With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or longer. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced at some point.
When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Lake Forest, we are aware that the expense is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner may be more reasonable than you realize, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over its life span through cheaper utility bills.
Here’s what to anticipate when you’re replacing your 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 older than 10 years old. While some could last longer, the majority of air conditioners last for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We advise planning for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year point. Even if you install a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this swap could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
- You’ve neglected annual maintenance for many years. Much like a car, you cooling system needs regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this crucial service can result in reduced efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a reduced life span.
- Your air conditioner needs frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is frequently the consequence of skipping service. But as your air conditioner gets older, it’s more likely to experience a major malfunction. 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 specific areas, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a hint you need to replace it.
- Your utility bills are costly. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. Consequently, it could need to operate more often or longer to keep your home at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfy and utility bills low.
- Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it uses Freon. Also known as 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, repairing that would be extremely 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 best to repair it.
- Repairs are infrequent or inexpensive. The wisest way to prevent emergency repairs is to have yearly service completed. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length depends on your manufacturer, but it offers 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, based on national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your total cost may vary.
There are a few details that influence your total cost, such as:
- The air conditioner model you choose, since more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
- The size your space needs.
- If you need to replace your ductwork, which can happen if your ductwork is old or inefficient.
We give free estimates at 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. so you can be confident 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 essential. A system that’s too little will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s too big might turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can increase your energy costs and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also lead to temperature inconsistencies and make your residence feel less comfy.
At 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc., our technicians have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The right size depends on how big your residence is, in addition to several 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 climate in Lake Forest
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows you have and the style, as big or picture windows may be less efficient
- If your house has more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and depth
- How many people are in your family
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is impacted by 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 installing a new air conditioner, it’s essential to be aware:
- Old air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
- Modern 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 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 include extra features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full speed constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds based on your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient air conditioning. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is usually higher priced, it could be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over time could help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. Right Away
When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you select. 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. is one of the top names for air conditioning installation in Lake Forest. From helping you select the recommended solution for your residence to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with us is a breeze. Call us at 949-204-0859 to start now!