With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or more. 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 the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner could be more reasonable than you are aware, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get improved energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over time through lower cooling bills.

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

The Best Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could run longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We recommend getting ready for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year mark. Even if you install a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve skipped annual maintenance for many years. Much like a car, your cooling system requires routine air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this critical service can lead to lower efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner needs frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is usually the result of overlooking tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a catastrophic problem. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your residence isn’t comfortable. If your home feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are costly. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it gets older. As a consequence, it could need to work more often or longer to keep your residence at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and utility expenses reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a good chance it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made because of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extremely expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or economical. The wisest way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have yearly maintenance completed. But when repairs are only needed every so often or are inexpensive, 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 usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we advise fixing it.

General Estimate of Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, according to national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your precise cost {might|could|may] vary.

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

  • The air conditioner model you install, as more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is dated or inefficient.

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

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too little won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s too big could turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This behavior can increase your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out faster. This may also create temperature instabilities and make your residence feel less cool.

At Clean Air HVAC, our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The right size depends on how spacious your residence is, in addition to several other considerations. 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 influence air conditioner size are:

  • The weather in Pacheco.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, as big or picture windows might be lower efficiency.
  • If your residence 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 transforms electricity to create cooling. The bigger the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s important to realize:

  • Older air conditioners are rated 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 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 come with additional features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is often higher priced, it might be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Clean Air HVAC Now

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important as the model you select. Clean Air HVAC is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Pacheco. From helping you choose the right solution for your house to reviewing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at 925-233-6238 to get started today!