficiency model can cut your cooling costs significantly.

Yes—big time. A properly sized and professionally installed new AC will cool more evenly, dehumidify better, and keep your house more comfortable overall. You’ll notice faster cooling, fewer hot spots, and better airflow right away.

It’s a general rule that says if your repair cost times the age of your system is over $5,000, replacement might make more financial sense. So, if your 15-year-old AC needs a $500 repair, 15 × 500 = $7,500—it may be smarter to upgrade than keep repairing it.

Yes—within reason. While pricing is usually based on equipment, labor, and quality of work, many companies (like us) offer seasonal specials, financing options, or bundled discounts. It never hurts to ask, and we’re always up front about pricing and value.

Heating and Cooling Offers You Can't Miss

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

  • INSTALLATION

Up to $11,225 Off a New Heat Pump

Receive up to $8,000 in HEEHRA rebates, up to $625 in Comfortably California rebates, and up to $2,600 in Federal Tax Credits when you install a new heat pump system. Must be income-qualified to receive HEEHRA rebate. Valid on residential properties only. Valid on select systems. Rebates available until funds last. System must be installed by 2/28/26 to receive Federal Tax Credits. Restrictions apply. See dealer for details.

  • INSTALLATION

$8,000 HEEHRA Rebate

Get income-qualified and receive an $8,000 rebate on a new heat pump system. Can be combined with up to $625 Comfortably California rebate, $2,000 heat pump Federal Tax Credit and $600 electrical upgrade Federal Tax Credit. Rebate available until funds last. Restrictions apply. See dealer for details. Offer expires 2/28/26.

  • INSTALLATION

$625 Comfortably California Rebate

Valid on select systems. Valid on residential properties only. Can be combined with HEERHA rebates, $2,000 heat pump Federal Tax Credit and $600 electrical upgrade Federal Tax Credit. Rebate available until funds last. Restrictions apply. See dealer for details. Offer expires 2/28/26.

  • INSTALLATION

$2,600 Heat Pump Federal Tax Credit

Valid on select systems. Must be installing a heat pump system with electrical wiring or panel upgrade. Valid on a primary residential home only. Can be combined with HEEHRA rebates and up to $625 Comfortably California rebates. System must be installed by 2/28/26 to receive this tax credit. Restrictions apply. See dealer for details.

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.

Ariana Lujan profile picture
Ariana Lujan
17:43 20 Jan 26
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
15:37 18 Jan 26
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
19:35 17 Jan 26
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
18:12 12 Jan 26
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
23:47 05 Dec 25
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
17:27 04 Dec 25
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 🙂
Paula Remmel profile picture
Paula Remmel
06:34 02 Dec 25
I have a maintenance plan for my heat pump and air conditioner which Guthrie & Sons installed two years ago. I am very happy with my system as well as the maintenance plan. Wayne, one of their excellent technicians, just completed the Fall service and now the system is ready for winter use. He is knowledgeable and has been able to answer any questions I have about my system. In addition, the office at Guthrie & Sons is very responsive and follows through on any questions and concerns within 24 hours if not immediately. Great service from a great company.
Bill Cogan profile picture
Bill Cogan
22:04 24 Nov 25
Guthrie & Sons responded immediately to my online request, and was able to send someone out immediately. Zack, our technic-ian was very friendly, professional, knowledgeable and gladly answered all of our questions. He found the problem immediately, and left the work area clean and in good order. We would highly recommend Guthrie & Zack! They are real assets to our community.
Dani P profile picture
Dani P
03:27 16 Nov 25
I've been using Guthrie & Sons for over 10 years and two homes. I really like that they are a family-owned and an established business. Always professional, on time, and always quality work. I've used their services from simple routine maintenance to having a new AC installed.I've never had a bad or even mediocre experience; I'm just always overall pleased with their work.
David Downhour profile picture
David Downhour
02:47 10 Nov 25
We bought our HVAC system from Guthrie & Sons. They have been monitoring our system online and later noticed a heat sensor issue.

Zach M. came by and installed on new one. He was extremely professional and completed the installation promptly.

This was another great experience all around and I gladly recommend Guthrie and Son's for all your HVAC needs.
Rachel Phillips profile picture
Rachel Phillips
22:24 02 Oct 25
We recently had our A/C replaced by Guthrie & Sons, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. After getting five different bids, Guthrie & Sons stood out immediately—not just on price, but on expertise and professionalism. They even brought their engineers out to ensure the work could be done the right way, which gave us tremendous peace of mind.

From start to finish, their team was outstanding. They worked incredibly hard, treated our home with respect, and left everything spotless—truly the cleanest job site I’ve ever seen after a major project. The installation itself was seamless, and the quality of their work shows in every detail.

If you’re looking for a company that combines deep knowledge, excellent craftsmanship, and genuine care for their customers, Guthrie & Sons is it. Absolutely five stars across the board!
Liz Staff profile picture
Liz Staff
17:27 02 Oct 25
We had a wonderful experience with Guthrie and Sons. Anthony was our estimator and he did a very thorough job of explaining all of our options! Matthew, Bryan, and Isaiah were our installers and they were very efficient, capable, and personable. Our home did not have an existing HVAC system so they had to build the whole thing in an older house that had undergone several additions. We were up and running in just three days. They left the worksite clean at the end of each day. We highly recommend Guthrie and Sons!
Neil Domingo profile picture
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 profile picture
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 profile picture
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 profile picture
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 profile picture
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 profile picture
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 profile picture
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 profile picture
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!

Request a Free Quote for Your Air Conditioning Replacement in San Diego, CA

From North Park to Rancho Bernardo, we’ve helped homeowners all across San Diego County replace outdated AC systems with something better—cooler, quieter, and far more efficient. Whether you’re in Clairemont, Chula Vista, La Mesa, or out in El Cajon or Oceanside, Guthrie & Sons Heating, Air & Solar is here to make your AC replacement smooth and affordable.

If your current system is unreliable or you’re tired of high electric bills, let’s talk. We’ll match you with the right cooling system for your home, your needs, and your budget. Request your free quote today and let’s get started!

8248 Ronson Road
San Diego, CA 92111
(619) 269-3013
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