With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can work for 15 years or more. 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 Santa Clarita, we realize that cost is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that installing a new air conditioner might be more economical than you think it is, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through cheaper electricity bills.
Here’s what to prepare for when you’re replacing your air conditioner.
When You Should Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be hard. Here’s what our professionals suggest.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is older than 10 years old. While some could run longer, many air conditioners last for around 15 years with regular maintenance. We suggest planning for air conditioning replacement close to 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 tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling costs.
- You’ve skipped regular maintenance for many years. Much like a car, your cooling system has to have annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can result in lower efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a decreased life span.
- Your air conditioner requires frequent or pricey repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the result of overlooking tune-ups But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to suffer a big breakdown. When repairs are higher than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
- Your home feels unpleasant. If your house feels too sticky or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in specific rooms, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a hint you need to replace it.
- Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. As a consequence, it might need to run more repeatedly or longer to keep your residence at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your residence cool and utility bills down.
- Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was purchased before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it runs on Freon. Also called R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced because of its detrimental effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to experience a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is under 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s wisest to repair it.
- Repairs are infrequent or reasonable. The smartest way to stop unanticipated repairs is to have yearly work 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 include a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it provides valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we suggest fixing it.
Typical Air Conditioner Cost
Most 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] be lower or higher.
There are a couple of factors that impact your total cost, including:
- The air conditioner model you choose, as more energy-efficient ones are pricier.
- The size your home needs.
- If you need to install new ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is old or damaged.
We offer free estimates at Verona HVAC 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.
The Size of the AC System
Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s too large might turn on and off too often, or short cycle. This action can inflate your energy bill and wear your air conditioner out faster. This may also create temperature instabilities and make your house feel less comfy.
At Verona HVAC, our professionals have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your home. The right size depends on how big your home is, in addition to a couple 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 affect air conditioner size are:
- The temperatures in Santa Clarita.
- Ductwork quality and age.
- How many windows your home has and the style, since large or picture windows might be lower efficiency.
- If your house gets more sun or shade.
- Insulation quality and depth.
- How many people live in your home.
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how efficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The greater the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s important to be aware:
- 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 include additional features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of running at full speed all the time, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating is usually more expensive, it could be eligible for more rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.
Kickstart Your Air Conditioning Installation with Verona HVAC Right Away
When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as essential as the model you choose. Verona HVAC is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Santa Clarita. From helping you select the recommended solution for your house to going over financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our professionals is a breeze. Call us at 818-306-3387 to start today!