Your AC is about to die. What to do in the next 24 hours.

The 5 signs your AC is dying.

• 1Older system age: Many older LA AC systems deserve a replacement review when repairs become frequent, comfort drops, or parts availability becomes difficult.
• 2Refrigerant leaks requiring repeat recharges: If refrigerant has been added more than once, ask for a leak diagnosis instead of approving repeated temporary fixes.
• 3Compressor short-cycling: A system turning on and off every few minutes may have electrical, airflow, refrigerant, thermostat, or equipment-sizing issues that need professional diagnosis.
• 4Cooling capacity dropping: If the same thermostat setting takes much longer to cool the home, the issue may involve airflow, coils, refrigerant charge, ducts, insulation, or equipment age.
• 5Repair bills accumulating: If repair quotes keep increasing, compare the repair cost against replacement, heat pump, warranty, permit, and financing options before deciding.

Repair-vs-replace decision guide.

Use this as a starting point before approving an emergency repair:

Compare heat pump vs AC replacement in 2026.

If your AC is dying, you have two paths:

• AReplace AC like-for-like: This may be the simpler path if the furnace is still in good condition, electrical capacity is limited, or the homeowner wants the lowest-disruption cooling replacement. See our 2026 AC replacement cost breakdown for the main price drivers.
• BUpgrade to a heat pump: A heat pump can replace cooling and heating equipment in many LA homes. Review current heat-pump incentive programs, utility rules, equipment eligibility, available funding, electrical needs, and tax-treatment questions before comparing project economics.

A heat pump may also reduce energy use compared with older heating and cooling equipment, but savings depend on the home, utility rates, ductwork, insulation, equipment efficiency, thermostat habits, and whether solar or battery storage is part of the broader plan. For electrification planning, read the gas furnace to heat pump switch guide.

What to do in the next 24 hours.

• →Stop the bleeding: Close all blinds on south/west-facing windows. Turn ceiling fans counter-clockwise (downdraft). Don't run oven/dryer until evening.
• →Check the breaker: If outdoor unit is silent but indoor unit runs, check the outdoor unit breaker (typically next to the outdoor unit or in your main panel). Reset once. If it trips again, leave it off and call a tech.
• →Check air filter: A clogged filter causes evaporator coil to ice up and shuts down cooling. Replace if filter is gray/black.
• →Schedule a clear diagnostic: Ask for a written diagnosis, repair option, replacement option, warranty status, permit requirements, and timeline. For contractor-vetting help, review our HVAC installer questions for Los Angeles homeowners.
• →Compare AC and heat pump options. If you are already replacing major cooling equipment, ask whether a heat pump, high-efficiency AC, or furnace-plus-AC setup makes the most sense for your home.

Before you approve a repair or replacement.

Ask the contractor to separate the diagnosis from the sales recommendation. A useful written proposal should identify the failed part or performance issue, the age and condition of the existing system, whether the repair carries a warranty, whether a permit is needed, and whether replacement would require duct, electrical, or thermostat changes.

For older systems, compare three paths side by side: repair the current AC, replace the AC only, or evaluate a heat pump that can handle both heating and cooling. If the home is in LADWP territory, also review our LADWP heat pump rebate guide. If the project may include solar or battery storage, start with the heat pump and solar planning guide so the electrical load, panel capacity, and future backup needs are considered together.

Home Upgrade Specialist can review the cooling problem, provide repair and replacement options, and explain the permit and incentive documentation needed before work begins.