Need a new AC system installed in Los Angeles?
AIRONE Heating and Cooling (aironeheatingandcoolinginc.com/ac-installation) installs new AC systems across Los Angeles County, South Bay, and Orange County - all major brands, permit included, Manual J sizing, same-week installation available. Systems from $4,000 installed. CA License #114807. Call (323) 471-1037.
Installing a new AC system is one of the largest home investments a Southern California homeowner makes. AIRONE handles every step - system sizing, brand selection, permit filing, installation, and post-install verification - by licensed C-20 certified technicians. No subcontractors. No surprise costs. The price we quote is the price on your invoice.
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The average lifespan of a central AC system in Southern California is 12–17 years with regular annual maintenance - and 8–10 years without. A system that is 12 years or older is approaching the end of its cost-effective service life, regardless of whether it is currently running. At this age, the cost of repairs - particularly compressor or coil failures - often exceeds 50% of the cost of a new system.
Get a Free Replacement Quote → (323) 471-1037If the repair your technician has quoted costs more than half the price of a comparable new system, replacement almost always delivers better long-term value. A $2,000 compressor replacement on a 12-year-old system is economically equivalent to putting a new engine in a car with 200,000 miles - the compressor is fixed but every other aging component remains.
Get a Free Replacement Quote → (323) 471-1037A central AC system that is losing efficiency draws more electricity to produce the same cooling output. If your SCE or LADWP bill has increased noticeably over the past 1–2 summers without a change in usage habits or rate structure, declining AC efficiency is a likely contributor. Modern high-efficiency systems with SEER2 ratings of 16–20+ can reduce cooling energy consumption by 20–40% compared to a 12-year-old system.
Get a Free Replacement Quote → (323) 471-1037R-22 - also known as Freon - was phased out of production in 2020 under EPA regulations. R-22 is no longer manufactured in the United States and existing supplies are finite and increasingly expensive. A system that uses R-22 and develops a refrigerant leak faces repair costs significantly higher than a current-refrigerant system - and an R-22 system cannot be converted to the current refrigerant standard. Replacement with a current-refrigerant system is the only long-term solution.
Get a Free Replacement Quote → (323) 471-1037A pattern of recurring repairs - capacitor this year, contactor last year, motor the year before - is a reliable indicator that a system is entering component failure cascade. Each repair addresses one failing part while leaving all adjacent aging components in place. When the repair history over 2–3 years approaches $1,000–$1,500, replacement economics typically favor a new system.
Get a Free Replacement Quote → (323) 471-1037If your AC runs continuously during a 95–100°F day in the San Fernando Valley or Inland Empire but cannot reach the thermostat setpoint, the system is undersized, has lost significant efficiency, or both. A properly sized, properly functioning system should maintain the setpoint temperature on all but the most extreme weather days - typically above 105°F in most LA County locations.
Get a Free Replacement Quote → (323) 471-1037Persistent banging, rattling, or grinding from a system that has already been inspected and repaired can indicate compressor wear - a condition that is typically not economically repairable on older systems. A compressor replacement on a system over 10 years old costs $1,200–$2,800 and does not address the age of any surrounding components.
Get a Free Replacement Quote → (323) 471-1037Adding central AC to a Southern California home without an existing system is one of the highest-return home improvements in this market. An AIRONE installation assessment determines the best system type for your home's layout, existing ductwork condition, and electrical service - and provides a written quote before any commitment.
Get a Free Installation Quote → (323) 471-1037Not sure if you need repair or replacement? Call (323) 471-1037 - AIRONE will give you an honest assessment, not a sales pitch.
Installing a new AC system correctly requires more than swapping equipment. Here is every step AIRONE handles from your first call to post-install verification - and what you can expect at each stage.
An AIRONE technician visits your home to assess your existing system - or assess the home for a first-time central AC installation. This includes measuring the home's square footage and layout, evaluating existing ductwork condition, assessing the electrical panel for adequate service, inspecting the installation location for clearances and drainage, and identifying any code compliance requirements specific to your city or county. The assessment is free with no obligation to proceed.
