Replacing a cooling system is one of the bigger home investments you’ll make in Bakersfield, and it’s worth getting right. The system that keeps a home comfortable through 110-degree afternoons needs to be sized for this climate specifically, not pulled off a generic recommendation. Get the sizing wrong and you either pay for capacity you don’t need or run a unit that never quite keeps up.
Contact Us
Gundlach’s has installed cooling systems across Kern County for more than 120 years. We start by understanding your home, then match equipment to it honestly, and install it so it performs from the first hot day.
- System sizing based on your actual home, not a sales quota
- Energy-efficient equipment built for desert heat
- Professional installation by licensed local technicians
- Clear, upfront pricing with no surprises
Ready for a cooler home? Call (661) 235-5471 or request a consultation online.
Is It Time to Replace, or Will a Repair Do?
Before you spend on a new system, it’s worth being sure you need one. A sound unit with one affordable failure is usually worth repairing. Replacement starts to make sense when the picture looks different.
- The system is past 12 to 15 years old, which is common in our long cooling season
- Repair costs are climbing and starting to repeat
- Summer energy bills keep rising even though your usage hasn’t changed
- The unit struggles to hold temperature on the hottest days
If you’re early in this decision, our repair team can give you an honest assessment first. There’s no sense replacing a system that has good years left in it.
Not sure yet? Start with our AC Repair page for an honest diagnosis.
Learn moreChoosing the Right System for Your Home
Once replacement is the right move, the next question is what to install. Higher-efficiency systems cost more upfront and pay that back through lower bills across our long cooling months, which matters more here than almost anywhere. But the bigger driver of comfort and cost is correct sizing.
An oversized unit cools in short bursts, cycles on and off too often, and wears itself out while leaving humidity and hot spots behind. An undersized one runs constantly and still loses ground on peak days. We calculate the load for your home’s square footage, insulation, and ductwork, then recommend a system that fits. We present real options at different price and efficiency levels and explain the tradeoffs so the choice is yours.
Installation Done Right the First Time
A good system installed poorly underperforms a modest system installed well. Here’s how we approach the work in your Bakersfield home:
- Assessment and sizing: we measure your space, evaluate ductwork and insulation, and calculate the cooling load so the system fits your home
- Equipment selection: we walk you through options across efficiency levels and price points, with honest pros and cons for each
- Professional installation: our licensed technicians remove the old unit, set the new indoor and outdoor components, connect refrigerant lines, seal ductwork, and verify everything meets code
- Testing and walkthrough: before we leave, we run the system, confirm it’s performing, and show you how to get the most from it
AC Installation Questions Bakersfield Homeowners Ask
What is the typical cost to replace an AC unit?
It varies with the size and efficiency of the system and the condition of your existing ductwork. Rather than quote a number that won’t match your home, we assess your situation and give you a clear, itemized price you can actually plan around.
What size AC do I need for my house?
It’s calculated from your home’s square footage, insulation, windows, and ductwork, not just floor area. Proper sizing is the single biggest factor in whether a new system keeps you comfortable and runs efficiently, which is why we measure rather than estimate.
How long does a new AC installation take?
A straightforward replacement is often completed in a day, while jobs involving ductwork changes or more complex configurations can take longer. We’ll give you a realistic timeline once we’ve seen your setup.
Are high-efficiency systems worth it in Bakersfield?
Often yes, because our cooling season is so long that the monthly savings add up faster here than in milder climates. We’ll show you the difference between efficiency tiers so you can weigh the upfront cost against the long-term savings for your home.
Get Your Installation Consultation
Choosing and installing the right system starts with understanding your home and how you use it. We’ll assess your setup, lay out your options clearly, and give you upfront pricing so you can decide with confidence.
Call (661) 235-5471 or schedule your consultation online. We serve Bakersfield and throughout Kern County.