With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced down the road.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Los Angeles, we know that the price tops your list of questions. The bright side is that buying a new air conditioner may be more affordable than you think it is, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over its life span through cheaper utility bills.

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

The Best Time to Schedule Air Conditioner Replacement

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some might last longer, the majority of air conditioners work for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise prepping for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year age. Even if you get 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 expenses.
  • You’ve skipped routine maintenance for a long time. Similar to a car, your cooling system has to have annual air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this critical service can lead to decreased efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the outcome of skipping service But as your air conditioner gets older it’s more likely to suffer a major breakdown. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your house feels unpleasant. If your residence feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain spaces, your air conditioner could be having difficulty keeping up. This is a hint you need to replace it.
  • Your utility bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it ages. As a consequence, it may need to operate more repeatedly or longer to keep your residence at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfy and energy bills reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a decent chance 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 keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extremely expensive. This is due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or reasonable. The wisest way to stop unexpected repairs is to have regular service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that often covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we advise fixing it.

General Estimate of 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 exact cost {might|could|may] be different.

There are several aspects that influence your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you select, as more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
  • The size your space needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is dated or damaged.

We provide free estimates at AZ Air Conditioning and Heating so you can know you’re getting a great 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 crucial. A system that’s too little won’t be able to keep your home cool. And one that’s too large may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can increase your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out faster. This could also create temperature inconsistencies and make your residence feel less comfy.

At AZ Air Conditioning and Heating, our techs have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The ideal size depends on how big your home 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 factors that can influence air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Los Angeles.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, as large or picture windows may be lower efficiency.
  • If your home gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people live in your home.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings

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

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s important to be aware:

  • Older air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • New 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 mandates. 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 involve variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is typically more expensive, it may be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime might help it pay for itself.

Request a Free Quote for Your Air Conditioning Installation with AZ Air Conditioning and Heating Today

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as essential as the model you choose. AZ Air Conditioning and Heating is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Los Angeles. From helping you find the right solution for your house to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with our pros is a breeze. Reach us at 800-296-5088 to start right away!