With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or more. But even the best maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced down the road.
When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Mission Viejo, we are aware that cost tops your list of questions. The silver lining is that getting a new air conditioner might be more affordable than you are aware, because of rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will likely pay off over time through lower utility bills.
Here’s what to expect when you’re installing a new air conditioner.
When to Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner can be hard. Here’s what our professionals suggest.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some may work longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We suggest 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 avoided routine maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have regular air conditioning maintenance. Skipping this essential service can lead to lower 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 frequently the outcome of overlooking tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a catastrophic problem. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
- Your residence is uncomfortable. If your home feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner may be struggling to keep up. This is a sign it’s time to replace it.
- Your energy bills are expensive. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it becomes older. As a result, it could need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your residence at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your house cool and electrical bills down.
- Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a decent chance it runs on Freon. Also called 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 experience a refrigerant leak, solving that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled portions.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is no more than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t common or economical. The smartest way to avoid unanticipated repairs is to have annual service completed. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are inexpensive, repair your air conditioner.
- 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 depends on your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we suggest 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 total cost {might|could|may] vary.
There are a couple of factors that affect your total cost, such as:
- The air conditioner model you install, because more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
- The size you need.
- If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is aging or damaged.
We give free estimates at 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning so you can know you’re getting a great deal. And with our full range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that accommodates just about any budget.
The Size of the AC System
Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too little won’t be able to keep your house cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This act can drive up your utility expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This could also cause temperature instabilities and make your residence feel less comfortable.
At 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, our techs have many years of experience in properly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your residence. The size you need depends on how big your residence is, plus several 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 things that can affect air conditioner size are:
- The climate in Mission Viejo.
- Ductwork quality and age.
- How many windows your home has and the style, since big or picture windows might 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 efficiently it transforms electricity to create cooling. The higher the number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s essential to realize:
- 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 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 come with more features to help you save more. These features may entail variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds customized for your cooling preferences. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is typically pricier, it could be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over its life span might help it pay for itself.
Schedule Your Air Conditioning Installation with 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning Now
When you’re preparing for air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important as the model you select. 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the number one names for air conditioning installation in Mission Viejo. From helping you choose the recommended solution for your home to reviewing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our pros is a breeze. Call us at 949-204-0859 to begin now!