Installing a new air conditioning system is one of the most significant home comfort investments an Albuquerque homeowner makes. Get the sizing right and you'll have a system that runs efficiently and keeps your home comfortable through 95-degree summers for 15 to 20 years. Get it wrong and you'll have a system that runs constantly, drives up energy bills, and still can't keep up. Number One Plumbing, AC, Solar & Electric has been installing air conditioning systems throughout Albuquerque for over 20 years. We size every system correctly, install it properly, and stand behind the work. Call (505) 999-9567 or request service below.
New AC System Installation
Replacing an aging central air system with a properly sized, energy-efficient modern unit. We handle the full installation — removing the old equipment, preparing the site, installing indoor and outdoor components, and commissioning the system before we leave.
Swamp Cooler to Refrigerated Air Conversion
One of our most common installations. Converting from evaporative cooling to central air requires proper system sizing, ductwork assessment and modification, electrical work, and roof penetration capping. We handle the complete conversion — one company, one job, one point of accountability. Learn more about conversions
Ductless Mini-Split Installation
For homes without ductwork, room additions, garages, casitas, and spaces that central air doesn't reach effectively. We install all major mini-split brands including Mitsubishi, Daikin, LG, and Samsung.
System Upgrades and Replacements
If your current system is over 15 years old, uses R-22 refrigerant which is no longer manufactured, or requires costly repairs — replacement is often the better investment. We help you evaluate the options honestly.
This is the most common mistake in AC installation — and the one that causes the most homeowner frustration after the job is done.
Undersized systems run continuously without reaching the set temperature during peak heat. Your home never quite cools down on a 95-degree afternoon.
Oversized systems short-cycle — they reach the set temperature quickly, shut off, and turn on again minutes later. This constant cycling is hard on compressors, doesn't adequately dehumidify the home, and leads to early system failure.
Albuquerque's altitude adds complexity. At 5,300 feet, air density is lower than at sea level — meaning an AC system produces less cooling capacity here than its nameplate rating suggests. A system sized purely by square footage without accounting for altitude will underperform. This is a detail many contractors miss. Our load calculations account for elevation, insulation, window placement, ceiling height, sun exposure, and Albuquerque's specific climate data.
We follow a proven 10-step process on every installation:
Step 1 — In-Home Assessment
We evaluate your home's cooling requirements, existing equipment, and ductwork condition. We discuss system options and pricing before any work is scheduled.
Step 2 — Old System Removal
EPA-certified technicians safely remove and dispose of the old system including proper refrigerant recovery.
Step 3 — Site Preparation
We install vibration-absorbing pads and prepare the installation area for long-term performance.
Step 4 — Outdoor Unit Installation
The condenser unit is carefully placed and secured with proper clearances for airflow and service access.
Step 5 — Electrical Connections
All wiring installed to National Electrical Code standards. We identify any panel or circuit upgrades needed before installation begins — not as a surprise during the job.
Step 6 — Indoor Evaporator Coil
Installed and sealed properly for optimal airflow and cooling performance.
Step 7 — Refrigerant Lines
Carefully run, insulated, and secured to prevent damage and ensure system performance.
Step 8 — Condensate Drain
Properly sloped and connected to prevent water backup — a common installation shortcut that causes water damage.
Step 9 — Thermostat Setup
Connected and programmed. We walk you through operation before we leave.
Step 10 — System Commissioning
We verify refrigerant charge, airflow, electrical draw, and cooling performance before the job is complete. You'll see the system working — not take our word for it.
Installation costs vary depending on system type, size, efficiency rating, whether ductwork modifications are needed, and whether electrical upgrades are required. A straightforward replacement of an existing system costs less than a complete swamp cooler conversion that requires ductwork modifications and electrical work.We provide a detailed written estimate before any work begins — no surprises on the invoice. Financing is available for qualified customers through our financing program.Call (505) 999-9567 for a free in-home estimate.
A new AC system is a significant investment. The Uno Care Club protects it. Members receive annual cooling system maintenance — coil cleaning, refrigerant check, electrical inspection, and filter service — that keeps the system running at rated efficiency and catches small issues before they become expensive failures.