AIRONE performs a Manual J load calculation - the ACCA industry-standard method for determining the correct AC system size for your specific home. Manual J accounts for square footage, ceiling height, insulation levels, window area and orientation, local climate data, and occupancy. Correct sizing is the most important technical decision in an AC installation - an undersized system cannot maintain setpoint temperature, and an oversized system short cycles, wastes energy, and causes humidity problems. AIRONE does not size by rule of thumb or replace like-for-like without verifying the previous system was correctly sized.
Based on the load calculation and your priorities - efficiency, upfront cost, long-term savings, brand preference, or rebate eligibility - AIRONE presents system options with written pricing for each. The quote includes equipment, labor, permit fees, HERS testing coordination, haul-away of the old system, and all materials. No hidden line items appear on the invoice that were not on the written quote.
Yes - AIRONE files the required building permit with your city or county before installation begins. In Los Angeles County and most Orange County cities, a permit is required for AC installation or replacement. AIRONE handles the permit application, fee payment, and inspection scheduling - you do not need to interact with the building department at any point.
Every AIRONE installation is permitted and inspected - no exceptions.
Call (323) 471-1037 to Schedule Your Free Assessment →AIRONE technicians arrive on the scheduled date and complete the full installation - equipment placement, refrigerant line set connection, electrical connections, condensate drain routing, thermostat installation, and system startup. Installation of a standard central AC replacement typically takes one full day. First-time central AC installations in homes with existing ductwork typically take one to two days depending on complexity.
After installation, every system is tested and commissioned before the technician leaves. This includes verifying correct refrigerant charge, measuring supply and return air temperature differential, confirming airflow at all registers, testing thermostat response, and verifying condensate drainage. You receive a written commissioning report with all measurements taken.
Yes - AIRONE coordinates the required building inspection with your city or county. The inspection confirms the installation meets all California Building Code and Title 24 energy efficiency requirements. AIRONE manages the inspection scheduling and is present for the inspection - you do not need to take additional time off for a second visit.
After the inspection passes, AIRONE provides a written job completion report, manufacturer warranty registration, and a full walkthrough of your new system's operation - thermostat programming, filter replacement schedule, and what to watch for in the first 30 days. AIRONE remains reachable at (323) 471-1037 for any post-install questions.
Not every home needs the same system. AIRONE installs all major AC system types across Southern California and recommends the right fit based on your home's layout, existing infrastructure, and budget.
The most common central air installation type in Southern California. A central split system consists of an outdoor condenser unit and an indoor air handler connected by refrigerant lines and ductwork. Central split systems are the best choice for homes with existing ductwork in good condition and adequate electrical service. AIRONE installs all major central split system brands - Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Rheem, Goodman, and more - across the full efficiency range from 14 SEER2 to 24 SEER2.
A package unit combines all components - compressor, condenser, and air handler - in a single outdoor cabinet. Package units are common in Southern California homes with rooftop installations or homes with limited interior mechanical space. Package units are simpler to install and service than split systems but are typically limited to lower efficiency ratings. AIRONE installs all major package unit brands.
A ductless mini-split system installs without existing ductwork - ideal for home additions, converted garages, older homes with no existing ducts, or specific rooms that need supplemental cooling. Mini-splits offer zone-level control - each indoor unit can be set to a different temperature - and are among the most efficient cooling options available. AIRONE installs single-zone and multi-zone mini-split systems from Mitsubishi, Daikin, Fujitsu, and all major brands.
A heat pump system provides both cooling and heating from a single unit - using refrigerant to move heat rather than generating it. Heat pumps are the most energy-efficient whole-home comfort system available and qualify for the federal $2,000 IRA tax credit under Section 25C. In Southern California's mild heating climate, a heat pump typically replaces both the AC system and the furnace in a single installation.
Not sure which system type is right for your home? Call (323) 471-1037 - AIRONE will assess your home and recommend the right system based on your layout, budget, and goals. No upsell, no pressure.
