Hear from Our Customers
When your AC unit dies in July, you’re not thinking about efficiency ratings. You’re thinking about sleeping tonight without sweating through your sheets. But here’s what matters once the panic settles: the system you choose now will either save you money for the next 15 years or cost you hundreds extra every summer.
Modern air conditioning units cut energy bills by 30-40% compared to systems installed before 2005. That’s real money back in your account every month. And if you’re replacing an older system, you might qualify for a federal tax credit worth 30% of your installation cost—up to $2,000—if you choose a heat pump with a SEER2 rating of 16 or higher.
But efficiency only matters if the system is sized correctly for your home. Too small, and it runs constantly trying to keep up. Too large, and it cycles on and off, wasting energy and wearing out faster. That’s why proper load calculations matter more than the brand name on the box.
You’re not just buying a box that blows cold air. You’re buying 15-20 years of consistent comfort, lower utility bills, and one less thing to worry about when San Jose hits another record heat wave.
We’ve handled air conditioner replacement in San Jose since before the internet existed. We’re a family-owned company, and we’re still here because we do the work right the first time.
San Jose’s climate is specific. Summer heat waves above 95°F put serious stress on HVAC equipment. Winter nights drop to freezing. Your system needs to handle both extremes without breaking down every season.
We size every system using Manual J load calculations—the industry standard that most companies skip because it takes time. We don’t guess. We measure your home, calculate the actual heating and cooling requirements, and install a system that performs exactly as designed. That’s how you avoid the “$300-600 wasted annually” problem that comes from incorrectly sized equipment.
Our technicians are licensed, insured, and EPA-certified. We offer same-day service when possible, and we’re available 24/7 for emergencies because AC breakdowns don’t wait for business hours.
First, we come to your home and assess what you actually need. Not what we want to sell you—what your home requires based on square footage, insulation, window placement, and San Jose’s climate demands. We run a Manual J load calculation to determine the exact capacity your system needs.
Then we walk you through your options. Different efficiency levels, different brands, and what each choice means for your monthly bills and upfront cost. We explain which systems qualify for federal tax credits and local utility rebates. You get upfront pricing with no hidden fees.
Once you decide, we schedule the installation at a time that works for you. Most home AC replacement jobs take one day. We remove your old system, install the new equipment, connect everything properly, test the system under load, and make sure it’s running at peak efficiency before we leave.
After installation, we show you how to use your new system and explain the maintenance schedule that keeps it running efficiently for the next 15-20 years. You get our contact information for any questions, and we’re available 24/7 if something goes wrong.
That’s it. No upselling, no pressure, no disappearing after we cash your check.
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Every AC unit replacement in San Jose includes professional load calculations using Manual J software. This isn’t optional—it’s how we ensure your system is sized correctly for your home’s specific needs. Undersized systems run constantly and wear out early. Oversized systems waste energy and create humidity problems.
You also get a system that meets or exceeds California’s current efficiency standards. As of 2023, new federal regulations require higher SEER2 ratings and safer refrigerants. These aren’t just regulatory checkboxes—they directly impact your energy bills and system longevity.
Installation costs in Santa Clara County typically range from $2,530 to $12,654 depending on system size, efficiency level, and installation complexity. Basic 2-ton units start around $2,444. Mid-range systems run about $5,000. High-efficiency heat pumps that qualify for maximum tax credits reach $12,222. We give you exact pricing upfront based on your home’s requirements.
Senior homeowners and military families receive a 15% discount. If you qualify for federal tax credits (30% up to $2,000 for heat pumps with SEER2 ≥16), we’ll walk you through the documentation you need. Some installations also qualify for local utility rebates through San Jose Clean Energy—we help you navigate those applications too.
AC replacement in San Jose typically costs between $2,530 and $12,654 depending on system size, efficiency rating, and installation complexity. A basic 2-ton unit starts around $2,444. Mid-range systems average $5,000. High-efficiency heat pumps that qualify for federal tax credits run closer to $12,222.
The wide range exists because every home is different. A 1,200 square foot home with good insulation needs less capacity than a 2,500 square foot home with single-pane windows. Installation complexity matters too—if we need to modify ductwork or upgrade electrical service, that adds cost.