Members earn up to $600 annually in installation credits and can bank up to $3,000 toward future equipment. Priority scheduling when you need service. One-year repair protection on completed work.
Real people, real results
"Cory was great! He went out of his way to perform extra tasks that no one else has done! He's been working on cooler's for a lot of years and is very knowledgeable."
"Cory and his team installed two minisplits and worked on our boiler to fix a leak that another company wouldn't."
"Nate G did an excellent job of servicing our heater and AC unit. He was on time and was very thorough in his diagnostics. He is knowledgeable and professional and took the time to explain to me what he was doing.""
Ready to install a new system, upgrade your current equipment, or convert from a swamp cooler? Call (505) 999-9567 or use the form below. We provide free in-home estimates with no obligation.
How do I know if I need a new air conditioner?
Key signs it's time to replace rather than repair: your system is over 15 years old, uses R-22 refrigerant which was phased out in 2020, requires a repair that costs more than half the price of a new system, struggles to cool your home during peak Albuquerque heat, or short-cycles constantly. Our technicians give you an honest assessment — we're not in the business of selling equipment people don't need.
What size AC do I need for my Albuquerque home?
Proper sizing requires a professional load calculation that accounts for your home's square footage, insulation levels, window placement, ceiling height, sun exposure, and importantly — Albuquerque's 5,300-foot elevation. Air is less dense at altitude, which affects how much cooling capacity a system actually delivers. We perform a complete load calculation on every installation.
Should I replace my swamp cooler with central air?
Central air makes sense if you want consistent cooling through monsoon season when humidity spikes above 40%, if your home has multiple floors or rooms that evaporative cooling can't reach, or if you want a single system that works equally well in all conditions. Many Albuquerque homeowners run both systems and switch seasonally. We can help you evaluate what makes sense for your specific home.
What is the lifespan of a new AC system?
A properly maintained modern AC system typically lasts 15 to 20 years in Albuquerque. Annual maintenance — coil cleaning, refrigerant check, electrical inspection — significantly extends system life and maintains efficiency. Systems that run through Albuquerque's summers without maintenance often need replacement sooner.
Do new air conditioners use less energy?
Significantly less. Modern systems with high SEER ratings use substantially less electricity to produce the same cooling output as older systems. In Albuquerque where cooling systems run hard from May through September, upgrading from a 10-year-old system to a modern high-efficiency unit typically produces noticeable reductions in monthly energy bills.
Do you install AC in Rio Rancho and Santa Fe?
Yes. We serve Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, Corrales, Bernalillo, and surrounding communities throughout the greater metro area.
How long does AC installation take?
Most standard replacements are completed in a single day. Swamp cooler conversions or installations requiring significant ductwork modifications may take longer. We give you a realistic timeline before scheduling.
How do I schedule an estimate?
Call (505) 999-9567 or use the request service form on this page. We'll schedule an in-home assessment, evaluate your home's cooling needs, and provide a written estimate with no obligation.
En Number One Plumbing, AC, Solar & Electric, todo lo que hacemos está respaldado por nuestro compromiso inquebrantable con su satisfacción. Como empresa centrada en el cliente, priorizamos su experiencia por encima de todo. Su satisfacción es crucial para nosotros, y nos esforzamos por asegurarnos de que esté completamente satisfecho con nuestro trabajo, nuestra profesionalidad y nuestro servicio en general.
Si, por cualquier motivo, no está satisfecho, no dude en ponerse en contacto con nosotros. Estamos ansiosos por escuchar y entender sus inquietudes y nos comprometemos a resolverlas. Como empresa local profundamente arraigada, nuestro objetivo es mantener la confianza y el respeto de cada cliente y cada hogar al que prestamos servicio.
Háganos saber cómo podemos hacer las cosas bien. Su satisfacción es nuestra promesa y haremos lo que sea necesario para lograrlo.
Number One Plumbing, AC, Solar & Electric facilita el pago de nuevos modelos de los mejores y más eficientes hornos y aires acondicionados de la industria desde el punto de vista energético. Póngase en contacto con nosotros hoy mismo para obtener más información sobre nuestro programa de financiación.
