
It is almost never the equipment. It is the distribution. Los Angeles homes are full of flex duct that was crushed against a rafter, disconnected at a boot, or never sealed at the plenum. A system losing thirty percent of its conditioned air into the attic will never cool the back bedroom no matter how big the condenser is. We measure static pressure and check the duct system before we ever recommend replacing equipment.
Most residential systems in Los Angeles were sized by a rule of thumb - so many square feet per ton. An oversized system short cycles: it drops the temperature fast, shuts off before it has removed any humidity, and wears itself out. A correctly sized system runs longer at lower capacity and costs less to run. We do a Manual J load calculation. It takes longer and it is the difference between a system that works and one you fight for fifteen years.
Diagnostic starts at $210. A standard split system replacement in Los Angeles generally runs $8,500 to $16,000 installed depending on tonnage, efficiency and whether ductwork is replaced. A single-zone ductless mini split typically runs $4,200 to $7,500 installed. Duct sealing and rebalancing runs $1,200 to $3,500 and frequently solves the complaint without replacing anything.
Under ten years old with a repairable failure, repair. Over fifteen with a compressor or coil failure, replace. Between those, we give you the actual numbers on both and let you decide.
Extremely well, and they are often the right answer for a converted garage, an office or a bedroom the main system never reached.
Yes, utility and state programs change regularly. We handle the documentation for qualifying equipment.
Usually duct or return air sizing, not equipment capacity. We measure before recommending anything expensive.