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

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Lake Forest, we know that cost is at the top of your list of questions. The silver lining is that getting a new air conditioner may be more reasonable than you realize, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy improved energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over its life span through lower cooling bills.

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

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

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

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could last longer, the majority of air conditioners run for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We advise getting ready for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year point. Even if you get 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 expenses.
  • You’ve neglected annual maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, your cooling system requires regular air conditioning maintenance. Not doing this essential service can lead to lower 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 consequence of not doing tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a major breakdown. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s time to get a new one.
  • Your residence feels unpleasant. If your home feels too humid or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific areas, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a hint you need to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it becomes older. Consequently, it may need to run more often or longer to keep your house at your desired temp. Newer air conditioners have the top energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and utility bills down.
  • Your air conditioner has R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a good chance it has Freon. Also referred to as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being made because of its detrimental 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 due to the fact R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs are infrequent or reasonable. The smartest way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have yearly maintenance completed. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner has a valid warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is covered by warranty, we recommend fixing it.

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 precise cost {might|could|may] vary.

There are a few factors that influence your total cost, such as:

  • The air conditioner model you choose, since more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is old or inefficient.

We give free estimates at 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning so you can be sure you’re getting a good deal. And with our wide 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 house cool. And one that’s too large may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your cooling bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This might also lead to temperature instabilities and make your house feel less comfortable.

At 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, our technicians have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The right size depends on how spacious your residence is, plus a few other things. 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 influence air conditioner size are:

  • The climate in Lake Forest.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, as big or picture windows may be lower efficiency.
  • If your house gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • 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 consumes electricity to create cooling. The bigger the number, 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 a minimum of 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 have extra features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast constantly, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This creates quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is usually higher priced, it might be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its lifetime could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning Now

When you’re planning for air conditioning replacement, the company who hooks it up is just as critical as the model you choose. 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Lake Forest. From helping you choose the right solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, working with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 949-204-0859 to begin now!