AC installation in Los Angeles is a significant investment - and price varies considerably based on system type, brand, efficiency rating, home size, and installation complexity. AIRONE provides free written quotes with no obligation. Here is what to expect.
| System Type | Typical Installed Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Central split system - standard efficiency (14–16 SEER2) | $4,000–$7,000 | Replacement in home with existing ductwork |
| Central split system - high efficiency (17–20 SEER2) | $6,000–$10,000 | Includes variable-speed or two-stage systems |
| Central split system - premium efficiency (21+ SEER2) | $9,000–$14,000 | Variable-speed communicating systems |
| Package unit - standard | $4,500–$7,500 | Rooftop or ground-level installation |
| Ductless mini-split - single zone | $3,000–$5,500 | One indoor unit, one outdoor unit |
| Ductless mini-split - multi-zone (2–4 zones) | $6,000–$12,000 | Multiple indoor units, one outdoor unit |
| Heat pump system - whole home | $5,500–$12,000 | Replaces both AC and furnace |
| New ductwork installation | $3,000–$8,000 | For homes without existing ducts |
| Electrical panel upgrade (if required) | $1,500–$4,000 | If existing panel is insufficient |
Prices reflect typical Los Angeles market ranges for equipment and labor as of 2026. Your exact cost depends on home size, system brand, efficiency tier, existing infrastructure condition, and permit fees in your city. AIRONE provides a written flat-rate quote before any work begins - you are never charged more than the approved amount.
Every AIRONE installation quote includes: equipment (outdoor condenser, indoor air handler or coil, thermostat), refrigerant line set, electrical connections, condensate drain, permit filing and fees, haul-away and disposal of the old system, installation labor, system commissioning and testing, and post-install building inspection coordination. No line items appear on the invoice that were not on the written quote.
Installation costs increase when the existing ductwork requires repair or replacement, when the electrical panel requires an upgrade to support the new system, when the installation location requires non-standard line set routing, when the city or county requires additional inspections, or when a high-efficiency system with variable-speed components is selected. AIRONE identifies all of these factors during the free in-home assessment - before providing the written quote - so there are no surprises after you sign.
California homeowners installing high-efficiency AC systems may be eligible for SCE and LADWP rebates ranging from $100–$1,000 depending on the system's SEER2 rating and the utility provider. Homeowners installing heat pump systems may qualify for the federal $2,000 IRS Form 5695 tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. AIRONE identifies all applicable rebates and credits during the quote process and provides documentation to support rebate applications.
AIRONE offers financing for all AC installations - with options including 0% APR for qualifying customers and monthly payments starting under $100/month on qualifying systems. Financing available for most customers. Subject to credit approval. Call (323) 471-1037 for current financing terms.
Correct system sizing is the most important technical decision in an AC installation - and the one most commonly done incorrectly by contractors who use rules of thumb rather than proper calculation methods.
A Manual J load calculation is the ACCA-approved industry standard for determining the correct AC system size for a specific home. Manual J accounts for the home's total square footage, ceiling height, insulation levels, window area and solar orientation, local climate data - using TMY weather data for the specific Los Angeles microclimate - number of occupants, and heat-generating appliances. The result is a precise cooling load in BTUs per hour - the number the system must be capable of removing to maintain comfort at peak conditions.
An undersized system runs continuously at peak conditions but cannot reach the thermostat setpoint - leaving your home uncomfortable on the hottest days of the year. An oversized system - the more common installation error - short cycles, turning on and off every few minutes rather than completing full cooling cycles. Short cycling prevents adequate humidity removal, creates temperature swings, wastes electricity, and causes premature compressor wear. According to ACCA, up to 50% of residential HVAC systems in the United States are incorrectly sized - the majority being oversized.
AIRONE sizes every installation with Manual J - not guesswork. Call (323) 471-1037 →Every AIRONE installation begins with a Manual J load calculation using ACCA-approved software and actual measurements from your home. The calculation result determines the system size recommendation - not the size of the system that was previously installed, which may itself have been incorrectly sized. AIRONE does not size by rule of thumb and does not replace like-for-like without verifying the prior system was correctly sized.