Federal tax credits can reduce your out-of-pocket expense by up to $2,000 if you install a qualifying heat pump with a SEER2 rating of 16 or higher. Senior and military families get an additional 15% discount from us. When you factor in 30-40% lower energy bills over the system’s lifetime, the upfront investment pays for itself.
If your system is over 15 years old and needs a repair that costs more than $1,800, replacement makes more financial sense. Older systems fail more frequently, and repair costs add up fast. A $400 repair this summer becomes an $800 repair next summer, then a $2,500 emergency replacement when the compressor finally dies during a heat wave.
Age isn’t the only factor. If your energy bills have jumped significantly without explanation, your system is working harder to produce the same cooling. That inefficiency costs you $300-600 annually in wasted energy. Modern systems operate 30-50% more efficiently than pre-2005 equipment.
Strange noises, inconsistent temperatures between rooms, and frequent cycling on and off are warning signs that major components are failing. Small repairs might buy you another season, but you’re delaying the inevitable while paying higher energy bills. We’ll give you an honest assessment of whether repair or replacement makes sense for your specific situation.
You need a system sized specifically for your home using Manual J load calculations—not a guess based on square footage alone. A 1,500 square foot home might need a 2-ton unit or a 3-ton unit depending on insulation quality, window placement, ceiling height, and how much direct sun hits your roof.
Incorrectly sized systems are the most common problem we see. Contractors who skip load calculations either undersize (system runs constantly, wears out early, never quite cools the house) or oversize (wastes energy, creates humidity problems, costs more upfront). Both scenarios waste your money.
San Jose’s climate adds another variable. Summer heat waves above 95°F and winter nights below freezing mean your system needs to handle extreme temperature swings. We factor in local climate data when calculating your home’s heating and cooling requirements. The result is a system that performs exactly as designed without wasting energy or leaving you uncomfortable.
Most residential air conditioner replacement jobs take one full day from start to finish. We arrive in the morning, remove your old system, install the new equipment, connect and test everything, and have you running by evening. Straightforward replacements where we’re swapping similar equipment in the same location rarely take longer.
More complex installations take two days. If we need to modify ductwork, upgrade electrical service, or relocate equipment, that adds time. We’ll tell you upfront how long your specific job will take based on what we find during the initial assessment.
We offer same-day service when possible for emergency replacements. If your AC dies during a heat wave and you need cooling immediately, we prioritize those calls. We’re also available 24/7 for emergencies because AC breakdowns don’t respect business hours. You won’t wait days in a hot house while we fit you into our schedule.
Federal tax credits cover 30% of installation costs up to $2,000 for qualifying heat pump systems with a SEER2 rating of 16 or higher. This isn’t a rebate—it’s a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your federal income tax. You claim it when you file your taxes using IRS Form 5695.
San Jose Clean Energy also offers rebates for high-efficiency systems, but eligibility requirements change periodically. As of 2023, most programs require a minimum SEER2 of 16 to qualify. We stay current on available incentives and help you navigate the application process.
The combination of federal tax credits and local rebates can reduce your out-of-pocket cost by $2,000-3,000 on qualifying systems. We provide all the documentation you need—equipment specifications, installation receipts, and efficiency certifications. You don’t need to chase down paperwork or figure out which forms to file. We walk you through exactly what you need to claim every dollar you’re entitled to.
New federal environmental standards took effect in 2023, requiring higher efficiency ratings and safer refrigerants in all new AC systems. Manufacturers had to redesign equipment to meet these standards, and those costs got passed to consumers. New AC models became 10-30% more expensive practically overnight.
The regulations aren’t arbitrary—they’re designed to reduce energy consumption and phase out refrigerants that damage the environment. Higher SEER2 ratings mean lower operating costs, so you recoup some of the higher upfront cost through reduced energy bills. Systems meeting the new standards also qualify for federal tax credits that didn’t exist for older equipment.
Supply chain disruptions and increased demand during record heat waves in 2022-2023 also pushed prices higher. When temperatures hit 100°F+ for days at a time, AC replacement becomes urgent rather than optional. High demand plus limited supply equals higher prices. The market has stabilized somewhat, but prices haven’t returned to pre-2023 levels and probably won’t.
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