You are weighing an HVAC unit replacement in Malibu and need to know the scope and the price before you book anyone. The price is set by the house, the unit and the access, and the quote is written before work starts. If you want that quote now, request the replacement visit and we will start from what you have.
What sets the price of a replacement
A beach-side house and a canyon house are different jobs, so the number comes from the visit and the written quote. Here is what moves yours:
- Which part is being replaced: the outdoor unit, the indoor unit, or both together.
- Whether the new system is a standard AC, a heat pump or a furnace and AC pair.
- Corrosion protection near the water, such as coastal-rated units and coated coils.
- The refrigerant line set, and whether it can stay or has to be run new.
- Pad, mounting and electrical work.
- Permit, inspection and haul-away of the old equipment.
Each one gets a line on the written quote. See our AC installation service.
Outdoor unit, indoor unit or the full system
A call can start with one failed part. We look at the whole setup before we quote, because a new outdoor unit matched to an old indoor coil can leave you paying twice.
If both sides are worn, replacing them together is a cleaner job, and the new pair is matched to each other. If only the outdoor unit has failed and the indoor side is sound, we say so and quote the narrower job. You get the choice with both totals shown.
Since 1 Jan 2025, new residential split AC and heat pump systems are made with lower-GWP refrigerants such as R-454B or R-32. That is the equipment your quote is built around, and it means a new outdoor unit is not a drop-in swap for an older one in every case. We check that on the visit.
Coastal and canyon placement
On the sand side, such as Point Dume, Malibu Colony and Zuma Beach, we specify coastal-rated condensers, coated coils and protected line sets. Inland toward Agoura Hills the question shifts to canyon heat and sizing.
A room-by-room load calculation comes first, so we size the new system to the house, not to the old label. Sizing from the old unit alone is how a house ends up with equipment that is too big and cycles all afternoon.
Placement rules matter too. We check HOA and coastal placement rules before the pad goes down, and we ask about gates, stairs and long carries because they change the labor.
Heat pump, furnace or both
When the heat side is changing too, we compare options side by side. A heat pump heats and cools from one outdoor unit. A furnace and AC pair keeps the two jobs separate. Some Malibu homes have no gas main and run on propane, which changes the furnace side of the quote.
See our heating installation service for the heat options. Tell us what you want from the system and we write each option as its own total.
A smart thermostat goes on the same visit if you want one. It is a line item, and you can drop it.
Permit and install day
Replacing an AC, heat pump or furnace in California is permitted work. The City of Malibu's own building and safety division issues it. We book the mechanical permit and inspection for you.
On install day the old unit comes out and is hauled away. The new equipment is set, the line set is connected, the electrical is tied in and the system is started and tested. If the work touches the ducts, California's Title 24 energy standard can require duct sealing and a leakage test verified by a third-party HERS rater, depending on the scope. Any of that is on the quote.
Our crew works across Malibu, and the visit is one trip to see the unit, the pad and the access.
FAQ
How much does HVAC unit replacement cost in Malibu?
It depends on which parts change, the unit type, the line set, the access and the corrosion protection. The written quote lists each item before work starts.
Should I replace the outdoor unit only?
Sometimes. If the indoor side is sound and matches, a narrower job can work. We check both sides and quote it that way, or quote the pair if matching helps.
Do I need a permit?
Yes. It is permitted work, and we book the permit and inspection with the City of Malibu.
Can you repair instead of replacing?
Yes. If the unit is corroded past a fair fix, we show you and write the replacement next to the repair.
Do you work with propane homes?
Yes. Propane homes have a tank and a supplier instead of a gas main, and we plan the furnace side around that.
Call to book the replacement visit
Call (877) 716-8328 and tell Malibu AirCon Services what you have now. We will book the visit and write the replacement quote before work begins.
Need Professional HVAC Service?
Our HVAC-experienced technicians are ready to help with all your AC and heating needs. Contact Malibu AirCon Services today for expert service throughout the Malibu, Point Dume and Agoura Hills service area.
