With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or longer. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be removed eventually.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Pacheco, we realize that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The bright side is that getting a new air conditioner could be more affordable than you realize, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over its life span through cheaper cooling bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be difficult. Here’s what we recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some might work longer, the majority of air conditioners last for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We suggest planning 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 avoided routine maintenance for many years. Just like a car, your cooling system requires annual air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this critical service can lead to diminished efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the result of skipping service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a big malfunction. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your home is uncomfortable. If your home feels too humid or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner could be having a hard time keeping up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are costly. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it becomes older. As a consequence, it may need to operate more often or longer to keep your home at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfy and cooling bills low.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made as a result of its damaging effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is because 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 wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or economical. The best way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have yearly maintenance completed. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

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 aspects that impact your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you select, as more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to install new ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is aging or separated.

We give free estimates at Clean Air HVAC so you can be confident you’re getting a good deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is critical. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s too big might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can drive up your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also create temperature instabilities 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 house. The right size depends on how large your house is, in addition to several other factors. 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 considerations 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 can be more inefficient.
  • If your home receives more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people live in your home.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures how proficiently it uses electricity to create cooling. The higher the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re installing a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to be aware:

  • Old air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • Updated 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 extra features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds customized for your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often higher priced, it may be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Clean Air HVAC Now

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as important as the model you go with. Clean Air HVAC is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Pacheco. From helping you select the ideal solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at 925-233-6238 to begin now!