While Manual J is the correct sizing method, these ranges provide a general orientation. Most 1,000–1,500 sq ft LA County homes require a 2–2.5 ton system. Most 1,500–2,000 sq ft homes require a 2.5–3 ton system. Most 2,000–2,500 sq ft homes require a 3–3.5 ton system. Most 2,500–3,500 sq ft homes require a 3.5–5 ton system. Homes with high solar gain, poor insulation, or high ceilings may require larger systems than these ranges suggest. Homes with excellent insulation, low-e windows, or significant shade may require smaller systems. These are orientation guidelines only - not substitutes for a Manual J calculation.
Call (323) 471-1037 for a free in-home sizing assessment - AIRONE performs Manual J on every installation.
AIRONE installs all major AC brands across Los Angeles County, South Bay, and Orange County. During the free in-home assessment, AIRONE recommends systems based on your home's needs, efficiency goals, and budget - not based on which brand generates the highest margin.
Yes - AIRONE installs the full Carrier residential line including the Infinity series (variable-speed, up to 26 SEER2), Performance series (two-stage, up to 17 SEER2), and Comfort series (single-stage). Carrier's Infinity communicating system - thermostat, air handler, and outdoor unit operating as an integrated network - is among the most efficient and diagnostically capable residential AC systems available in the Los Angeles market.
Yes - AIRONE installs the full Trane residential line including the XV series (variable-speed, up to 22 SEER2), XR series (two-stage), and XB series (single-stage). Trane systems are known for long-term durability and Trane's factory warranty is among the strongest in the residential AC market when registered within 60 days of installation.
Yes - AIRONE installs the full Lennox residential line including the XC25 (up to 26 SEER2 - among the highest efficiency ratings available in the residential market), XC21, and XC16 series. Lennox's iComfort communicating thermostat integrates with the full system for precise zone-level control and remote monitoring capability.
Yes - AIRONE installs Rheem and Ruud residential systems including the Prestige series (variable-speed) and Classic series. Rheem systems offer a strong balance of reliability and value and carry a 10-year parts warranty when registered within 90 days of installation.
Yes - AIRONE installs Goodman residential systems across the full efficiency range. Goodman systems provide the most accessible entry point for whole-home central AC in the Los Angeles market - with installed costs typically $1,000–$2,000 lower than premium brands at equivalent tonnage - and carry a lifetime compressor warranty when installed by a licensed contractor and registered within 60 days.
Yes - AIRONE installs the full Daikin residential line across Los Angeles County, South Bay, and Orange County. Daikin has become one of the fastest-growing AC brands in Southern California due to its high-efficiency inverter technology, competitive pricing, and strong performance in the region's extended cooling season. AIRONE installs Daikin's DX20VC (variable-speed, up to 20 SEER2), DX18TC (two-stage), and DX16TC (single-stage) series. Daikin's inverter-driven variable-speed compressor systems modulate output continuously - running at lower capacity most of the time and ramping up only during peak heat - delivering superior efficiency and humidity control compared to single-stage systems at similar price points. Daikin systems installed in SoCal's long cooling season log significantly more operational hours than in cooler climates, making proper Manual J sizing and annual maintenance especially important for maximizing efficiency and lifespan.
Yes - AIRONE installs the full Mitsubishi Electric residential mini-split and multi-zone line throughout Los Angeles County, South Bay, and Orange County. Mitsubishi is the dominant mini-split brand in the LA market - widely installed in room additions, converted garages, ADUs, older craftsman and bungalow homes without existing ductwork, and new construction zones that require supplemental cooling beyond the central system. AIRONE installs Mitsubishi's M-Series (single-zone), MXZ-Series (multi-zone), and P-Series (higher-capacity) systems. Mitsubishi's Hyper-Heating (H2i) technology, where applicable, maintains rated heating capacity even during Southern California's cooler nights. AIRONE is Mitsubishi-certified and stocks common Mitsubishi parts to enable same-visit repairs when assessment reveals a component that needs attention. For homes in Silver Lake, Echo Park, Highland Park, Pasadena, and other LA neighborhoods with older housing stock, a Mitsubishi multi-zone installation is frequently the most cost-effective whole-home solution - no ductwork required, zone-level control, and energy efficiency ratings among the highest in the residential market.
Have a brand preference or need a recommendation? Call (323) 471-1037 - we install all major brands and recommend based on your home, not our margin →
Additional Brands Installed
Don't see your brand? Call (323) 471-1037 - AIRONE installs virtually every major residential AC brand available in Southern California.
