With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or longer. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed at some point.
When you’re beginning to plan for air conditioning installation in Pacheco, we are aware that the expense is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that getting a new air conditioner might be more reasonable than you are aware, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over the years through cheaper electricity bills.
Here’s what to prepare for when you’re installing a new air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be hard. Here’s what our pros suggest.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could last longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend getting ready for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year age. Even if you replace it when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this change could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
- You’ve skipped annual maintenance for a long time. Similar to a car, you cooling system requires routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this important service can cause diminished efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
- Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the outcome of overlooking maintenance. But as your air conditioner ages, it’s more likely to experience a big problem. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
- Your home feels unpleasant. If your house feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain areas, your air conditioner could be having a hard time keeping up. This is a clue you should replace it.
- Your energy bills are costly. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it gets older. As a result, it could need to run more frequently or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and electrical expenses low.
- Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it uses Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced as a result of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be very expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t needed all the time or economical. The best way to stop unanticipated repairs is to have annual service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we suggest fixing it.
Air Conditioner Cost
Many homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, per national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your exact cost may vary.
There are a few aspects that influence your total cost, such as:
- The air conditioner model you select, because more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
- The size your home needs.
- If you need to install new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or damaged.
We give free estimates at Clean Air HVAC so you can know you’re getting a good deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too small won’t be able to keep your house cool. And one that’s too large may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can drive up your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out faster. This may also create temperature variability and make your residence feel less comfy.
At Clean Air HVAC, our techs have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The ideal size depends on how big your residence is, along with a couple other factors. Some of the most standard sizes include:
- 2 ton, which cools up to 1,000 square feet
- 3 ton, which cools up to 1,600 square feet
- 4 ton, which cools up to 1,900 square feet
- 5 ton, which cools more than 2,000 square feet
Other things that can affect air conditioner size are:
- The temperatures in Pacheco
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your home has and the style, since large or picture windows might be less efficient
- If your house receives more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and depth
- How many people are in your family
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how efficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The bigger the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to realize:
- Older air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
- Modern air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be no less than 14 SEER due to U.S. Department of Energy requirements. As of 2017, these SEER rating requirements have saved homeowners trillions of dollars.
- ENERGY STAR®-certified air conditioners begin at 14.5 SEER.
- Higher SEER-rated air conditioners include additional features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is often higher priced, it might be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Clean Air HVAC Right Away
When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical as the model you choose. Clean Air HVAC is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Pacheco. From helping you find the ideal solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Contact us at 925-233-6238 to begin now!