With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or longer. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be updated down the road.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Los Angeles, we know that cost tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that getting a new air conditioner might be more economical than you think it is, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over its life span through lower utility bills.

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

When You Should Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could work longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We suggest planning for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year age. Even if you install a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this change could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve skipped regular maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, your cooling system needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this essential service can result in lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the consequence of skipping service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a catastrophic breakdown. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your home feels unpleasant. If your home feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a hint you need to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are high. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it gets older. Consequently, it might need to operate more repeatedly or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your home cool and cooling expenses down.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it uses Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured because of its bad effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extremely expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or reasonable. The best way to avoid unexpected repairs is to have yearly maintenance completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we recommend fixing it.

Average Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of 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 total cost {might|could|may] be different.

There are a few factors that affect your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, because more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is old or inefficient.

We provide free estimates at AZ Air Conditioning and Heating so you can know you’re getting a fantastic deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s undersized won’t be able to keep your house cool. And one that’s oversized may turn on and off too frequently, or short cycle. This act can inflate your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also create temperature inconsistencies and make your house feel less cool.

At AZ Air Conditioning and Heating, our techs have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The size you need depends on how large your house is, along with a few other considerations. 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 factors that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Los Angeles.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your house has and the style, because big or picture windows can be lower efficiency.
  • If your house has more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and concentration.
  • How many people are in your family.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

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

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

  • Old air conditioners are ranked 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 extra features to help you save more. These features may involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full speed continuously, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds customized for your cooling preferences. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is often pricier, it could be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.

Schedule Your Air Conditioning Installation with AZ Air Conditioning and Heating Now

When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you choose. AZ Air Conditioning and Heating is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Los Angeles. From helping you find the right solution for your home to going over financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our professionals is a breeze. Contact us at 800-296-5088 to begin today!