With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced eventually.
When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Los Angeles, we are aware that the expense tops your list of questions. The good news is that buying a new air conditioner may be more economical than you think it is, due 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 lower electricity bills.
Here’s what to anticipate when you’re getting a new air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be difficult. Here’s what our pros advise.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some may work longer, most air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise prepping 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 tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling expenses.
- You’ve avoided regular maintenance for a long time. Similar to a car, you cooling system needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this critical service can cause reduced efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a decreased life span.
- Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the result of not doing service. But as your air conditioner ages, it’s more likely to experience a big breakdown. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
- Your house isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too muggy or you’re having hot and cold spots in specific areas, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a clue you need to replace it.
- Your energy bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. As a consequence, it could need to operate more often or longer to keep your home at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and cooling expenses low.
- Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its damaging effects on the environment. You can carry on with using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be very expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled amounts.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t common or reasonable. The best way to stop emergency repairs is to have routine maintenance completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often 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 typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we recommend fixing it.
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 precise cost might be lower or higher.
There are a few details that influence your total cost, like:
- The air conditioner model you install, because more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
- The size you need.
- If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is dated or separated.
We provide free estimates at AZ Air Conditioning and Heating so you can be sure you’re getting a fantastic 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 critical. A system that’s undersized will struggle to keep your residence cool. And one that’s too big could turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This behavior can increase your utility expenses and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This could also lead to temperature instabilities and make your home feel less comfy.
At AZ Air Conditioning and Heating, our professionals have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The ideal size depends on how big your house is, along with several other things. Some of the most typical 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 influence air conditioner size are:
- The weather in Los Angeles
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your house has and the style, because large or picture windows may be lower efficiency
- If your residence receives more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and thickness
- How many people are in your household
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how well it consumes electricity to create cooling. The higher the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s crucial to know:
- Dated air conditioners are classified around 8-9 SEER.
- Updated 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 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 include extra features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at 100% all the time, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically pricier, it may be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with AZ Air Conditioning and Heating Now
When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as critical as the model you choose. AZ Air Conditioning and Heating is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Los Angeles. From helping you select the recommended solution for your residence to discussing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our pros is a breeze. Reach us at 800-296-5088 to begin right away!