AC OLD & LOUD? Call COLD CLOUD

Most homeowners know exactly how old their car is, but very few know the age of the HVAC system that keeps their family comfortable every day. Across Southern California thousands of air conditioning and heating systems that were installed 15, 20 and even 30 years ago are still operating. Some have become louder over time. Many consume significantly more energy than modern equipment. Yet they continue running year after year, quietly becoming part of the story of the homes they serve.

The OLD & LOUD Challenge was created to celebrate those systems and the homeowners who have kept them running for decades. At the same time, the challenge shines a light on a larger issue facing communities throughout California: aging HVAC equipment. As energy costs continue to rise and new technologies such as high-efficiency heat pumps become more common, many older systems are approaching the end of their useful lives. While these units may still be working today, they often operate less efficiently, require more repairs and can cost homeowners hundreds or even thousands of dollars in unnecessary energy expenses every year.

Rather than treating this as a problem, OLD & LOUD turns it into a community challenge. We invite homeowners to submit photos of their oldest working air conditioners, furnaces, heat pumps and HVAC systems for a chance to win cash award, exclusive merchandise, free inspections and other rewards. Participants have the opportunity to compare their system with others in the region, learn more about the age and condition of their equipment and discover ways to improve comfort and efficiency in their homes.

Beyond the competition itself, the challenge helps create awareness about the importance of HVAC modernization. Every submitted system tells a story about how homes were built, how technology has evolved and how energy efficiency standards have changed over time. Together, these submissions help paint a picture of the HVAC infrastructure that supports our communities. By encouraging homeowners to learn more about their systems, the project promotes informed decisions about maintenance, upgrades, rebates and future replacement planning.

OLD & LOUD is also designed to bring people together. Through social media, local events, community outreach and friendly competition, participants become part of a shared effort to find the oldest HVAC systems still operating in Southern California. Whether your unit is ten years old, twenty years old or older than some of the cars on the road, your story matters. Every entry helps make the challenge more interesting, more informative and more valuable for the entire community.

So take a look at your outdoor unit. If it rattles, hums, whistles, shakes or simply refuses to quit after decades of service, it may be exactly what we're looking for. Submit your system, share its story and see if your HVAC has what it takes to earn a place on the OLD & LOUD Leaderboard. Your old AC might just become the most famous HVAC system in Greater Los Angeles.