Yes - and this is one of the most important questions to ask any contractor before signing an installation agreement.
Yes. Under California Building Code, a permit is required for new AC installation and for AC replacement in most cities and counties across Los Angeles County and Orange County. The permit triggers a building inspection that verifies the installation meets California Building Code requirements and Title 24 energy efficiency standards - which govern insulation levels, duct sealing, and equipment efficiency minimums for all new HVAC installations in California.
Title 24 is California's Building Energy Efficiency Standards - the most stringent residential energy code in the United States, updated January 1, 2026. Title 24 requires that new AC installations in California meet minimum SEER2 efficiency ratings, that all ductwork be tested for leakage, that thermostats meet programmability requirements, and that the installation be verified by a licensed contractor. A Title 24-compliant installation requires documentation - AIRONE provides all required compliance documentation as part of every installation package.
An unpermitted AC installation in California creates three specific risks. First, homeowner's insurance may deny claims related to a fire or property damage event if an uninspected installation is found to be the cause. Second, unpermitted work creates disclosure obligations in a property sale and may require remediation before closing. Third, some manufacturer warranties are void if the installation was not permitted and inspected. AIRONE includes permit filing and inspection coordination in every installation - this is not optional and is not an upsell.
Yes - AIRONE files the permit application with your city or county building department, pays the permit fees as part of the quoted installation cost, schedules the building inspection, and is present during the inspection. You do not need to contact the building department, take additional time off, or manage any part of the permit process. In LA County, Title 24 compliance also requires a HERS (Home Energy Rating System) inspection - performed by an independent certified rater, separate from the building department inspection. AIRONE coordinates HERS scheduling and discloses the HERS testing cost as a line item on your written quote before any commitment. After the inspection passes, AIRONE provides all compliance documentation in writing.
Permitted. Inspected. Documented. That is how every AIRONE installation works. Call (323) 471-1037 →
SEER2 - Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2 - measures how efficiently an AC system converts electricity into cooling output over an entire season. Higher SEER2 = lower operating cost. Higher SEER2 also means higher upfront equipment cost. Here is how to choose the right efficiency tier for a Southern California home.
The current federal minimum efficiency standard for AC systems installed in California. A 14–15 SEER2 system has the lowest upfront cost but the highest long-term operating cost.
A 16–18 SEER2 system costs $500–$1,500 more than a minimum efficiency system but typically pays back the efficiency premium in 3–5 years in SoCal's long cooling season. Most two-stage systems fall in this range.
Variable-speed systems run at lower capacity most of the time and ramp up only during peak heat. They provide superior humidity control, quieter operation, and more precise temperature maintenance than single-stage or two-stage systems.
Carrier Infinity 26, Lennox XC25, and comparable units. These systems have the highest upfront cost but the lowest operating cost and typically qualify for the maximum utility rebate tier.
AIRONE identifies all applicable rebates during your free quote - we'll tell you exactly what you qualify for. Call (323) 471-1037 →
AIRONE installs new AC systems across 120+ cities in Southern California - with permit filing, licensed installation, and post-install inspection coordination included in every job.
Permit timelines vary by city - AIRONE is familiar with building department requirements and processing timelines across all LA County cities and files permits correctly the first time to avoid revision delays. Same-week installation is typically available for most LA County cities.
Coastal South Bay installations - particularly in Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, and Hermosa Beach - include marine-grade equipment recommendations where salt air accelerates standard component corrosion.
Same-week installation typically available in Anaheim, Irvine, Santa Ana, Huntington Beach, and surrounding OC cities. Marine-grade equipment recommendations available for coastal Newport Beach and Huntington Beach installations.
Not sure if we serve your city? Call (323) 471-1037 - confirmed in 30 seconds.
View All Service Areas →Yes - permit filing, permit fees, and building inspection coordination are included in every AIRONE installation quote. We do not charge permit fees as a separate line item after the quote is signed. The price on your quote is the price on your invoice - no additions after the fact.
