With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or longer. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be removed eventually.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Pacheco, we are aware that cost is number one on your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner might be more economical than you are aware, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over the years through cheaper utility bills.

Here’s what to expect when you’re installing a new air conditioner.

When to Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be difficult. Here’s what our pros recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some might work longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise prepping for air conditioning replacement close to the 10-year mark. Even if you replace it when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this swap could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
  • You’ve avoided annual maintenance for too long. Similar to a car, your cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this essential service can result in lower efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the consequence of not doing maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a major malfunction. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your residence feels unpleasant. If your house feels too sticky or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific spaces, your air conditioner could be struggling to keep up. This is a clue you should replace it.
  • Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it gets older. As a consequence, it might need to work more frequently or longer to keep your residence at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfy and utility bills down.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured because of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, solving that would be very expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or inexpensive. The wisest way to stop unexpected repairs is to have regular service completed. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Average 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 precise cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are a few details that impact your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you install, because more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is aging or inefficient.

We offer free estimates at Clean Air HVAC so you can be sure you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s undersized won’t be able to keep your house cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can drive up your utility costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also create temperature inconsistencies and make your residence feel less comfy.

At Clean Air HVAC, our professionals have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The size you need depends on how big your home is, along with a few other things. Some of the most common 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 climate in Pacheco.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, since large or picture windows might be lower efficiency.
  • If your house has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people are in your family.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how well it consumes electricity to create cooling. The bigger the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s essential to know:

  • Dated air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be at least 14 SEER due to U.S. Department of Energy regulations. 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 have additional features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at 100% continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds customized for your cooling requirements. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically higher priced, it may be eligible for extra rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.

Request a Free Quote for Your Air Conditioning Installation with Clean Air HVAC Right Away

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as essential as the model you select. Clean Air HVAC is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Pacheco. From helping you find the recommended solution for your house to discussing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our pros is a breeze. Contact us at 925-233-6238 to start right away!