Yes - every AIRONE installation begins with a Manual J load calculation using ACCA-approved software and actual measurements from your home. We do not size systems by rule of thumb or by replacing like-for-like without verifying the previous system was correctly sized. According to ACCA, up to 50% of residential HVAC systems in the United States are incorrectly sized - AIRONE's Manual J process ensures your new system is not one of them.
Yes - CA Contractor License #114807, C-20 certified - the specific California contractor classification for warm-air heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning work. C-20 certification is required by California law for residential AC installation. Verify at cslb.ca.gov. According to CSLB data, fewer than 40% of HVAC contractors operating in Los Angeles are fully licensed, bonded, and insured.
Ready for a free installation quote? Call (323) 471-1037 →No - every AIRONE installation is performed by direct AIRONE employees. No subcontractors, no third-party installation crews, no labor platforms. The technicians who assess your home are the same technicians who install your system and sign off on the job completion report.
Yes - AIRONE offers financing for all AC installations including 0% APR options for qualifying customers and monthly payments starting under $100/month on qualifying systems. Financing available for most customers. Subject to credit approval. Call (323) 471-1037 for current terms before your installation appointment.
Yes - AIRONE is a California State License Board verified HVAC contractor founded in 2020 and serving Southern California since our founding. 500+ jobs completed across 120+ cities in LA County, South Bay, and Orange County. We know SoCal conditions - Title 24 requirements, SCE and LADWP rebate programs, TECH Clean California incentives, coastal equipment considerations, and high-desert heat loads - in ways that national chains do not.
AIRONE replaced our 18-year-old system with a new Carrier. They sized it properly - explained the Manual J calculation and why our old system was actually oversized. Installation was clean, permit was handled, inspection passed first time. Six months later the house is more comfortable than it has ever been and our Edison bill is noticeably lower.
First time adding central AC to our older home. AIRONE assessed the existing ductwork, identified two sections that needed repair before the install, quoted everything in writing, and completed the job in two days. The technicians were professional, the system works perfectly, and the permit passed on the first inspection. I never had to deal with the building department once.
Got three quotes for a new system. AIRONE was not the cheapest but they were the only contractor who did an actual load calculation and explained why the other two contractors were recommending a system that was too large. That level of technical honesty sold me. The install was flawless.
Added central AC to our Irvine home for the first time - older house with no existing system. AIRONE handled the permit, the ductwork assessment, the installation, and the inspection all in one seamless process. Never had to call the city once. System passed inspection on the first visit. Worth every penny.
Already have a system that has reached end of life? The replacement page covers haul-away, like-for-like vs efficiency upgrade decisions, and replacement-specific pricing. Or call (323) 471-1037 and describe your situation - we'll tell you exactly which service fits.
Explore AC Replacement →
Not sure if you need replacement or repair? AIRONE provides an honest repair vs replace assessment after every diagnostic - from $89, applied toward any repair if you proceed. If repair is not cost-effective, we tell you that too.
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Protect your new investment. AIRONE's annual maintenance plans keep your new system operating at peak efficiency and extend its lifespan. Ask about enrolling in a maintenance plan on installation day - Gold Plan members receive priority scheduling and emergency priority response.
Explore AC Maintenance →
Installing a heat pump instead of a traditional AC and furnace combination saves on upfront cost, qualifies for the federal $2,000 IRA tax credit, and provides both heating and cooling from a single system. AIRONE installs all major heat pump brands.
Explore Heat Pump Installation →
No existing ductwork? A ductless mini-split system installs without ducts, provides zone-level control, and typically costs less than adding new ductwork to support a central system. Single-zone systems from $3,000 installed.
Explore Mini-Split Installation →
AIRONE offers financing for all AC installations - 0% APR for qualifying customers, monthly payments from under $100/month. All financing options available on one page.
Explore Financing →Section 15 - Schedule Your Installation
A new AC system is one of the most significant investments in your home's comfort and value. AIRONE provides free in-home assessments with written quotes - no obligation, no pressure, and no line items on the invoice that were not on the quote.
AIRONE is a California State License Board verified AC installation contractor - CA License #114807, C-20 certified, serving Los Angeles County, South Bay, and Orange County since 2020.
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